Less is more will be my theme for my Suffield Observer submissions over the course of the 2022-2023 school year.
- The following is a list of school-based Observer articles that will be submitted over the course of the 2022-2023 school year:
o Athletics and Student Activities: October;
o College Planning – November;
o A. Ward Spaulding School Stars – December/January;
o SMS & SHS School Counseling – February;
o McAlister Intermediate School Student Council – March;
o Unified Activities and Sports – April;
o SHS Musical – May. - We hope you might join us for one of our evening Athletic Events Under the Lights at Suffield High School (SHS)! The new turf at Ted Beneski Field will certainly provide a home advantage to our student athletes. It looks fantastic. In addition, the Unified Concessions Stand found in the Rotary Hut will be open for food and drink. If you are interested in attending an athletic event, they can be found on our SHS website under Athletics.
- The Long-range Facilities Study has identified Suffield Middle School (SMS) as a priority facility to undergo a major project. For the past two months, the Board of Education and our administrative team have been reviewing the facility study materials completed by Tecton Architects, the firm hired by the Town to conduct the town-wide facilities study. Most recently, the Board of Education hosted a discussion with Tecton at its September Board of Education meeting to get further detail regarding the studies’ findings. For our next step, the Board and administration will be hosting a Parent Forum to present what is currently under consideration for SMS – Build New or Renovate As New. Following further discussion, the Board and administration will identify which project request they would like the Board of Selectmen, Board of Finance, and ultimately, the residents of Suffield to consider and support. We encourage our Suffield Public Schools parents and guardians to attend this Parent Forum. Community residents are also welcome to attend. The Parent Forum will be posted on our district website.
- We are in desperate need of school bus drivers. Although it does require a special DMV CDL Endorsement, our transportation carrier will provide the necessary training to interested candidates. If anyone is interested, and they already possesses a CDL without the proper School Bus endorsement, the training and licensing is much less time-consuming.
Before I conclude, I would like to begin this school year by saying thank you to the Suffield community for your ongoing support of our schools. The public’s engagement and financial commitment provided through the years have been a significant aid to our advancement in supporting the students we serve. In my four years here, I can attest to the fact that Suffield does care greatly about its schools, its faculty and staff, and the programs/services/opportunities our schools provide. This is not to say that meeting all expectations has been achievable or without challenge, but we are improving each and every day. Continuous improvement is, and will remain, a constant focus during our day-to-day operations. I’m tremendously proud of the traditions and innovation that make the Suffield Public Schools the district it has become.
Enjoy the wonderful Fall!