Dear Batavia Families and Community,
Earlier this week, I sent an email to our Batavia families regarding the recent tragedies and provided resources for support. In case you missed that email or would like to see it again, you can find it here.
As I write this update, we are preparing to observe and celebrate Memorial Day—a day in which we pause and reflect on those who gave their lives for our country. While the weekend is often replete with big movie releases, hot dogs, and parades, please take some time to reflect. The tradition we have in my household is to watch the National Memorial Day Concert on PBS, which is both a moving and patriotic tribute to Memorial Day—I encourage you to find time to watch it. Another recommendation is to seek out a movie called Taking Chance, a heartfelt tribute to how we honor our fallen heroes—it is incredibly moving.
Although my grandfather did not die while serving our country, which is what Memorial Day honors, I remember listening with wonder and awe as he so humbly shared his stories about serving on the destroyer the U.S.S. Case in the Pacific Ocean when the U.S. was at Iwo Jima in World War II. Upon his passing, I was presented with his flag at his funeral, which is proudly on display in my home, along with a picture of his ship and crewmates.
Finally, don’t forget to check out the local Memorial Day Parade (where our marching band will be featured) and spend time at the Jerome Center for the annual Memorial Tribute sponsored by the Genesee County Veterans Association.
I again offer my heartfelt thanks and appreciation to our Batavia community for your support of our 2022-23 budget. Our Batavia faculty, staff, and administration are honored by your support, and we look forward to delivering on the trust and faith you placed in us with this positive vote. Congratulations to Korinne Anderson, John Marucci, and Chezeray Rolle on their election to our Board of Education.
The spring continues to be a busy time around here. Congratulations to our Batavia Boys Track & Field Team on their Monroe County League Track & Field Championship, and our baseball and softball teams are in the midst of some exciting sectional play. Concert season is in full swing, including concerts this last week and this past Wednesday featuring our instrumental and vocal groups. Bravo, congrats, and good luck to all!
Congratulations to all of our Mr. Batavia contestants and coaches on a rousing, fun, and awesome show this past Friday. Thanks to our judges and our advisor Mrs. Robinson for their contributions as well. It was wonderful to see our school come together to benefit local charities. Bravo to all!
Although the year is coming to an end, I would like to remind all families of the importance of your child’s regular and consistent attendance at school. In addition to important content and skills to be taught and reviewed, it is important that we continue to instill solid habits in our students that will follow them throughout their lives. Thank you for your cooperation, as attendance does matter.
Many end-of-year events are coming up in June, including awards ceremonies, graduations, dances, prom, etc. As a parent myself, I understand how challenging it can be to keep up with these events. Please make sure you check our social media feeds, website, and emails regularly to make sure you’re up to date on our event calendars, and if there is something we can consider implementing that would improve our communication systems, don’t be afraid to let us know!
As the weeks continue here, I am constantly reminded of the strong community-school connections that exist. Last week, under our Community Schools umbrella, the Business Education Alliance (BEA) partnered with volunteers from Tompkins Bank to teach our 3rd-grade students about entrepreneurship. I had the opportunity to visit these classes and meet some amazing future entrepreneurs right here in Batavia. Thank you to Julia Rogers of Batavia Community Schools and Karyn Winters of the BEA for their efforts and commitment.
Finally, in the coming summer months, we will be unveiling new logos for the district and each school. You may have noticed several different logos (at one point, we had counted 17) throughout the district and on social media. In our continual efforts to unify BCSD and our community, we have selected official logos for the district and each school. Be on the lookout for our new and unified logos as we move into the 22-23 school year!
Have a great weekend, and join me in remembering the sacrifice others made in service to our country.
Jason A. Smith
Superintendent Schools
343-3480, ext 1000
Twitter: @JasonJasmith