Dear Batavia Families and Community,
Last week, in one of my visits to Jackson Primary, I came upon this awesome scene of our students being greeted warmly by the “i-Ready” mascot. i-Ready is a diagnostic tool used across the District to assess students’ reading skills. This is a wonderful example of the importance of creating warm and safe learning environments for all students, regardless of age. It was a great way to celebrate this important testing benchmark. Notice the balloons and ribbon by the door as well. Way to go Jackson Primary!
Our John Kennedy students also celebrated their i-Ready results with an orange “crush” party, because as a school, they “crushed” the assessments and made some significant reading gains. Way to go John Kennedy!
Last Saturday at the Genesee Valley School Boards Association legislative breakfast, our BHS Drama & Production Club was deservedly honored with an Excellence in Student Services Award. Congratulations to our advisor Mrs. Wood and her talented group of students. This picture also speaks about the importance of providing students with valuable opportunities beyond the traditional classroom setting, whether it be on the field or court, stage, or any other venue.
The above photo is our talented BMS Chorus performing at their winter concert at BHS last week. What makes this an even more special performance is that just hours before this concert, beloved substitute teacher Jim Owen peacefully passed away, and we immediately dedicated the concert to him. When we think of Jim, we think of a teacher who truly connected with and cared about his students, and I have challenged all of us to be “more like Jim.”
So what is the common thread that connects these photos? In the simplest form, it is what drives our collective work at BCSD: strong academics, opportunities for students, and caring staff members. Certainly, our formal Strategic Plan captures these ideas, but what better way to capture the work of our District than with these photographs?
Here is an assortment of other news and notes:
Congratulations to Alex Veltz on his appointment as our new Varsity Football Coach. Alex is thrilled with this opportunity to continue with the Blue Devil football tradition.
Reminder there is NO SCHOOL on Monday, January 30, for a Superintendent’s Conference Day.
Reminder for our families of seniors: Don’t forget to check out the College and Career Center scholarship opportunities.
Save the date for our BHS Drama Club’s production of Les Misérables, in my opinion, one of the greatest musicals of all time—every song is memorable in this show. The dates are Friday, March 3-Sunday, March 6. Ticket information will be posted soon. This year, we are proud that our students will be participating in the Broadway Stars of Tomorrow program—yet another opportunity to feature our talented students.
Finally, I sincerely thank you for the comments I have seen and received regarding my contract being extended here at Batavia. I look forward to continued service to our students, family, staff and community.
Have a great weekend.
Jason A. Smith
Superintendent of Schools
343-2480, ext 1000
Twitter: @JasonJasmith