It is hard to believe but I have actually heard it said that 'art is a waste of time and money". As the drive for measuring student achievement and a school's success is increasingly narrowed down to test performance, programs that provide avenues for student creativity are often targeted for budget cuts.  Humans are by nature creative and need an outlet for this type of expression. If you were able to attend the Art Show this past weekend in the High School Gym you would have seen clear examples of why art is so important. It would indeed be a dull world without the variety and diversity of artistic expression. We have a wonderful fine arts program here in Spring-Ford and if the Art Show is any indication at all, we also have many 'gifted students'. Thank you to all the teachers and students who have contributed to the world being a brighter place. If anything we need more fine arts programs, not less.

A highlight of my time here in Spring-Ford has been the opportunities I have had to attend extra curricular events such as band, chorus, theater/drama, and sporting events. The level of excellence in all these areas are enough to make any member of our community proud. Many of you know about the girls varsity basketball team winning the AAAA State Championship a few weeks ago. While their triumph is a reflection on Spring-Ford Area School District in general, I want to make a few comments about something that I saw with this team that makes them very special. Throughout the season, and especially into the playoffs, this team demonstrated a quality that you don't often see as clearly in many teams: Teamwork. That is a word that is often used but seldom is tested. For those of you that missed the semi-final game with Cardinal O'Hara, you missed something very special. Our girls exhibited the true depth at which they play as a team. As a team they were tested at a level that I have never seen before in High School sports. They demonstrated a depth of character that I will never forget. Thank You girls for a great season and a life lesson I will never forget.

I recently came across a very useful website dealing with college admissions/SAT scores/ACT scores, that I thought I might pass along to you. Having had three boys go to college I realize that it can sometimes be a maze of scores, applications, financial aid, and reference letters. Having a site like this would have been helpful to me. The site is:

http://collegeapps.about.com/od/sat/a/sat_side_x_side.htm


Another great resource is the Spring-Ford Area High School Guidance page. This page includes information about the Future Planning Center, located in the senior wing of the High School. Help is available to guide you through the college application/financial aid process. Information can be found at:

http://guidance.seniorhigh.spring-ford.net/modules/groups/integrated_home.phtml?&gid=2354153&sessionid=06d8e5f534e0c2b96a6db620733d62ec

In an effort to improve overall operations within the Spring-Ford Area School District we have started conducting periodic surveys to measure our effectiveness in several areas: Academic Preparation, Faculty Relations and Support, parent Engagement, Safety and Behavior, School Leadership, School Operations, Student Support and Technology. The teachers, parents, and students of Spring-Ford Area School District are invited to complete the School Climate on line survey following the Thanksgiving Break. All teachers will be sent an email invitation that includes a link to the survey. Parents who have provided the District with their email information will also be invited. A public link will be available on the school district website. Students are especially encouraged to participate via the website link YourVoice. Thank You in advance for your participation in helping Spring-Ford School District be the educational provider of choice for the Spring-Ford community.