Wow… summer sure went by quickly. I hope you and your families have all had a chance to enjoy our great weather, take a vacation, celebrate July 4 and our city’s 60th birthday. Your Scotts Valley schools kicked off last week, and as you read this, our students have just completed their first week of school, settling into their new grades and new opportunities for learning.
We’re excited to welcome our returning families and a special greeting to those who are joining the Scotts Valley Unified School District for the first time. Enrollment in our schools is off to a strong start, with larger incoming classes at both elementary schools, and a larger freshman class at Scotts Valley High than we’ve seen in a few years. While “declining enrollment” has been a theme across all of California, we hope this year begins a trend of stabilization and even growth as we see more families moving to Scotts Valley in the future.
On Aug. 3, Superintendent Krause and I had the opportunity to welcome back teachers and staff, introducing new team members and recognizing those who have served for many years — some over 20 years! The team was refreshed and spent the next couple of days preparing for the new year.
These professional development days allow everyone to synchronize on priorities and share best practices together. This year, we will continue strengthening math instruction, and adding a renewed focus on writing across all subject areas. Strong writing supports learning in every discipline, so this year we will intentionally create more opportunities for students to write, think and communicate. Part of this focus will also be about reducing unnecessary screen time, using grade-level screen time guidelines that were developed and tested in the classroom last year.
With these academic focuses, we also continue using our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) across the district, ensuring every student receives the academic, behavioral and social-emotional support they need to succeed. This includes making sure students can identify with the people and places they learn about in all subjects.
Over the summer, district staff were also working on multiple construction projects. At Scotts Valley High, the new sports complex is well underway with new infrastructure being placed underground, new concrete walls and pads being set, and new grading for new stadium seating. Work was also done to benefit students, teachers and staff at our elementary schools: repairs, a fresh coat of paint, new carpeting and blinds. Planning continues for new playgrounds and new multipurpose rooms. And everyone will be benefiting again from the recently installed air conditioning for the remaining hot days ahead.
As we kick off this new school year, I encourage you all to come out and support our various summer/fall sports teams, such as football, girls volleyball and cross country. And remember, Scotts Valley Falcon football “home” games will be played at Harbor High again this year, as construction continues up at SVHS. Please take the extra 15-minute drive to both support our Falcons, and thank Harbor High for hosting our team again this year.
Roger Snyder is the Board President of Scotts Valley Unified School District. He may be contacted at rs*****@*************sd.org.
