Dear Canton Public Schools' Community:

Congratulations go out to all of our students and families on the successful completion of the 2021-2022 school year! As this school year began, we were again required to deal with challenges related to the pandemic. We faced those challenges and partnered together to support our students leading to a positive end to the year. All of our students made tremendous academic and social growth due to their efforts with the support of families and staff. I commend everyone for their hard work and resiliency! I am so proud of the accomplishments of our students and staff. 

As the 2021-2022 school year comes to a close I wanted to share with you a few updates:

Student Achievement 
As each of our Building Principals reported to the Board of Education this spring, our Canton students continue to grow and make great progress in spite of the interruption in traditional learning brought on by the pandemic. Students continue to achieve at high levels academically, as well as in the visual arts, music, and athletics. Our community was once again recognized as one of the best communities that support music for the 12th year in a row. Over the past year, all of our schools were named "Best Schools in CT" by U.S. News and World Report, a designation of which we are so proud. This is due to the hard work of all of our community members. Our students demonstrated  social/emotional skills throughout the year, allowing them to be more effective communicators, collaborators, and problem-solvers while being compassionate citizens. 

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
You will recall that last year, a Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Guiding Coalition composed of approximately 40 community stakeholders came together to write a Canton Public Schools Equity Statement. This year we began the implementation of this statement by: providing training to all certified and non-certified staff members; holding four Community Gatherings to discuss what equity means in Canton; and holding two Guiding Coalition Meetings. We have made progress toward our goal to create safe, inclusive learning environments so that ALL students can achieve at high levels. 

School Safety and Security
We continue to implement and enforce our school safety and security protocols in collaboration with the Canton Police Department. Our staff and students practice specific routines and procedures on a regular basis. We are in the process of adding several state of the art security cameras at each of our school buildings and will be installing security film at each of the entrances to our schools. There are several other measures in place that I can't disclose for security reasons. District wide and school -based safety teams meet on a regular basis to address safety and security issues within our schools.

Cherry Brook Primary School Front Field
You may recall that it came to our attention two years ago that historic fire training activities using fire fighting foam containing PFAS were performed at Cherry Brook Primary School on the grassy field area between the school's parking lot and Barbourtown Road. At that time water supply wells were tested, including the school's well, which is tested on a regular basis. As reported then, and as continues to be the case, there is not a level of concentration of PFAS  properties within the well water. The soil was also tested and it was determined that while the surface levels of the soil show no contamination, remediation of the soil at deep levels is needed. The Town has hired a firm to conduct further soil sample tests in this area in front of Cherry Brook Primary School. This area will be fenced off as these tests and further work is done. While the field is safe to use, it will be fenced off due to this impending work. 

School Breakfast/Lunch
Over the past two years, during the pandemic, a federal grant provided free breakfast and lunch to all of our students. Unfortunately, this grant is no longer available after June 30th. Students will need to purchase breakfast and lunch during the next school year. Families that qualify should complete the forms for Free/Reduced Lunch. This is extremely important. Please be on the lookout for these forms as the new school year approaches. 

Video
Please enjoy this video highlighting the 2021-2022 school year in Canton!
https://link.edgepilot.com/s/6621b43b/FmZ6GlqRskOjojfCE77jyw?u=https://openmic.link/2iz

In closing, I want to let you know that I have informed the Board of Education of my plans to retire as Superintendent of Schools next June 2023. At that time, I will have served in public education for 37 years and for close to 17 years as your Superintendent here in Canton. It was important to me to allow the Board of Education to have several months to conduct the search for the next Superintendent to allow for a smooth transition of leadership.  We have accomplished so much together over the years. I have had the rewarding experience of getting to know you and your children. It has been an honor and a privilege to serve you and this wonderfully supportive Canton Community over these last several years and I look forward to another great 2022-2023 school year together! The Board of Education will announce plans for the Superintendent Search in the Fall. 

In the meantime, please find time to relax and enjoy your friends and family this summer to rejuvenate yourself. Do the things that bring you joy and feed your soul! Stay well.

Please don't hesitate to reach out if I can be of any assistance to you this summer.

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