With Pirate Pride

Yesterday, I had the privilege and honor to welcome back our staff for the 2026-2027 school year. Our theme for this year is “You are the Anchor”. Below is the message I shared with them and would like to share with our community as well. Have a great year and Go Pirates!!

“Now I would like to introduce our theme for the 2026–2027 school year. 

You Are the Anchor.

After hearing about our Five Pirate Expectations, you may be asking one final question:

What does a person who lives these expectations become?

They become the anchor.

Every great ship has anchors.

Rocky River City Schools has hundreds of them.

Every person in this room has the opportunity to anchor a student’s experience.

Every day, you build relationships.

You create connections.

You provide encouragement.

You remind students that they belong.

Those moments become the anchors that connect our students to their schools and to one another.

But when we think about an anchor, it does so much more than simply connect a ship.

An anchor provides stability during uncertainty.

It keeps a ship from drifting.

It creates safety during storms.

And it allows others to explore with confidence because they know something is holding them steady.

That is what you do.

You provide stability.

You provide consistency.

You provide belonging.

You create environments where students feel safe enough to learn, grow, take risks, and discover who they are becoming.

You are the anchor.

When a student is anxious…

you are the anchor.

When a family needs reassurance…

you are the anchor.

When a colleague needs encouragement…

you are the anchor.

When a child needs one adult who believes in them…

you are the anchor.

That’s who you are.

We cannot control every storm our students or schools will face.

But we can decide who we will be when those storms arrive.

We will be the anchor.

Over the past year, I have seen hundreds of examples of people serving as anchors across Rocky River City Schools.

Today, I want to recognize just a few who represent the incredible work happening in every building across our district.

First, our Beach Preschool staff.

For many families, Beach is their very first experience with Rocky River City Schools.

Our Beach staff welcomes our youngest Pirates with warmth, patience, and care. They build trust, create belonging, and provide a foundation that lasts long after preschool.

They are the first anchor in a family’s journey through our district.

At Goldwood Primary School, Mr. Brian Salco is an anchor.

The environment he creates for students every day is engaging, caring, and full of joy.

His impact does not stop at Goldwood. Through his continued connection with our boys soccer program, he builds relationships that span years.

He provides consistency.

He provides connection.

He provides the steady presence that separates Rocky River from others.

At Kensington Intermediate, Scott Raiff is an anchor.

I have joked that Scott is the Pied Piper of education – and I still think he gives away far too many Jolly Ranchers.

But behind the candy is someone who shows up for students and families every single day.

He provides encouragement.

He provides support.

He provides steadiness.

That is the definition of an anchor.

At Rocky River Middle School, Kelly Baiera is an anchor.

This example is personal for me.

Last year, my youngest daughter, Miriam, entered Rocky River Middle School as a new student. 

Like many students navigating a transition, she experienced moments of uncertainty.

Kelly believed in her.

Kelly invested in her.

Kelly created opportunities for her to grow.

She became that steady presence every child hopes to find when they need someone in their corner.

For that,our family will always be grateful.

And finally, at Rocky River High School, Lisa Borgia is an anchor.

Lisa is an anchor not only for students, but for our staff as well.

She is a trusted colleague.

She is a thoughtful leader.

She is someone students and staff seek advice, guidance, and expertise from. 

She is seen as a leader by both her students and colleagues which is the ultimate testament to the type of educator, and more importantly, person she is. 

The people we recognized today are just five examples.

The truth is, there are hundreds more sitting in this room.

Every classroom.

Every office.

Every bus.

Every cafeteria.

Every playground.

Every practice field.

Every performance stage.

Every department.

Every day.

You are the anchor.

As we begin this school year together, I hope you recognize the incredible responsibility and privilege that comes with that role.

You are the person who provides stability.

You are the person who creates belonging.

You are the person who believes in growth.

You are the person who communicates with care.

And above all else…

You are the person who cares about kids.

Because that is where our expectations begin.

And that is where they end.

When we live our Five Pirate Expectations, we become the anchors our students deserve.

Thank you for choosing a profession where people change lives.

Thank you for being the anchor our students need.

Now let’s go write the next chapter of Rocky River City Schools – together.

Have a wonderful school year. And as always, Go Pirates!” 

– With Pirate Pride,

Adham