Seymour Schools Superintendent Christine Syriac sent this message to the community June 25:
Dear Parents and Staff:
My first year as Superintendent is drawing to a close.
It was a quick year for me, not certain how it felt to others.
My guess is extending the year to June 28 did not help to make it seem quick for our students.
The weather seemed to work against us all year … hurricanes, blizzards … thankfully we have had a relatively cool albeit wet June until this very last week which not only promises to be warm but also will push me to make one more weather related decision … high school graduation inside or outside?
I have enjoyed my many visits to our schools, to see our students engaged in the learning process. I love to visit our classrooms. I have had the opportunity to see our students’ talents demonstrated through a variety of activities: concerts, art shows, sporting events, field day, awards programs, cooking demonstrations … and the list goes on.
Together we are working to provide all students with a strong academic foundation that is both challenging and engaging. I believe that all of our students deserve the opportunity to experience rigorous academics and high performance. We are their opportunity. To reach this goal we must model for our students and join in the fun.
One activity that I would ask all of you to engage in this summer is reading. Parents read with your children. Staff members read for enjoyment. It is our goal that all of our students read a lot, read well, and love to read.
I want to thank our teachers and staff members for the dedication, talent, energy and care they bring to their work every day.
Together, we are making a visible difference for our students, families and community. Every member of our staff in ways both large and small contributes in a positive way to our students’ growth. If I haven’t had an opportunity to express this to you in person, please know that I deeply value your efforts and your commitment.
I want to thank everyone for supporting our students by supporting the Board of Education.
One of my goals is to strengthen the partnership between school, home and community.
If you have not attended the Citizens Academy that I began this year please consider joining our next session in September/October. The Citizens Academy is a five evening course that informs participants of all the working components of our district. You learn about: the roles and responsibilities of our employees, the budget, transportation, food service, health services, maintenance, curriculum, assessment, student support services, school safety, and much more.
There is more information on our web site and the dates for the September session will be published in early July.
The summer break begins at the conclusion of our school day on June 28.
Find an opportunity in the weeks ahead to rest and re-energize over the summer. Some of you will use the time to travel. Some will use the time to pursue a hobby or enjoy the company of friends and family. I ask that you relish the experiences that you find rewarding and help you bring new insights to your role in Seymour.
For those of you who are retiring after serving the district for so many years or leaving our district for other opportunities, I wish you the best. Your contributions to the district have left the district a better place for our students. I hope you find great enjoyment in the years ahead.
Parents; enjoy the time with your children. We will miss your children over the summer and we look forward to their return on August 28. For those parents who have had their children graduate from Seymour High School we wish only the best for your children as they enter into college or venture down a career path.
Thank you for letting us educate and care for your most prized possession over the years.
With great appreciation,
Christine Syriac
Superintendent
