Rome High School Welcomes Students for 2022-2023 School Year
ROME, GA— Long before the morning rush, Rome City Schools families were ramping up their routines and preparing for a new year of learning. Across the system, administrators and educators created an atmosphere of excitement and fanfare on their campuses as the Pack returned to campus for classes.
Rome High Schools’ faculty and staff even rolled out the red carpet for their guests of honor, and invited the RHS cheerleaders, drumline, and Willie the Wolf to join RCS Board members and Central Office administrators for a hardy hello and welcome back. The first bell has rung at Rome High School which officially marks the beginning of the 2022-2023 school year.
Walking through the front doors of the school as a freshman, sophomore, junior or senior at Rome High School on July 29, 2022, meant you were given the rockstar treatment. Educators clapped and cheered as young Wolves entered the front doors of the school. From a quick stop for a selfie, to shy smiles as they arrived at school, RHS students found ways to get pumped. All were ecstatic to be a part of a school where everyone shows their support.
“I am very excited about the opportunities we provide for our students, our stakeholders and our community,” said John Fricks, associate principal at Rome High School. “It was great seeing everyone come out to participate in our Red-Carpet Rollout event and for our Back-to-School Extravaganza. We have all worked to create a wonderful first-day vibe, and it is a sincere pleasure to provide a day like this for our students as we welcome them back to Rome High School.”
Fricks said that he and the rest of the Rome High School educators have adopted the theme offered by Interim Superintendent, Dr. Dawn Williams which is, “Like a Wolf.” He said that words like sacrifice and family come to his mind, along with a drive to be part of something larger than the individual. He went on to say that he feels a sense of belonging at Rome High School. When thinking of what it means to be “Like a Wolf” Fricks said the system not only supports the students, but also the educators.
“I want our students to believe they can do anything and that they can succeed,” said Dr. Williams. “It is our mission to prepare them for college or for work and we do everything we can to help them reach the next level. To start the year, we are doing all things like a Wolf. I believe in being like a Wolf because that is who we are. We believe it, we trust it, we have faith in it, and we stick together. That is the Pack mentality.”
Dr. Williams went on to say that over the years, she remembers a system that has come a long way, and she feels fortunate to be a part of a school system that wholly cares about student success. “I have really enjoyed watching us evolve and seeing positive changes,” she said. “We have brought some of our school families together, even before I came to Rome. Like the joining of East and West Rome High Schools, which has been great for our system. Also, the merging of Main and of Anna K. Davie were both decisions I think have benefited our school system. And we have endured the process. The Pack has remained strong. Now, I think Rome High is a pillar of our community. Our children can flourish when they get to the high school because they have more opportunities now.”
With a new year in front of them, the RCS family can look back and see how far the system has come, especially with the 30th anniversary of Rome High School opening their doors just around the corner. On Aug. 27, 1992, two high schools became one. A city school system separated by sides of town joined together in their hunt for success in academics, athletics, and the arts. If one Wolf calls for help, the Pack bands together to overcome challenges and as a collective, they thrive.
“I appreciate our students and I appreciate our educators,” Dr. Williams said as she watched seniors help freshmen find their way in the halls of Rome High School. “I am proud of everything they have done and everything they are going to do. I want them to stand strong, take care of themselves and take care of each other.”
Welcome back, RHS. Play hard, study harder and always live #likeawolf.
Go Wolves.
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