Dear Parents and Guardians,
I hope this letter finds you well and that you had a wonderful summer. As the new school year begins, I am filled with excitement and optimism about the opportunities that lie ahead for our students. The start of a new year is always a time of renewal, where students return to familiar surroundings, reconnect with friends, and embark on new learning adventures.
As we move into this next year, our focus will remain on supporting student success, well-being, and a love for learning. We are fortunate to have an exceptional team of educators and staff who are dedicated to creating nurturing, engaging and inclusive learning environments. Through our collective efforts, we will continue to empower our students to realize their full potential. We will continue to help them develop critical thinking skills and improve digital literacy; we will continue to nurture their creativity; and we will continue to instill in them a strong sense of responsibility towards the world around them.
This year, we will also begin engaging in important discussions about the next iteration of our district’s Strategic Plan. This plan will serve as a roadmap, guiding us in setting priorities, allocating resources, and making informed decisions that directly impact our students. As we thoughtfully build upon the foundations laid by our current plan, we will carefully evaluate what has worked well and identify areas where we can improve, always with the goal of ensuring the best possible education for every student.
In addition to our academic focus, I want to bring to your attention an important update regarding the use of personal digital devices in our schools. In alignment with the Ministry of Education and Child Care’s mandate, the Richmond Board of Education has updated our District Code of Conduct and established new guidelines on the acceptable use of personal digital devices. These changes are designed to promote online safety and ensure a focused learning environment for all students. I encourage you to review the update, which outlines the specific guidelines and expectations for both elementary and secondary students.
As always, your involvement and support play an important role in the success of your child’s educational journey. If you have any questions or concerns about your child’s education or the new digital device policy, I encourage you to reach out to your school principal. Open communication and collaboration between parents, guardians, and our school communities are key to creating a positive and enriching educational experience.
Thank you for entrusting us with the education of your children. Together, we will continue to create a future where every student can flourish and achieve their dreams.
Best wishes for a successful school year!
Sincerely,
Christopher Usih
Superintendent of Schools
Richmond School District