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Welcome Back!

Posted on: August 9, 2022
Back to School

Greetings SLSD Families!                                                                                                                                              

We trust your summer was both fun-filled and relaxing. It sure went fast! We have worked throughout the summer to re-boot our facilities, grounds, technology, instructional materials, and safety.  The start of school always brings a great deal of excitement and some nerves. Our first day of school with students is Aug. 16, 2022. Below are several updates for this fall:

School Safety Remains Goal #1: It is imperative that we continue the mantra of “see something, say something!”. This goes for both the adults and students in our school community. If something doesn't seem right, please reach out and say something to our school staff, or local law enforcement.  In addition to strong relationships with students and parents, our relationship with the Harrison Police Department and Hamilton Co. Sherriff Dept. is equally strong. Starting this fall, we will have an SRO (school resource officer) or security officer in each of our schools. We will also have a full-time school nurse in each school this year. It was not long ago when we had two SRO’s and two nurses for the entire school district. Building principals will also be following up with more specifics on upcoming safety drills that take place throughout the school year. 

Living our Mission:  We wrapped up our most recent SLSD strategic plan this summer, with 40+ community members, business leaders, elected officials, parents, school personnel and students. Our mission, “Academic & Social Growth for ALL Students, Every Day!” remains our bedrock. Growing students 1.5 academic years in just 9 months, remains our priority in each subject. Social growth will involve 100% of our students participating in extra-curriculars and living our four core values: Trust, Respect, Ownership and Leadership. We will continue to push our students to get involved in community outreach endeavors like the Mayors Fund Canned Food Drive and a few other opportunities to give back to the greater good.

Staying Home When Sick: Just as in any school year, students who are sick with the flu, respiratory viruses, infections, or fevers including those testing positive for COVID-19, should stay home and follow the recommended protocols.  Staying home when sick can lower the risk of spreading illness or viruses to others. Click HERE for the Start of 2022 SLSD Health Alert.

We are looking forward to another great school year!  We appreciate your partnering with our schools to make both our district and community the absolute best!

Please pack your patience, during the first week as we welcome the largest enrollment in school district history! Traffic, especially on the central campus at both arrival and dismissal is always tricky week one. By week two, routines are established and much smoother. Principals will put out their plan for car riders and queuing in the very near future. Again, please be patient week one and drive safely.

Here’s to an AWESOME 2022/23! Go CATS!

John C. Hamstra
Superintendent
Southwest Local Schools