The school district of Seward --where every student, every day is a success -- affirms that all students will have the skills to become productive and contributing members of a global community. In cooperation with family and community members, the district is committed to the development of each student academically, emotionally, socially, and physically.

Seward Public Schools is on the final lap of the 2021-2022 school year. I know that it is hard to believe that summer is around the corner and we will soon graduate 142 seniors on Sunday, May 15. The class of 2022 will have 90% of the students attending a two-year or four-year college, 2% of the students will join the military full time, 7% will enter the workforce and 1% will be doing mission work. The class of 2022 has completed over 9183 community service hours over their four years of high school. The class of 2022 has a lot to celebrate and the class has made a positive impact at Seward Public Schools and we wish them the best of luck as they enter the next chapter of their lives.

As I reflect on the 2021-2022 school year I think about the many successes our students experience throughout the school year. We all know that the definition of success can vary depending upon whom you ask. For me, success is preparing students for the next step of their life and giving them the opportunity to succeed in whatever that next step may be. At the Elementary School success is a kindergartener learning to read or a 4th grader learning our Nebraska History. At the middle school, students experienced growing trout eggs in Science Class and then releasing the trout at a state park, or learning to solve an algebraic equation. At the high school, success can be students finding a passion in the arts, business, science, math, literature, or one of the trades. Seward High School currently has 171 students who have taken dual credit or AP courses which totals 427 dual credit/AP courses completed by our students. This not only helps our students prepare for college but also saves thousands of dollars in tuition expenses. The success of our students at Seward Public Schools is a team effort from the students, staff, parents, school board, and communities we serve. Thank you for your continued support of our students.

I hope all of you have a great ending to the school year and you get some time this summer to enjoy your family and friends. I know the start of the 2022-2023 school year will be here before we know it.

The Last Day of School 2021-2022:

The last day of school for students will be on Friday, May 13 with a 11:30 dismissal.

2022-2023 School Calendar:

The 2022-23 School Calendar has been approved by the school board and is enclosed in this Newsletter. The first day of school for students will be Wednesday, August 17 with a 1:30 dismissal. The full calendar is at the bottom of the newsletter.

Jennifer Messersmith- Food Service Director, Christy Schegg-elementary school nurse, Emilia Brozek-Ag Education Teacher, Samantha Lyon-elementary paraprofessional, and Rebecca Higgins-elementary paraprofessional.

Seward Public Schools has finished year 3 of their 5-year District Strategic Plan. This year the district focus has been on best practices in grading/feedback. Part of our district strategic plan has been providing support for students who may be struggling with mental health concerns. Through a partnership with Milford Public Schools, Centennial Public Schools, and Memorial Health Care, Seward Public Schools will be having an LMHP two days a week next school year. More specifics about the Wellness for All program will be shared before the start of the 2022-23 school year.

Academically, we have been focused on our grading and reporting action teams and ensuring that we are clear and consistent about our grading practices. This will continue to be a focus for the 22-23 school year along with the revision of our English Language Arts Curriculum.

Seward Public Schools implements a seven-year curriculum cycle for all of our curricular areas. This year we reviewed our career and technical education courses as well as our science courses. Thank you to the parents who attended our open house regarding the science curriculum. We have selected materials that will help students see themselves as scientists as they work from a problem-solving mindset through the units of science.

SMS Weights: 7-8 am; Boys M/W, girls Tue/Thurs

· June 6-July 1 - session 1 (4 weeks)

· July 4-8 week off

· July 11-29 - session 2 (3 weeks)

SHS weights: Staring May 31st- Monday-Thursday

Boys 7:00-8:30am

Girls 8:30-10:00am

Coed 5:00-6:30pm- Preferred time for freshmen but is open to all students who may work in the morning.

Seward Public Schools Special Education Department is preparing to retire files of students who are now 26 years of age and older. If you think you may have a file and are interested in obtaining it, please call Dr. Shannon Hall-Schmeckpeper, Director of Special Services at (402) 643-2968 before May 27, 2022. We will begin shredding files on June 6, 2022.

Would you like to help contribute to our mission of Every Student, Every Day, A Success?

Seward Public Schools is accepting applications for paraprofessionals and bus drivers for the 2022-2023 school year. This is a great opportunity to earn extra money and support our students. Please stop by the District Office at 410 South Street to fill out an application.