Superintendent Corner
October 12th, 2023
Dear WSSD Community,
We have reached a milestone in our school district as we are gearing up to present our Strategic Plan at the Educational Affairs Committee meeting next Wednesday and, for adoption at the regular school board meeting on Monday October 27th. As I think back on all the work, energy, time, planning and preparation that got us to this point, I have to say that it is nothing less of a labor of love and a testament of collective commitment and dedication from parents, community members, staff, administrators and board members. As I shared with you on Monday morning, “The size of your dreams must always exceed your current capacity to achieve them. If your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough,” a quote by Ellen Johnson Sirleaf. Our students are counting on us to create bold, innovative, transformational and authentic learning experiences that will position them for success in a future that is bright but filled with unpredictability. The strategic plan is an investment in our school district for the next several years and more importantly, of our students who are at the very core of how this plan was designed. I want to express my sincere thanks and gratitude to all of you who helped craft this plan by offering their time and insights, and to thank you in advance for the work that lies ahead of us.
The implementation of the Strategic Plan will present unique challenges and opportunities but in the plan lies a roadmap that clearly delineates our priorities, strategic initiatives and deliverables. Lao Tzu said “The journey of a thousand miles begins with one step”, and we continue this journey with the adoption of our Strategic Plan is yet another step towards excellence. WSSD is a special place, known as a “destination district”, and I want nothing more than for WSSD to grow into a hallmark of equity and excellence where “each of our schools is a HAVEN – one that is reflective of our community’s values, a cornerstone of our neighborhoods, and welcoming, inclusive, and accessible to all.” It is incumbent upon all of us working together to ensure the most productive outcomes for our students and the implementation of the enduring goals of the WSSD Strategic Plan.
Let me share with you a few highlights from the week, as well as reminders of the upcoming meetings and events.
Pennsylvania Art Education Association (PAEA)
For the second year in a row, the Pennsylvania Art Education Association has selected and endorsed WSSD as an Outstanding Visual Arts Community. We are one of 50 school districts across Pennsylvania to receive this honor. Please join me in recognizing our art faculty: Bridget Hochstoeger (SRS), Sarah Ryan (WES), Sara Benamy (NPE), Dan Masse (SHMS-6), Jocelyn McMahon (SHMS-7), Brad Hosbach (SHMS-8), Gigi Iannello (SHHS-Graphic Design), Kate Plows (SHHS-Photography & Video), Jennifer Rodgers (2D Art at SHHS), and Scott Rodgers (SHHS-Ceramics) on this wonderful honor! They work tirelessly every school year to inspire all of the children of WSSD to be their best creative selves.They have contributed to an art and design curriculum that is rigorous, inclusive, accessible, and visible. PAEA promotes advocacy through research, knowledge, and learning by generating and sharing research-based models and resources while promoting opportunities for student growth.
National Merit Scholarship Competition
17 students at SHHS were commended as semi-finalists in the 2024 National Merit Scholarship Program. They are receiving this acknowledgement from the Preliminary SAT/National Merit Scholarship Qualifying test they took in 2022. This high Selection Index Score placed these students in the top 50,000 students nationwide for the 2024 program. Congratulations to these students for their academic achievement and performance.
Homecoming, King Field Reopening, and Band Night
Several celebrations mark this Friday October 13th. Starting at 3:30PM, WSSD will be hosting the grand re-opening of our George L. King Field featuring the new turf. It will be a great day for celebrating our WSSD community with games, prizes, a Kona Ice truck and more. We hope you can join us along with members of the community.
The SHMS and SHHS Bands will also perform on October 13th at our 41st annual "Band Night". It is a great event that will feature over 500 band students from both the middle and high school band programs. The SHMS and SHHS musicians are scheduled to cross the bridge from the high school at 6:10PM, so be sure to come out early to cheer them on during their performance.
Sports & Competitions
Senior Night is a memorable and meaningful senior tradition for high school athletes and their families. It celebrates the culmination of years of hard work and commitment, and recognizes each senior’s contribution to the team and program, their athletic achievements. It is also a tribute to the unwavering support of their family and friends. I want to take this opportunity to thank our outstanding and committed coaches for encouraging our student athletes to be the best they can be on the field, in the gym, and in our classrooms. Your efforts do not go unnoticed. I also want to thank our families for the hours they spend in the car, driving to practices and competitions, managing schedules, cheering them on and helping out any way you can. Congratulations to our seniors during the fall sports season.
School Board & Committee Meetings
The Facilities and Finance Committee met on October 4th.The items discussed at the Finance meeting included discussion about the BusPatrol safety program. BusPatrol is the leading provider of school bus safety programs in North America. THeir safety programs include automated enforcement technology such as AI powered stop arm cameras to help communities enforce school bus stopping laws and change driver behavior. They also provide emergency response technology, smart fleet management tools and routing software. This program will add safety measures for our students and bus drivers as they travel to and from our buildings.
The Facilities meeting provided information on project updates, the Guaranteed Energy Savings Act, and a Condition Assessment Proposal. There was also discussion about outstanding projects on the George L. King Field and the anticipated installation of the scoreboard. Other projects included building and directional signage at the high school and middle school. The directional signs and the Marquee signs are to be completed no later than October 30th. The LED monument signs are scheduled to be installed by mid December.
The Policy Committee met on October 11th. The items on the agenda included discussions of Policies and Accompanying Administrative Regulations for Second Reading, Policies and Administrative Regulations/Guidelines for Repeal - Second Reading, and Presentation and Policies and Administrative Regulations for First Reading.
Meetings are live-streamed and archived on WSSD YouTube Page. For more information and a link to the meeting schedules, please click here.
Connect With WSSD
Email: helpdesk@wssd.org
Website: wssd.org
Location: 200 S Providence Rd, Wallingford, PA 19086, USA
Phone: 610-892-3470
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WallingfordSwarthmoreSchools/
Twitter: @WSSchools