The Fairfield County School District and Superintendent Dr. Samantha Ingram sent a letter to parents this week reporting on the results at the end of the year and looking ahead to what would be taking place next school year.

‘Because of your commitment and support to excellence this year, we have already some short-term wins. For example, on the state-mandated End of Course Exams, student achievement increased from 39% to 47% of students passing all tests. This is the first step of our journey in pursuing excellence,’ the letter says.

Ingram continues by stating that she and the staff have been committed As the superintendent, I want to ensure you that my staff and I have been committed to improving community involvement and will continue with that commitment. Throughout this year, my staff and I have worked diligently to involve all stakeholders in the business of educating our youth. Listed below are just a few of the initiatives we implemented to improve community involvement:

‘Over the last 11 months, I have visited over 25 churches to communicate the vision of the Fairfield County School District and to cncouragc community involvcmcnt. In addition, we have conducted over 50 parental/community activities to improve community involvement.

‘In August 2007, parents, community leaders, business and industry members were invited to participate in a Back-to-School rally. Over 250 parents and community members participated in the event that included parent training, community vendors, teen workshops, Superintendent March, school supplies and door prizes.

‘From July 2007-February 2008, eight community meetings were conducted with nearly 400 citizens to develop strategic plan for Fairfield County School District.

‘These meetings allowed district staff[ to develop a shared vision with the community to build a better future for the students of Fairfield County School Oistrict.

‘In January 2008, elected officials, community leaders. business and industry members were invited to participate in a tour of the school district. This tour consisted of a district sponsored bus trip revealing some of the new 2007-2008 school initiatives.

‘On June 4, 2008, a Question and Answer Forum with the 2008 Democratic a.nd Republican candidates was held to address public education. Over 60 citizens attended the event and received vital informatIon regarding the candidates' views on public education.’

The letter says the district also plans a series of community meetiungs in the next three months:

June 26, 6 p.m. at Fairfield Central;

July 15, noon at McCrorey-Liston;

July 15, 6 p.m. at McCrorey-Liston;

July 24, 6 p.m. at Fairfield Central and

August 9, 8:30 a.m. a Back to School Rally at Fairfield Central.

The letter concludes, ‘lastly, please stay tuned for the End-of-Year Report (progress report) that will be distributed in July 2008. In closing, I want to thank you for a great school year. We look forward to building on the standards of excellence for a successful 2008-2009 school year.’