Staff across Rochester Community Schools will carry wearable panic buttons when students return for the first day of school on Monday, Aug. 24.

The district is deploying the Centegix CrisisAlert platform across all RCS buildings for the 2026-27 school year, giving each adult employee a badge-style device on a breakaway lanyard. One press alerts support teams and transmits the staffer's precise room and floor-level location, according to district communications. The system works without Wi-Fi or cell service.

RCS administrator Neil DeLuca said in earlier district communications about the system that every adult team member has been issued a crisis alert badge and that "once activated, support teams will know exactly where the incident is taking place and can provide an immediate response for help."

The platform supports two alert types: a localized "I need help" notification for situations like a medical emergency or playground accident, and a campus-wide lockdown alert that simultaneously reaches central office administrators, 911 dispatchers and first responders.

Superintendent Nicholas Russo discussed the district's use of Michigan Section 31aa school safety funds to pay for the system in a Centegix webinar. That state appropriation totals $321 million statewide. RCS administrator Steve Schettenhelm said in district communications that the platform "does not replace other safety measures" but adds to a multi-layered approach that includes emergency radios, cameras and CPR training.

Special education expansion

RCS opened a new high school classroom for students with severe and multiple impairments last year and continues expanding autism programming at the elementary level for 2026-27. The district was still hiring an elementary autism program teacher as of Tuesday, Aug. 11, posting position No. 2773 on its website.

AI tools approved for teachers

A team of 26 RCS educators spent the past year developing generative AI guidelines. The approved tools for teachers include Gemini, NotebookLM, Canva Code and SchoolAI. Students are not permitted to use AI to generate content. Instead, AI analyzes student-submitted work and suggests refinements.

Assistant superintendent of secondary and adult education Pasquale Cusumano, who led the effort, said the district is using AI to deepen learning and center student work.

What families need to know

Teachers report Tuesday, Aug. 18. Students start with a half day on Monday, Aug. 24, and the last day of school is Wednesday, June 9, 2027. The in-district alternate school request for 2026-27 is closed; families needing enrollment information can visit the district's enrollment page.