Superintendent Focus

 August 2018

Dear Parents, Guardians and Community Members,

It is with great anticipation and enthusiasm that I welcome you to the 2018/2019 school year.  Our entire school community is excited about our return from summer break and anxious to challenge all students in this new school year.  Our goal is to personalize your child’s educational experience and provide state-of-the-art learning opportunities for all.

As we begin the 2018/2019 school year, I would like to detail some new programs and initiatives in place throughout the district:

• Completion of a (PreK-12) google platform for all students/staff and parents to provide a consistent and user-friendly system for communication and sharing information.

• Additional Project Lead the Way coursework at both the intermediate and high school for increased engineering opportunities in computer technology.

• Additional classes offered in Project Lead the Way at NBHS to meet the demand of student enrollment in engineering curriculum.

• Implementation of a comprehensive reading and writing program in grades K-8 in conjunction with Columbia Teachers College.

• Completing the first year of full-day Pre-K and adhering to the NAEYC (National Association for the Education of Young Children) accreditations

  process.

• Expansion of the Wellness Council to educate parents and staff on the challenges of social media and substance abuse.  The North Branford local prevention council will continue to offer workshops for parents, community members, staff and students.

We have also been busy reviewing and monitoring our Strategic Plan to make sure that our efforts and energy are focused on our mission.    The following facility/equipment improvements have been completed during the summer months:

•   Jerome Harrison entry way was re-paved and improved for easier and safer access.

•   Walkway design completed for Family Resource Center Building located at Jerome Harrison Elementary School.

•   North Branford High School – asbestos abatement continued throughout the building.

•   Improved security computer program in all schools to provide easy and quick access for visitor registration.

•  Chromebook computers will be assigned for all grade 8-12 students.

•  New boilers installed at NBHS to provide more efficient heating during the winter season.

I am excited to report that the Board of Education has begun the process of presenting a detailed analysis for a renovate as new building project at North Branford High School.  The focus of this analysis is to establish a blueprint for providing  21st    century teaching  and learning  spaces,  while  addressing   many structural and mechanical upgrades.  School security will be a major focus as part of this process.

I sincerely thank all staff members for their assistance in collaborating, initiating programs and completing building improvements.  I also thank and acknowledge the Board of Education for their role in providing the guidance and support necessary to reach these goals as we provide Excellence in Education to all North Branford students!

I wish everyone a successful and fulfilling 2018/2019 school year!

Sincerely,

Scott Schoonmaker

Superintendent