With Pirate Pride

Last night, I had the privilege of attending the kindergarten photo at the Senior Rock (one of Rocky River’s many meaningful traditions). If you’re not familiar, incoming kindergarten families gather at the Rock to mark the very beginning of their child’s journey through Rocky River Schools. It’s such a powerful way to celebrate a new chapter.

This year, one of the participants was Sam, my cousin’s son. One of the reasons my family was so excited to move to River was to be closer to my cousin’s family. We always imagined how great it would be to live just around the corner from one another, and now that’s exactly the case. Sam and our kids have really hit it off this summer, especially with our oldest daughter, Aizza.

Sam is at the very start of his Pirate adventure. For the next thirteen years, he’ll walk our hallways, grow in our classrooms, and form lifelong friendships. My hope for Sam, and for every one of our newest kindergarten students, is that they discover passions that inspire them and prepare them for whatever comes next once they leave our schools.

Speaking of next steps, Aizza leaves for the University of Cincinnati on Tuesday. While she didn’t attend Rocky River Schools, her experiences in our previous district opened doors and helped her find her passion. As both a dad and a school leader, that’s one of the things I’m most proud of: seeing how a caring, opportunity-filled school environment can shape a young person’s future.

As parents, isn’t that what we all want? A place where our kids are known, cared for, challenged, and inspired. A place where they can discover what lights them up. And if there’s one thing I’m learning, it’s that the time goes by quickly. My cousin and I are standing on opposite ends of the parenting spectrum right now. He’s just beginning the journey with Sam in kindergarten, while I’m helping Aizza pack for college. Yet the feelings are the same: excitement, possibility, and pride.

To all my fellow River parents, embrace the journey. Whether you’re dropping your child off at kindergarten or helping them move into a college dorm, savor every moment because it truly flies.

We’re excited to welcome everyone back to campus in the coming days. It’s going to be an incredible year in River. Go Pirates!

• Adham

Welcome to “With Pirate Pride”!

I’m excited to share the very first post on our new blog, With Pirate Pride. This will be a space for sharing information, stories, and highlights from across Rocky River City Schools. To kick things off, I’d like to tell you why August is one of my favorite months. Many people might not agree, but hear me out.

First, I love school. School is awesome. It’s where traditions are made, friendships begin, challenges are met, and accomplishments are celebrated. From Friday night football to robotics competitions and countless other activities, public schools bring communities together in a way that’s truly unique. And, of course, at the heart of it all is the learning and growth we witness in our students every single day. I can’t wait to experience the traditions here in Rocky River and discover all the qualities that make this community so special.

Second, our students are back. This goes hand in hand with my first point, but it deserves its own spotlight. Since early June, our schools have been relatively quiet. While some students have been here for athletics and our incredible custodial and maintenance teams have been hard at work preparing our buildings, the energy just isn’t the same. That all changes in August. In the coming days, about 80% of our high school students will return for fall activities—band camp, tryouts, scrimmages, and more. That buzz of excitement is contagious. It’s the renewal of hope for everything we will accomplish together in the months ahead.

Third, a new year means new opportunities. The start of school gives us a fresh chance to do meaningful work together. At Rocky River, our focus is, and always will be, student learning inside and outside of the classroom. That mission drives every decision we make. Along with welcoming back our students, families, and staff, we’re also excited to greet many new team members this year. Each brings a strong commitment to serving our district with the highest standards.

As we begin this school year, I am filled with optimism. I know it’s going to be a great year in Rocky River, and I look forward to seeing you around our schools and at our events in the weeks to come.

Welcome to August—and Go Pirates!

With Pirate Pride,

Adham Schirg

Rocky River City Schools

Superintendent