A message from the Superintendent

Dec. 15, 2011

Dear Seattle Public Schools families,

As we approach the holiday season and the end of 2011, I want to thank all of you for your continued commitment to your student’s education. At Seattle Public Schools, it is our goal to make sure every student graduates prepared for college, career and life. That work is not possible without you.

No other time of year finds neighbors and strangers alike so inclined to practice acts of kindness, goodwill and generosity. I am proud to say that I have witnessed and heard of a great number of philanthropic enterprises around Seattle Public Schools, many of them developed and organized by our students.

Despite our challenges this year, we have had a great number of accomplishments. Our students are making academic gains. In fact, Seattle Public Schools students outperformed the state average in every tested subject in Grades 3-8.

Our overall school performance is also increasing. Seattle schools are ranked by absolute performance and year-to-year growth from Level 1 (low) to Level 5 (high).

For the first time, we have two high schools ranked Level 5, and overall, 27 schools increased their level during the 2010-11 school year. We are working together and making progress.

I hope you all enjoy time with family and loved ones during the next few weeks, and we look forward to students returning to the classroom on Jan. 3, ready to begin a new calendar year and to finish the school year with enthusiasm. I look forward to the many opportunities we will have to celebrate our students’ successes in 2012.

I wish you all a safe and joyous holiday season.

Sincerely,


Susan


Susan Enfield, Ed.D.
Interim Superintendent
Seattle Public Schools