Cuba-Rushford Central School District
Every Student Every Day
Twenty-five years later, the memories of September 11 still live in our hearts. Today, we honor those who were lost, those who answered the call to serve, and the strength our nation showed in the face of tragedy. As we share the importance of this day with our students, our staff reflects on where they were when the world changed forever. We invite you to watch these special videos and join us in remembering.
🇺🇸 Never Forget.
https://youtu.be/eCMQb4dxvXQ
https://youtu.be/JDTMqxLONj0
🇺🇸 Never Forget.
https://youtu.be/eCMQb4dxvXQ
https://youtu.be/JDTMqxLONj0
We are incredibly proud to share the following news from NYKids and the University at Albany School of Education recognizing Cuba-Rushford Elementary School as a “positive outlier” school for its exceptionally strong academic achievement and student attendance. This recognition is especially meaningful because it reflects what we see every day; The extraordinary commitment of our students, staff, families, and community to caring for one another and helping every child succeed. We are grateful to Dr. Aaron Leo and the NYKids research team for taking the time to highlighting our school and share the story of what makes Cuba-Rushford special. This recognition is a wonderful affirmation of our continued commitment to Every Student, Every Day, and our vision of being a Regional Model of Excellence.
With Rebel Pride,
Megan Retchless
Principal, Cuba-Rushford Elementary School
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
NYKids Research Highlights Cuba-Rushford Elementary School's Culture of Care, Collaboration, and Community
Rural school's commitment to strong relationships, shared responsibility, and student support offers lessons for schools across New York State
ALBANY, N.Y. – NYKids, a school improvement hub based in the University at Albany's School of Education, has released a new case study examining Cuba-Rushford Elementary School in Cuba, New York. The study explores how the school has achieved strong student outcomes through a culture centered on care, collaboration, and a shared commitment to meeting the needs of every child.
Identified by NYKids as a positive outlier school, Cuba-Rushford Elementary outperforms expectations on student achievement and attendance outcomes relative to demographic factors. The school's success is rooted in strong relationships among students, staff, families, and community members, as well as a shared belief that every child can succeed when supported by a caring and responsive school environment.
"Cuba-Rushford Elementary demonstrates how trusting relationships, collective responsibility, and intentional systems of support can reinforce one another to create exceptional outcomes for students,” the NYKids research team noted.
The study identifies three key strengths that characterize Cuba-Rushford Elementary School:
• Building a caring and supportive school culture grounded in strong relationships
• Fostering collaboration among educators to continuously improve teaching and learning
• Partnering with families and the broader community to support student success and well-being
The case study is part of NYKids' ongoing research examining positive outlier schools across New York State and identifying promising practices that support children's academic, social-emotional, and civic development.
The full case study is available at:
https://ny-kids.org/research/cuba-rushford-elementary-school-case-study/
About NYKids
NYKids is a school improvement hub housed in the University at Albany's School of Education dedicated to informing, inspiring, and improving education across New York State. At the core of NYKids' work is identifying promising practices in positive outlier schools that achieve strong outcomes despite facing significant challenges and providing direct school improvement support to take up promising practices through a unique improvement science-based process called COMPASS-AIM (for Compare-Assess-Set Goal-Select Levers to Improvement-Action Plan-Implement Plan-Monitor Progress).
For more information and support in using NYKids resources or the COMPASS-AIM process, visit https://ny-kids.org or contact the research team at nykids@albany.edu.
To read the full article please go to:
https://www.mycrcs.org/o/crcsd/page/elementary-school
With Rebel Pride,
Megan Retchless
Principal, Cuba-Rushford Elementary School
OFFICIAL PRESS RELEASE:
NYKids Research Highlights Cuba-Rushford Elementary School's Culture of Care, Collaboration, and Community
Rural school's commitment to strong relationships, shared responsibility, and student support offers lessons for schools across New York State
ALBANY, N.Y. – NYKids, a school improvement hub based in the University at Albany's School of Education, has released a new case study examining Cuba-Rushford Elementary School in Cuba, New York. The study explores how the school has achieved strong student outcomes through a culture centered on care, collaboration, and a shared commitment to meeting the needs of every child.
Identified by NYKids as a positive outlier school, Cuba-Rushford Elementary outperforms expectations on student achievement and attendance outcomes relative to demographic factors. The school's success is rooted in strong relationships among students, staff, families, and community members, as well as a shared belief that every child can succeed when supported by a caring and responsive school environment.
"Cuba-Rushford Elementary demonstrates how trusting relationships, collective responsibility, and intentional systems of support can reinforce one another to create exceptional outcomes for students,” the NYKids research team noted.
The study identifies three key strengths that characterize Cuba-Rushford Elementary School:
• Building a caring and supportive school culture grounded in strong relationships
• Fostering collaboration among educators to continuously improve teaching and learning
• Partnering with families and the broader community to support student success and well-being
The case study is part of NYKids' ongoing research examining positive outlier schools across New York State and identifying promising practices that support children's academic, social-emotional, and civic development.
The full case study is available at:
https://ny-kids.org/research/cuba-rushford-elementary-school-case-study/
About NYKids
NYKids is a school improvement hub housed in the University at Albany's School of Education dedicated to informing, inspiring, and improving education across New York State. At the core of NYKids' work is identifying promising practices in positive outlier schools that achieve strong outcomes despite facing significant challenges and providing direct school improvement support to take up promising practices through a unique improvement science-based process called COMPASS-AIM (for Compare-Assess-Set Goal-Select Levers to Improvement-Action Plan-Implement Plan-Monitor Progress).
For more information and support in using NYKids resources or the COMPASS-AIM process, visit https://ny-kids.org or contact the research team at nykids@albany.edu.
To read the full article please go to:
https://www.mycrcs.org/o/crcsd/page/elementary-school
As we kick off a new school year, our Cuba-Rushford staff came together for a day of learning, reflection, and connection. We explored the history of our district, gained insight into future NYS initiatives, and were inspired by the wisdom and encouragement of retired staff members.
One message resonated throughout the day: while change is inevitable, the relationships we build with students, families, colleagues, and our community remain at the heart of everything we do.
Thank you to Red's & Trudy's for a delicious lunch and to everyone who helped make the day a success. The year is off to a great start, and we can't wait to welcome our students back.
It was a great day to be a Rebel!
One message resonated throughout the day: while change is inevitable, the relationships we build with students, families, colleagues, and our community remain at the heart of everything we do.
Thank you to Red's & Trudy's for a delicious lunch and to everyone who helped make the day a success. The year is off to a great start, and we can't wait to welcome our students back.
It was a great day to be a Rebel!
Sept. Menu for the CRE
Sept Menus for MHS
CRCS Chicken BBQ
A Quick Clarification Regarding School Tax Payments
As residents begin receiving their school tax bills, we would like to share a few helpful clarifications regarding this year’s payment process.
• The payment lockbox is located in Boston, Massachusetts. We understand that an out-of-state mailing address may look unfamiliar. Please be assured that the Boston address listed on your tax bill is correct and is not a scam or an error.
• Checks should be made payable to the Cuba-Rushford Central School District.
• Online payment by credit card or ACH is completely optional. For several years, members of our community have asked for additional payment options, including the ability to pay school taxes by credit card. We are pleased to now be able to offer that convenience. As is common with online tax payment services, processing or convenience fees associated with these payment methods are paid by the taxpayer using the service. Taxpayers who prefer to avoid these fees may continue to pay by check or money order using the instructions provided with their tax bill.
• Why the change? The District made this change as part of an ongoing effort to streamline our banking operations by reducing the number of financial institutions we work with. This helps simplify the collection and reconciliation process while also allowing us to provide additional payment options requested by our community. As part of our responsibility to taxpayers, the District continually seeks services that provide the best combination of value, efficiency, security, and reliability. At times, the provider offering the most beneficial service may be located outside our immediate region, while still operating within the United States.
We recognize that any change to a familiar process can create questions, particularly when something looks different from previous years. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we transition to the new system.
Thank you for helping us ensure that school tax payments are processed as efficiently, securely, and accurately as possible.
As residents begin receiving their school tax bills, we would like to share a few helpful clarifications regarding this year’s payment process.
• The payment lockbox is located in Boston, Massachusetts. We understand that an out-of-state mailing address may look unfamiliar. Please be assured that the Boston address listed on your tax bill is correct and is not a scam or an error.
• Checks should be made payable to the Cuba-Rushford Central School District.
• Online payment by credit card or ACH is completely optional. For several years, members of our community have asked for additional payment options, including the ability to pay school taxes by credit card. We are pleased to now be able to offer that convenience. As is common with online tax payment services, processing or convenience fees associated with these payment methods are paid by the taxpayer using the service. Taxpayers who prefer to avoid these fees may continue to pay by check or money order using the instructions provided with their tax bill.
• Why the change? The District made this change as part of an ongoing effort to streamline our banking operations by reducing the number of financial institutions we work with. This helps simplify the collection and reconciliation process while also allowing us to provide additional payment options requested by our community. As part of our responsibility to taxpayers, the District continually seeks services that provide the best combination of value, efficiency, security, and reliability. At times, the provider offering the most beneficial service may be located outside our immediate region, while still operating within the United States.
We recognize that any change to a familiar process can create questions, particularly when something looks different from previous years. We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding as we transition to the new system.
Thank you for helping us ensure that school tax payments are processed as efficiently, securely, and accurately as possible.
UPDATE: Online Tax Payments
The issue with our online tax payment system has been resolved, and online payments are now working correctly. Thank you for your patience while we worked to get this corrected.
A few reminders for taxpayers:
• Online payment is completely optional. You may still pay by check through the mail using the lockbox address printed on your tax bill.
• If you choose to pay online, you will first need to look up your tax bill. When searching, you must enter the last name and the street address, including the house number, exactly as they appear on your tax bill.
• Once your bill is located, you can proceed with the online payment option.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while the online payment issue was being resolved.
The issue with our online tax payment system has been resolved, and online payments are now working correctly. Thank you for your patience while we worked to get this corrected.
A few reminders for taxpayers:
• Online payment is completely optional. You may still pay by check through the mail using the lockbox address printed on your tax bill.
• If you choose to pay online, you will first need to look up your tax bill. When searching, you must enter the last name and the street address, including the house number, exactly as they appear on your tax bill.
• Once your bill is located, you can proceed with the online payment option.
We appreciate everyone’s patience and understanding while the online payment issue was being resolved.
We can't wait to see all of our 6-8th grade families at the Back to School Bash at 6:00 tonight!
NOTICE REGARDING ONLINE TAX PAYMENTS
We are aware of an issue with the online tax payment system that is incorrectly calculating interest on some tax bills, resulting in significantly overstated amounts due.
Please do not submit an online payment if the amount shown is incorrect.
We are working with the system provider to correct the issue as quickly as possible and will provide an update once it has been resolved.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we work to get this corrected.
We are aware of an issue with the online tax payment system that is incorrectly calculating interest on some tax bills, resulting in significantly overstated amounts due.
Please do not submit an online payment if the amount shown is incorrect.
We are working with the system provider to correct the issue as quickly as possible and will provide an update once it has been resolved.
We apologize for the inconvenience and appreciate your patience while we work to get this corrected.
🍎 Welcome to Cuba-Rushford Central School! 🍎
A big shoutout to our New Hire Orientation team and all of our newest staff members! We are excited to learn about, support, and grow alongside the newest members of the Cuba-Rushford Central School family.
The day was filled with meaningful connections as new staff met their mentors, got to know one another, and learned more about our district's mission, values, and commitment to student success. It was inspiring to see so much enthusiasm, collaboration, and dedication in one room.
As educator William Arthur Ward once said, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." We look forward to the inspiration, passion, and expertise our newest staff members will bring to our students and community.
We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to the Cuba-Rushford family and look forward to an amazing year ahead. Welcome to CRCS! 💙💛
A big shoutout to our New Hire Orientation team and all of our newest staff members! We are excited to learn about, support, and grow alongside the newest members of the Cuba-Rushford Central School family.
The day was filled with meaningful connections as new staff met their mentors, got to know one another, and learned more about our district's mission, values, and commitment to student success. It was inspiring to see so much enthusiasm, collaboration, and dedication in one room.
As educator William Arthur Ward once said, "The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires." We look forward to the inspiration, passion, and expertise our newest staff members will bring to our students and community.
We are thrilled to welcome these talented individuals to the Cuba-Rushford family and look forward to an amazing year ahead. Welcome to CRCS! 💙💛
🎨🚗 Senior Parking Spot Painting Day was a huge success! 🚗🎨
Shoutout to the Class of 2027 for bringing so much creativity and school spirit to campus! From colorful designs to personalized masterpieces, the parking lot is looking better than ever. 🌟
There was no shortage of fun, teamwork, and pizza 🍕, and it was great to see so many parents helping their seniors create memories that will last a lifetime. ❤️
Here's to an amazing senior year, Class of 2027! 🎓🙌
Shoutout to the Class of 2027 for bringing so much creativity and school spirit to campus! From colorful designs to personalized masterpieces, the parking lot is looking better than ever. 🌟
There was no shortage of fun, teamwork, and pizza 🍕, and it was great to see so many parents helping their seniors create memories that will last a lifetime. ❤️
Here's to an amazing senior year, Class of 2027! 🎓🙌
This will become active on September 1, 2026.
Congratulations to Kalvyn Heard, who was just informed that he was accepted into NYSSMA Conference All-State Mixed Choir as a Bass 2!
Approximately 6000 students from across NYS audition for this honor, and about 800 are selected and seated into 9 different ensembles. He received a perfect score on his NYSSMA audition in May to be considered for this honor!
Kalvyn will go to Rochester in December to work with world-renowned conductors and musicians. He will rehearse alongside 200 other student vocalists over 4 days and perform at Eastman Theatre. This is the highest honor that a NYS musician school music student can attain!
Approximately 6000 students from across NYS audition for this honor, and about 800 are selected and seated into 9 different ensembles. He received a perfect score on his NYSSMA audition in May to be considered for this honor!
Kalvyn will go to Rochester in December to work with world-renowned conductors and musicians. He will rehearse alongside 200 other student vocalists over 4 days and perform at Eastman Theatre. This is the highest honor that a NYS musician school music student can attain!
Attention CRE Parents!
Pre-K Night 2026
CRCS SENIOR TRIP GUIDELINES
Attention CRE Students in Grades 3 - 5. Here are your supply lists.
Attention CRE Students in Grades Pre-K - 2nd Grade. Here are your supply lists.
Building Our Future Together: Capital Project Update
Progress continues on our capital project!
The Rainbow Hallway, which consisted of several enclosed trailers, has been demolished to make room for the new learning environment and a new pick-up/drop-off loop.
This is another exciting step forward as we invest in facilities that will better serve our students, staff, and community for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses!
Progress continues on our capital project!
The Rainbow Hallway, which consisted of several enclosed trailers, has been demolished to make room for the new learning environment and a new pick-up/drop-off loop.
This is another exciting step forward as we invest in facilities that will better serve our students, staff, and community for years to come. Stay tuned for more updates as the project progresses!
