October 28, 2024
Dear Shaler Area Families,
As we are settling into the 2024-2025 school year, I want to share with you some of the priority goals guiding our district’s work. This year, we are focusing on the theme of Engage, Empower, Excel, which reflects our commitment to creating a positive and enriching educational experience for every student.
Aligned with our Portrait of a Graduate, these goals are designed to help each student grow academically, socially, and emotionally. Our efforts this year will center around the following six key areas:
- Enhancing Student Achievement and Learning Opportunities: We aim to support academic success by using data-driven practices and cross-curricular learning to help our students build critical thinking, adaptability, and problem-solving skills.
- Promoting Positive Respect and Belonging: We want every student to feel included and valued. By expanding opportunities, we are committed to providing access to programs that foster a sense of community and belonging.
- Fostering Student Well-being: We are prioritizing the social and emotional growth of our students through programs like Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) to build resilience and emotional intelligence.
- Increasing Student Engagement and Leadership Opportunities: We believe in empowering students to take an active role in their learning and providing them with opportunities to develop their leadership skills through activities, clubs, and other extracurricular experiences.
- Strengthening School Leadership and Communication: Our goal is to foster collaboration and maintain open lines of communication with all families, staff, and community members to ensure we move forward together toward excellence.
- Ensuring Fiscal Stewardship and Sustainability: We remain committed to using our resources responsibly to maintain a stable and sustainable future for our district.
Over the next few weeks, we will share more about these goals through email and a targeted social media campaign. Additionally, we will provide specific examples of how we work towards meeting these goals and will keep you informed and engaged in the progress. We hope to keep you connected as we work together to make this school year a success for every student.
Thank you for your ongoing partnership and support. We look forward to a great year ahead as we Engage, Empower, and Excel together!
Yours in education,
Bryan E. O’Black, Ed.D.
Superintendent of Schools
Brian P. Brown, Ed.D.
Assistant Superintendent of Schools
