Skip to main content

Parents & Families

Parents & Families

Whether your child is starting kindergarten, heading into senior year, or anywhere in between, we're excited to welcome your family to the 2026-27 school year. This page brings together the information and resources you'll need to start the year with confidence, all in one convenient place.

A group of people walk outside near a brick wall, with a person in the foreground wearing a black shirt that says 'JUST DO IT'.

A Great Year Starts Here!

We are thrilled to welcome you to the 2026-2027 school year! Our hallways are ready, our classrooms are set, and our dedicated team has been working tirelessly all summer to ensure a smooth, safe, and inspiring return for everyone. Let’s make this the best year yet!

 

ParentSquare is now the official platform for school-to-home communications in Rochester School for the Deaf. RSD’s administrators, teachers, and coaches use ParentSquare to communicate directly with families on a daily basis and in case of emergency.

We strongly encourage you to download the ParentSquare app and register your account today. The free mobile app allows you to customize notification preferences to fit your needs and schedule, set your preferred language for automatic two-way translation, and so much more.

 

Download the ParentSquare App

A black button with the Apple logo and text 'Download on the App Store'.  Google Play Store button with the text 'GET IT ON Google Play'.

Calendars

Printable PDFs

Bell Schedules

Start and end time of each period

Lunch Menus

Lunch Menus

Supply Lists

Shopping list of school supplies

Google Classroom

Infinite Campus

Handbooks & Community Expectations

Handbooks

Our Student & Family Handbooks are a helpful guide to everyday life at RSD. Find information about school routines, programs and services, policies, expectations, and other important details to help students and families navigate the school year.

K-12 Student and Family Handbook

ECC Parent Handbook

Student/Residential Life Handbook

Student-Athlete Handbook

Code of Conduct

Students, families, faculty, staff, and school leaders all play an important role in creating a safe, respectful, and supportive RSD community. Our Code of Conduct outlines the rights, responsibilities, and shared expectations that help us work together and support student success.

ASL

English

See Something, Say Something

A historic brick building stands alongside lush green grounds and blossoming spring trees.

Report Harassment, Discrimination or Bullying

RSD is committed to a safe and respectful environment for all students and staff. In accordance with the Jack Reid Law, RSD prohibits harassment, discrimination, bullying, cyberbullying, and retaliation. Concerns can be reported at any time, and all reports are taken seriously and investigated.

Report an Incident

 

Other Questions or Concerns?

Have a question, concern, or something you’d like us to know? We encourage families to reach out. Sharing questions and concerns early helps us work together, find answers, and support a positive experience for your student and family.

Submit Question or Concern

 

Lilacs and gazebo

MySchoolBucks

Paying for Food, Trips and Other Fees

Rochester School for the Deaf (RSD) is pleased to partner with MySchoolBucks® (MSB), a secure online payment service that makes managing your student's school expenses quick and easy.

While RSD covers the cost of standard reimbursable lunches for students, families are responsible for funding à la carte purchases (such as milk, extra treats, and snack bar items) as well as selecting non-meal fees like field trips, class activities, and dorm events.

Why Use MySchoolBucks® (MSB)?

  • Convenience 24/7: Add funds anytime via the web or the mobile app (iOS & Android).
  • Account Transparency: View recent purchases and track your student’s 90-day meal history for free.
  • Smart Controls: Set up automatic recurring payments and low-balance email/mobile alerts.
  • Flexible Payments: Pay securely using Visa, MasterCard, Discover, debit cards, or electronic checks (e-checks).
  • Bank-Grade Security: MSB adheres to strict PCI and CISP cybersecurity standards to protect your data.

Payment Options & Flexibility

Families have multiple ways to pay for student items:

  1. Online via MySchoolBucks®: Deposit funds directly into your student's account for à la carte items in the cafeteria, the Wildcat Zone snack bar, field trips, yearbooks, and other activities.
  2. In-Person with Cash: Students may bring cash directly to the cafeteria register to purchase individual à la carte items.
  3. By Check or Cash via the Business Office: If you prefer to avoid online transaction fees, you can always submit payment directly to the RSD Business Office by check or cash.

Note Regarding Transaction Fees: A convenience fee of $3.50 is applied per online transaction by the service provider. RSD does not profit from or receive any portion of this fee. You will always have the opportunity to review total fees before confirming your payment.

How to Enroll in MySchoolBucks®
Setting up your account takes only a few minutes:

  1. Visit MySchoolBucks.com (or download the mobile app) and register for a free account.
  2. Check your email for an activation link to complete your registration.
  3. Add your student(s) by selecting Rochester School for the Deaf and entering their name and date of birth.
  4. Add funds using your preferred credit/debit card or electronic check.

Questions or Support?
If you have questions about setting up your account, account balances, or alternative payment options, please contact:
Sally Atkins

ASL Classes for Families

A mom sits with a young child who is feeding a baby doll in a brightly colored classroom.

ASL classes are a great way to learn, practice, and build confidence using ASL. RSD offers classes for family members at all skill levels, from brand-new beginners to more experienced signers. All are welcome and encouraged to join!

ASL Classes for Families

Lunch Services & Wellness

What’s for lunch? Find current school menus, information about RSD’s lunch program, à la carte purchases and online payments, along with information guiding student nutrition and wellness. RSD is committed to providing healthy meal choices and creating a school environment that supports healthy habits, physical activity, and student well-being.

Lunch Services

Three children smile and pose with their arms around each other at a school lunch table.

Financial Assistance

Children and adults enjoy blowing bubbles in a sunny park.

Events
RSD sponsors events on and off campus throughout the year and welcomes and encourages the attendance of our students and families.  Thanks to generous donors and event underwriters, we are often able to provide tickets for events for families who need assistance.  Please use this form to make a request.
 
Other Needs
If your child has an urgent need that you are not able to meet and is important to their RSD experience, we may be able to help thanks to generous donors to the Perkins Fund.  Please have your child communicate with a trusted adult or contact a school leader or email info@rsdeaf.org.

Parent-Staff Association

Connect, get involved, and be part of the RSD community! The Parent-Staff Association (PSA) brings families and staff together through school activities, family events, shared resources, and opportunities to support RSD students. All RSD families are welcome and encouraged to participate.

Parent-Staff Association

Two people embrace warmly in an outdoor setting while others look on.

  • A smiling child in a blue cap and shirt plays inside a colorful inflatable obstacle course.
  • A family of three smiles together outdoors on a sunny day, standing near a park.
  • A teacher uses sign language while sitting with young students working on a craft project in a classroom.
  • A volunteer scans a book at a checkout table during an outdoor book fair, while children and an adult look on.
  • A group of children and teenagers play volleyball on a sunny lawn in front of a large brick building.
  • A smiling child in a red shirt and black overalls holds a half-eaten sandwich at a table.

Privacy & Notices

Student Privacy & Information Technology

Required Notices