Dear Batavia Families and Community, 

As Thanksgiving approaches, I want to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude for every member of the Batavia City School District family—our students, families, staff, and community partners. Your dedication, collaboration, and care are the heart of what makes Batavia special.

This year, I am especially thankful for the progress we’re making together on several important district-wide initiatives:

• Strategic Plan for Student Success: Our commitment to ensuring “student success in every classroom, every day” is guiding our work. Through this plan, we are continuing to build a safe and orderly school environment, foster a collaborative culture, maintain a clear and accessible curriculum, and support effective teaching in every classroom.
   
• Capital Improvement (“BCSD Reimagined”): We are modernizing our schools and optimizing building configurations—all to promote equity, opportunity, and better learning environments for every student—and doing so in a way that respects our community’s financial stewardship. 
  
  Our age-appropriate playground at Robert Morris is now fully accessible, and what a joy it has been to see our students enjoying it and having fun! We can’t wait to invite our community to officially open it next spring.
  
  
• Professional Learning Communities (PLC): This year, as in years past, I am particularly proud of the work happening within our PLCs. Teachers across the district are collaborating regularly to analyze student learning, identify essential standards, design instruction, and implement critical interventions that meet the needs of every learner. Our PLC work is strengthening consistency across classrooms, deepening professional collaboration, and ensuring that no student’s progress is left to chance. The commitment our staff has shown to this shared, data-driven model is already making a meaningful difference in student achievement and school culture.

These initiatives, rooted in both our long-term vision and the very real needs of our community, give us momentum and hope as we look ahead.

To our amazing faculty and staff: thank you for your ongoing passion and professionalism. 

To our awesome students: your growth, resilience, and kindness inspire us. 

To our supportive families: we appreciate your partnership and trust.

And to our wonderful community partners: your support and shared commitment enrich our district in countless ways.

May this Thanksgiving bring you moments of rest, joy, and meaningful connection with loved ones. I am both personally and professionally grateful to serve such our caring, forward-looking community.

Wishing you all a warm and restful holiday with your family, friends, and loved ones.

With gratitude,

Jason Smith
Superintendent of Schools