Ed Smith School Vision
To be the most improved school in the district - where EVERY child learns and grows
End of the Year Message
June 24, 2021
Dear Families,
I am always reflective as I write the end of the year letter to families, and again this year there is much to reflect on. Yes, another year for the history books.
Our school community has seen many transitions again this year. From starting virtually, to hybrid, to shut downs, and then returning in April. It has been a head-spinning year. However, we worked through all of these transitions and still are a community. Our school did this by holding virtual PTO meetings, book clubs, Coffee Chats with the Principal, virtual concerts with our PBIS celebrations that recognize our students’ best efforts, as well as still producing our Black History Celebration. We even conducted after school programming virtually. Although none of it was easy, the spirit and desire to provide community drove us all to provide these events for our students and families.
I am also proud of our students. They have shown tremendous resiliency throughout the year. Simply stated, this was not easy for them. Yet, they persevered and did their best. We need to celebrate them and let them know how proud we are of their efforts daily to adjust to the current reality they faced this year. However, I also need to thank you. Families did their best as well to juggle all the different aspects of virtual and hybrid learning while learning new technology and educational terminology that we do not typically use every day. We congratulate all of you parents, caregivers, babysitters, childcare providers, grandparents, cousins and neighbors for doing a great job this year. Congratulations, you made it to the end of the year too!
I look forward to a new year in September. Our school improvement team and district level team have been working on plans for next year to help students catch up. We want to get our kids back into normalcy and address their needs. Unbelievably, our teachers are already eager to do the work. They have been contributing ideas, plans, and signing up for professional development over the summer to be prepared for the fall. I am truly proud of our staff as well this year. The learning curve was steep for them, and they rose to the occasion with the Ed Smith can-do spirit. I am grateful for such an amazing staff.
So for the summer, please take time to take a break from everything. Take time to enjoy the weather, the sunshine and the simple things. They matter and are good for the soul.
For future planning, next year’s school times are:
8:15 – 3:00 Middle School
9:00 – 3:00 Elementary School
As always, I wish you all the best for a safe, healthy and happy summer. Enjoy every minute summer has to offer in Syracuse.
All the best,
Mr. Barber
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