Community Report 2020

Superintendent’s Message I am excited to have the opportunity to lead the district as Superintendent for the 2019-2020 school year. Sylvania is an exceptional school district with caring, dedicated, and talented staff members. As our students enter the hallways each morning, they are met with teachers and support staff who genuinely care about their well-being and ability to achieve their best. The goals of the district continue to focus on student achievement, safety, security and mental health support. Increase Academic Achievement for ALL Students Beyond daily instruction of the curriculum, we strive to pinpoint and focus on what is most necessary to increase each student’s potential for higher achievement. Student assessment data is used to target instructional strengths and weaknesses. Our Teaching & Learning Department continues to bring innovative learning materials and teaching approaches to the classroom. Specialized Professional Development for our staff creates a culture that encourages creative ways to increase achievement and collaboration of those best practices. All buildings, department and grade-level continuously review progress on their academic achievement goals. Each works to implement intervention & enrichment plans to best support students at all levels. Strengthening District-Wide Safety, Security & Mental Health Support Safety is always a top priority in our district. The district’s Safety and Security Committee has been meeting regularly for nine years. This group, comprised of educators, parents, community leaders, and representatives from our local fire department and law enforcement, meets each month. They review safety-related matters and make recommendations. In the last year, this committee secured grants for items such as bus cameras, building entryway cameras, and professional development related to mental health. One key initiative that came from this group is the Raptor electronic visitor management system that is now in use at all twelve of our schools. Thank you to our Sylvania Schools families and community. Our district is undoubtedly a wonderful environment for the young people in this community to be educated. We enjoy a tremendous amount of support from classroom volunteers, parent clubs, community organizations, and our residents and businesses who support us financially. Thank you, Jane Spurgeon Superintendent COMMUNITY REPORT 2020 3