Mamaroneck Superintendent Welcomes Students

A letter from the Superintendent:

August 22, 2014

Dear Parents and Guardians,

I hope the delightful summer weather afforded you a range of interesting options for family time, relaxation, and of course learning! I am pleased to say that we made great strides on many fronts in preparation for the start of another school year. Most visible is the soon-to-be completed capital work at Chatsworth, MAS, and MHS. Students and staff will certainly appreciate new plumbing and electrical systems that underscore our commitment to optimize the learning environment. On a similar note, our effort to redesign the District IT Server/Technology Room will support the use of technology as a critical resource for teaching and learning. Given the challenge of completing large-scale capital improvements in short order, we sometimes face difficult situations. To this end, it appears that completion of the Murray stairs project will continue into the fall. However, we are confident that ongoing project work will not impact learning or safety at Murray Avenue. Continuing our efforts to improve school safety, we are installing new security cameras at MHS and swipe card door systems at all schools to further limit access before and after school. Under the category of small improvements, I hope the new District website design will make it easier to access information and learn what is happening in our schools.

From a strategic perspective, the summer months are critical to ensure a successful school year as the Board of Education and administration focus on identifying “big picture” goals for our school system and plan for new and continuing initiatives. Our primary focus is to create the conditions that support student engagement and achievement, promote a positive school climate, prepare students for college and careers, keep the District on sound financial footing, and engage the full community in the daily life of schools. As strengthening and improving a school district is directly correlated with active participation and valued feedback by stakeholders, we will continue to use a variety of resources to seek opinions from students, staff, parents, and community members on how we can improve our public system. On this note, during the fall we will report on the findings of our high school student engagement and community engagement surveys.

Several exciting initiatives slated for the upcoming school year are aligned with our emphasis on authentic and deep learning. We are introducing full-day kindergarten, leveraging this transition to deliver a developmentally appropriate full-day kindergarten program marked by inquiry, discovery, and smooth pacing across the academic day. Kindergarten teachers will use professional time during the school year to develop and deliver an engaging first-year program that will build a strong foundation for future learning. Our 5th grade students will participate in a Capstone project experience that builds on our existing inquiry unit. The Capstone project will provide students with the opportunity to investigate important questions, explore a topic in-depth, and share their learning using a variety of modalities. Similarly, 6th and 7th grade students will participate in a “mini” Capstone pilot experience investigating relevant topics in the subject areas of math and science (6th grade) and English and social studies (7th grade) respectively. The experience will be designed to promote inquiry, deep understanding, and presentation skills that will serve students in future academic and professional endeavors. At MHS we are expanding STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) course options introducing Advanced Placement Computer Science, physical computing, and orienting the robotics class to afford students the opportunity to participate in regional competitions. Teachers and students will also explore the benefits of longer learning blocks as we roll-out changes to the high school schedule.

At the same time we are building on the initial success of several multi-year initiatives. In September we will welcome a new cohort of dual language kindergarten students joining their 1st grade counterparts at Mamaroneck Avenue School as we expand this innovative district-wide program. Similarly, building on last year’s initial effort to redefine teaching and learning using technological tools, we are extending the 1-to-1 computing initiative using iPads to include 10th grade students. As part of the 5th grade Capstone Project all grade 5 classrooms will be equipped with wireless technology to support student use of Chromebooks as they engage in research and strengthen their computer skills. Across the district, we will continue helping students internalize a “growth mindset” and expand our effort to promote mindfulness and inner resilience as we seek to strengthen the social/emotional well-being of students and staff.

I expect the 2014-2015 school year to be filled with wonderfully rich, relevant, and rigorous experiences for children as a result of hard work, preparation, and commitment by administrators, teachers, and staff and of course the students themselves. As we seek to prioritize the effort to connect parents to the teaching and learning unfolding in classrooms, I encourage you to be actively involved in your child’s educational experience and work toward strengthening the critical partnership between home and school. I continue to appreciate your investment of time, energy, and commitment in helping us provide your child with an exceptional learning experience.

Thank you for your continued support of the Mamaroneck Union Free School District. I am grateful and honored to have the opportunity to serve you, the Board of Education, the community, and the administrators, teachers, and staff who work tirelessly on behalf of your children. As always, please contact me at the District office if I can of assistance to you as the year progresses.

I wish students, parents, and staff a successful school year!

Respectfully,

Dr. Robert I. Shaps
Superintendent of Schools

Photo contributed.