Chatham Distance School

11 months ago, Superintendent

Dear Staff, Students, and Families, Warm Greetings and Happy Holidays! As we approach the end of another eventful year, I wanted to take a moment to express my gratitude for your unwavering support, dedication, and commitment to our school community. It is through the collective efforts of our exceptional staff, talented students, and supportive families that we have achieved incredible milestones together. The holiday season is a time for reflection, gratitude, and spreading joy. It is a time to cherish the moments spent with loved ones, celebrate our achievements, and look ahead to the opportunities that the coming year holds. As we embrace this festive season, I would like to extend my heartfelt appreciation to each and every one of you for your invaluable contributions to our school's success. In the upcoming year, our focus remains steadfast on providing a quality education for all students. We believe that every child deserves access to an education that nurtures their talents, cultivates their potential, and prepares them for a bright future. Our dedicated educators will continue to employ innovative teaching methods, create inclusive learning environments, and foster a love for lifelong learning among our students. One of our key objectives for the next year is to increase attendance rates. Regular attendance is vital for academic progress and personal growth. We will work collaboratively with families, students, and community partners to implement strategies that promote consistent attendance and address any barriers that may hinder students from being present in the classroom. By fostering a culture of punctuality and emphasizing the importance of being present, we can enhance the learning experience for all. Additionally, we are committed to raising achievement scores across all grade levels. Our talented and passionate teaching staff will continue to implement research-based instructional practices, personalized learning approaches, and targeted interventions to ensure that every student receives the support they need to succeed academically. We will closely monitor student progress, provide timely feedback, and offer additional resources to help them reach their full potential. Furthermore, we aim to increase enrollment and welcome more students into our educational community. We firmly believe that diversity enriches the learning experience and fosters a vibrant and inclusive school environment. By actively engaging with prospective families, partnering with community organizations, and showcasing the unique opportunities our school offers, we can attract a diverse range of students and create a stronger, more vibrant community. As we embark on this exciting journey together, I want to assure you that your voices, concerns, and aspirations are valued. We are committed to promoting open lines of communication, strengthening partnerships with families, and creating opportunities for meaningful engagement. Together, we can shape the future of our school and empower our students to become responsible global citizens. In closing, I would like to express my sincerest appreciation for your unwavering support and dedication. May this holiday season bring you joy, peace, and an abundance of cherished moments with your loved ones. Let us enter the new year with renewed enthusiasm, a shared vision, and an unwavering commitment to providing a quality education for all. Happy holidays and warm wishes for a prosperous New Year! Sincerely, Superintendent Ralph Watkins

11 months ago, Superintendent

Please take a few minutes and provide your input for the 2023-2024 school calendar. There are 3 calendar options open for consideration. One is a more traditional calendar with school starting in mid August and ending in May. A second calendar option has school starting in early September and ending at the end of May. A final calendar has school starting in August and includes an extended Winter break. https://www.chathamsd.org/page/calendar-survey

over 1 year ago, Superintendent

Congratulations to Chatham 1st grader Ry Soder, whose stop-gap animation movie "Cretaceous Period" won the iDida contest at the ASTE Conference in Anchorage! Watch the movie here: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1sWe6rFR0Wrd-3aHdG6731t8QQHjTiRyX/view?usp=sharing

over 1 year ago, Chatham Correspondence Program

Red, orange and yellow sky with the title "Cretaceous Period: A stop-motion film by Ry Soder"

Today was the first day of Strategic Planning. Representatives from each of the district's four communities participated in today's session. The focus of today was the development of the district's mission and vision statement.