Community Update August 10, 2022
NCS Families:
I hope this communication finds you well. It seems like just yesterday we were recognizing our class of 2022 at graduation, and yet we are now only a few weeks away from the start of the 22-23 school year. I hope that each of you and your families have been able to spend some time this summer engaging in activities that you enjoy the most; continue to do so over the remaining days of August.
For the first time in three years, we anticipate a school re-opening that should feel “more typical” this year given we are no longer managing a myriad of Covid requirements. As was the case beginning in March, masking remains optional for our students and staff and of course all CDC/Health Department requirements still exist regarding quarantine in the event of positive cases; our students, staff, and families did a tremendous job managing this during the latter part of the 21-22 school year and I have no doubt this will be the same going forward. Given this reduced emphasis on Covid, focus will return fully to our school mission which states:
The Naples Central School District challenges and supports all students to develop their diverse talents and abilities in a safe environment with rigorous opportunities. Students will graduate with the skills and confidence needed to excel in their chosen pursuits.
To achieve this mission, NCS will be focusing on the following priorities during the 22-23 school year:
Priority Area #1: Foundational Academic Skills
Maximize the impact of our initial instruction across UPK-12 through a steadfast focus on factors that have the greatest impact on student learning. Identify ways to further align instruction across all tiers.
Priority #2: Foundational Social Emotional Skills & Supports
Provide all NCS students with the individualized support they require to develop the skills and confidence necessary to engage productively in school settings.
Priority #3: Opportunities for All NCS Students
Reduce the negative educational effects of concentrated poverty by identifying areas of disproportionality and increasing equity and access for impacted students.
Priority #4: Physical Learning Environment
Create and maintain safe and appropriate learning, arts, and athletic spaces that meet student needs and reflect a commitment to long-term planning and improvement.
Our staff has been working hard to prepare for the 22-23 school year, and many have participated in a variety of summer programs which support students across the UPK-12 spectrum. My sincerest thanks are extended to our teachers, aides, clerical staff, Transportation Department, Food Service employees, and our administrative team for their role in making these programs and summer initiatives a success. I also want to acknowledge to tremendous work our cleaning/maintenance staff has done this summer preparing our buildings for the upcoming school year; this work has been done with great pride and it is essential for a smooth start.
I am pleased to share that we have had a successful summer in terms of hiring staff. As of today, all instructional positions have been filled and we begin the year in a better place across departments, including bus drivers which is a welcome circumstance given recent challenges. While a few openings remain across the district, our situation is encouraging given the immense challenges so many schools
and businesses are facing regarding hiring.
For your planning purposes, the first day of school is Tuesday, September 6th. I encourage our families and students to visit the NCS website regularly where you can access the district calendar along with other relevant information as necessary. As our students return to the classroom and extra-curricular events, do not hesitate to reach out to our staff, administrators, or myself with any questions you may have as it is our pleasure collaborate to ensure a successful year of learning and growth.
In closing, I want to express my sincere thanks for the support that each of you, along with our Board of Education and entire NCS community, provide as it ensures high quality programming and experiences for all NCS students. Enjoy the remainder of your summer, and we look forward to reconnecting with you and your children on September 6th.
Sincerely,
Kevin Swartz
NCS Superintendent
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