July 11, 2023
Dear Stakeholders of Sheridan County School District #3,
I hope this letter finds you in good health and high spirits as we approach the beginning of the 2023-2024 academic year. As we embark on another exciting chapter in our district's journey, I wanted to take this opportunity to share some remarkable accomplishments, exciting developments, and important updates that have transpired over the past year.
First and foremost, I would like to express my sincere gratitude to all of our stakeholders who actively participated in the process of developing a strategic plan for our district. Your invaluable input and thoughtful contributions have been instrumental in shaping our vision for the future. I am thrilled to inform you that the school board will be adopting this comprehensive plan in the next couple of months. This strategic plan will serve as a guiding document, laying out our priorities and initiatives for the foreseeable future. It reflects our collective commitment to providing the highest quality education and meeting the evolving needs of our students. We are excited about the positive impact this plan will have on our district, and we look forward to implementing its strategies and achieving our shared goals.
In addition to the strategic plan, I am pleased to announce several other notable accomplishments. Our students have once again demonstrated exceptional academic performance, outperforming the state average in an impressive 15 out of 19 areas tested. This outstanding achievement speaks volumes about the dedication and commitment of our students, teachers, and staff in pursuing excellence in education. We are immensely proud of their accomplishments and the relentless pursuit of knowledge they have displayed throughout the year.
Moreover, our students' growth was measured at the 57th percentile nationally. Equally important, our students' achievement level at the end of the academic year landed at the impressive 72nd percentile. These accomplishments reflect the collective efforts and collaborative spirit of our entire school community. They demonstrate our commitment to empowering our students to reach their full potential and preparing them for future success.
To enhance our communication efforts, I am delighted to announce the launch of our new district website at https://www.sheridan3.com. This revamped online platform will serve as a hub of information and resources for our entire school community. One of the exciting features of this website is the ability to send alerts directly to your email and phone. With this new system in place, we will be able to communicate important updates and urgent information swiftly and effectively. In that light, we will no longer be utilizing the BAND app. We believe this change will improve our emergency notification system and enhance our ability to keep you informed.
Additionally, I am pleased to introduce several new additions to our team of dedicated educators. Please join me in welcoming back to the district Beth Harman, who will be joining us to teach 7-12 science. Beth brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to our district, and we are excited to have her contribute to the academic growth and success of our students. Furthermore, Mandi Buchanan will be joining us to teach at the 2nd and 6th-grade levels, specializing in ELA and math. Mandi's passion for education and her commitment to student achievement make her an invaluable asset to our team. Amanda Andreen is moving from a position as a paraprofessional to the 3-4 classroom. She completed her student teaching with us in the spring and we are excited to have her energy and expertise in the classroom for students.
As we continue to prioritize literacy and best practices for instruction, there have been a few internal movements within the district. These strategic changes aim to ensure that we maintain a strong focus on literacy and instruction and provide our students with the best possible learning opportunities. By fostering a culture of continuous improvement, we are committed to equipping our students with the necessary skills to succeed academically and thrive in the 21st-century global society.
We were pleased with the attendance at this past year's community lunches, and we are thrilled to continue hosting them on the first Wednesday of each month. The first community lunch of the new academic year will take place on September 7th. We invite all members of our community to attend these gatherings, as they provide an excellent opportunity to foster meaningful connections and engage in open dialogue about the education of our children.
As we move forward into the 2023-2024 academic year, I am confident that the adoption of our new strategic plan, coupled with our newly launched district website, the expertise and dedication of our new staff members, and the continued engagement of our community, will further elevate the educational experience in Sheridan County School District #3. We remain steadfast in our commitment to providing a nurturing and academically rigorous environment where our students can excel and reach their full potential.
I would like to express my sincerest appreciation to all of our stakeholders for your unwavering support, engagement, and contributions. Together, we have built a strong foundation for future success, and I am excited to see the positive impact it will have on our students and our entire school community.
Please feel free to reach out to me with any questions, suggestions, or concerns. Your input is invaluable to us as we work to provide the best possible educational experience for our students.
Thank you for your ongoing support, and let us embrace the new academic year with enthusiasm and optimism.
Warm regards,
Chase Christensen