Dear Parents, Students, and Staff,

Fall is one of my most favorite times of the year. While a bit of meloncholy sets in with the loss of summer - the fresh fruits and vegetables, the extended hours and warmth of sunlight - I also start to grow tried of the bugs, pulling weeds, and the heat. Perhaps like many of you, I see the crisp mornings, the leaves transforming, and the smell of pumpkin spice as a welcome change.

Fall has a special meaning to me, and I think it has to do with being a teacher. Some people may see fall as the transition to cold weather, but I see it as a fresh beginning. There isn't another profession fortunate enough to begin every year anew, reflecting on prior practice to make a fresh start. As life-long learners, our District employees reflect and refine their professional practice each year, implementing their new learning as the new year begins. And this refined practice is exciting for all involved.

Speaking of new beginnings, families and community members may also recall the Smyrna Messenger would change for the 2023-24 school year. The Smyrna Messenger is now called The Eagle's Eye, and will be released bi-monthly through a newsletter format called Smore. The Eagle's Eye will continue to update the community on the District happenings and will be sent via email and posted on the Smyrna School District website and Facebook page.

Each edition of The Eagle's Eye will feature our Five Commitments to Stakeholders. This edition, I would like to highlight Commitment Four: Strong Connection to Family and Community. Over the last two months, I had the great honor of attending the following events highlighting our Smyrna Family:

• Legislative Breakfast
• State Teacher of the Year, honoring Mrs. Laura Massey, Clayton Elementary School Teacher
• Homecoming events: The Parade, the High School Pep Rally, the Football Game, and most certainly, the fantastic Floats (still on display at SHS)
• Farm-To-School Celebration at Clayton Intermediate School
• Duck Creek Regional Library Groundbreaking Ceremony
• The Mayor's Prayer Breakfast and a Legislative Breakfast

Each event reminded me of the continuous support our District receives from our community. Without this support, our students would not see adults working together in a cohesive manner for one noble purpose - the success of our students.

We are so fortunate to have your continued commitment to the Smyrna School District, as well as the privilege of educating your children. May you continue to have a successful 2023-24 school year.

Sincerely,

Susan P. Brown, Ed. D., CSBA

Superintendent of Schools

The Smyrna School District is excited to announce a holiday-themed competition for our students as the holiday season approaches. We invite our art and music students to participate by submitting a winter-themed piece of art, such as a drawing, painting, graphic design, song, or any other creative work. The winning entries will be featured in the District-wide holiday message sent to our families, and the winners will be recognized at the December 13th Board Meeting. Additionally, the winners in the vocal and instrumental categories will have the opportunity to perform their music during the Board meeting.

If your child is interested in submitting their artwork or a vocal/instrumental recording, please make sure to do so by November 17th. Submissions can be sent to Jessalynn Kenton, our Community Relations and Family Engagement Specialist, via email (jessalynn.kenton@smyrna.k12.de.us), through District mail, or arranged for pick-up.

We eagerly anticipate the creative talents of our students and can't wait to see what they come up with!

At the Smyrna School District, we embrace community, support local farmers, and prioritize student well-being through our Farm to School program. With the mantra "Support Local, Support Smyrna," we enrich students' lives and local farmers' livelihoods. By sourcing fresh produce from nearby farms, we foster community connections, offering students a taste of our region's vibrant flavors. With USDA funding, we invest in our community's future, enhancing school meals and boosting the local economy. Our students savor locally sourced produce, celebrating our agricultural heritage. Join us in championing the Smyrna Farm to School program for a brighter, healthier future.

For more information, visit the SSD Farm to School webpage here.

Interested in becoming one of our Farm Partners? Please click here to fill out our form.