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Batavia City School District

Welcome Back!

Posted Date: 09/04/26 (09:16 AM)
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September 4, 2026

Dear Batavia Families and Community,

Last week, while at a local restaurant, a former colleague wished me a “Happy New Year.” I did a double take, as we usually hear those words on January 1. But she was right—it is indeed time to say “Happy New Year!”

Schools are truly special because every September gives us the opportunity to reset the calendar and begin anew. We welcome new teachers, new activities, new schools for some of our students, new staff, new goals, new routines, new teams, and so much more.

I encourage you and your families to take full advantage of this wonderful opportunity for a fresh start. Set some goals for the year ahead, and do so with full confidence that you have the support of the entire BCSD community to help make those goals a reality for your students.

This year is especially exciting in Batavia as we have successfully realigned our grades through the voter-approved BCSD Reimagined Capital Project:

  • Batavia Middle School is now what I consider a “true middle school,” serving students in grades 6–8.

  • John Kennedy Elementary School is appropriately remaining a true elementary setting for our fifth graders.

  • Robert Morris Elementary School will thrive as an early childhood center serving Pre-K through Kindergarten.

  • Jackson Primary School has enthusiastically welcomed our second-grade team through its doors!

While Batavia High School remains the same, we are proud of the capital improvements made on that campus. The hallmark improvement is our new multi-sport turf field. Be on the lookout for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on September 14!

Our entire faculty and staff returned to our schools on Tuesday, where we celebrated the opening of a new school year. We enjoyed remarks from Board President John Reigle; BHS Mayors Vivienne Bellavia and Gus Crawford; a performance of our alma mater, “Ever Batavia”; and the Star-Spangled Banner, sung by our talented choral students. We also introduced our new faculty and staff and celebrated several BCSD employees who have reached an incredible 25 years of dedicated service!

The nights are cooling, fall is in the air, and we look forward to greeting our students on Tuesday, September 8th, as we open the 2026–27 school year.

Welcome back, Happy New Year, and go Blue Devils!

Jason Smith
BCSD Superintendent of Schools