Dear Waterville CSD family,
As we close the 2022-23 school year, I wanted to thank each of you for being an integral part of a successful year! Many remarkable things happened, which only reaffirms that Waterville is an amazing community. I am grateful for everyone’s efforts in keeping our students at the center of everything we do. None of this would be possible without the dedicated teachers, phenomenal staff and involved families who make this school district a special place for our students to create their “best futures.”
I am thrilled to share some recent highlights with you. Last Saturday, we proudly celebrated the graduation of 56 students, all of whom achieved a Regents diploma. Notably, 16 students attained Advanced Designation, while four students were honored with Advanced Honors. The Class of 2023 has set their sights high, with 33 students heading to college, 21 entering the workforce directly and one student entering the military. We wish them all the best!
I am also pleased to announce the completion of Phase I of the 2020 Capital Project. This phase brought significant enhancements to our facilities, including the installation of LED lighting at both MPS and the Jr./.Sr. High, upgrades to the cafeteria and kitchen at the Jr./Sr. High, removal of wall-to-wall carpeting at the Jr./Sr. High, and the addition of a greenhouse to support our plant science, CTE and FFA programs. Furthermore, our geothermal heating and cooling system is fully operational.
In its first year, our dedicated Teacher Leaders worked diligently to support the development and alignment of the district’s curriculum with New York State Standards and Assessments. Collaboration among our teachers is the key to student success and the district is committed to continuing to promote a culture of teamwork.
This year, we introduced Spanish classes at MPS, offering our students an opportunity to learn about cultural diversity. I am delighted our students were eager to share their new knowledge of Spanish with their peers, teachers and families. We are committed to providing rich experiences that “educate the whole child for personalized success.”
Our athletic teams have achieved remarkable accomplishments as well. From the Boys Soccer Sectional finalists to the Golf Sectional Champions, our students have demonstrated exceptional talent and sportsmanship. We also had individual participants in the Cross Country State Championship, Indoor and Outdoor Track and Field State Championships, as well as a Sectional Champion in Bowling. These achievements reflect the dedication and hard work of our athletes and their coaches.
It is with mixed emotions we bid farewell to our longtime Indian mascot, as we will now soar as the “Eagles.” I am immensely proud of the involvement and support shown by the Waterville School community, a true testament to our welcoming and inclusive nature.
Even though school will be out for summer, a lot will still be happening in our schools. MPS was awarded a Farm to School Institute grant and school personnel will be attending training to plan for the upcoming school year. Additionally, we will be enhancing the safety of our schools by installing bullet-resistant glass in the main entrances and implementing a blue light emergency notification system. Our teachers will be actively engaged in summer curriculum work, while over 110 students in grades K-7 will be participating in our district’s summer enrichment program.
On behalf of the Waterville Board of Education, I thank our entire school community for the incredible support shown to all of our students. I am eager to continue our work together in the 2023-24 school year, ensuring all of our learners grow and become their best selves. We will see you back on Sept. 7. Until then – relax, have fun and cherish the time with your family and friends.
Wishing you a happy, healthy and safe summer!
Best regards,
Dr. Jennifer Spring, Superintendent