A Welcome Back-to-School Note From Sayville's School Chief

As the new school year beckons next week, Patch asked local school chiefs to pen a letter welcoming students back to the schools and discuss any challenges and goals ahead.

Here is Sayville Superintendent Dr. Walter Schartner's note.

An Open Letter to Sayville Parents and Students:

Dear Sayville Community,

I am in awe of the accomplishments of our students.

To name just a few:

• At the Class of 2012 Commencement, we learned that over 3 million dollars in scholarships were earned by our students in all areas of study and community service.
• Our Sayville Athletic program has garnered State, League, and County championships in a variety of sports, and for the fourth consecutive year, every one of our varsity teams earned recognition as a scholar-athlete team! This is indeed an extraordinary accomplishment.
• Our Middle School has again received the prestigious designation of Essential Elements: School to Watch, National School of Excellence.
• Our grade-school students continue to perform well in science, geography, writing, and spelling contests. Already at this elementary level, many of these students have earned recognition for their community service.

These successes are a tribute to the entire community. While, Sayville parents, teachers, and school administrators have the most direct impact on our children, we are grateful to the Sayville Community and Downtown for their involvement in student achievements. Thanks to the generous support and encouragement of the Sayville community, our graduating seniors have received scholarship money in amounts that increase every year.

This also is an extraordinary accomplishment by our Community and Downtown.

Let us be generous in return. Once again, I encourage all to shop our downtown. Use the Patch.com business directory to find a service provider that is local.  We need to stay together and remain focused on the ultimate goal—the continued success of our students.

Despite these difficult times in education—New York State and the federal government continue to add unfunded mandates for school districts; State Aid is still below the level of 3 years ago; and we are regulated by a tax levy cap—we will continue to strive to offer the same opportunities for our students while working within these constraints. Together, we can work for a bright future for our students.

Walter F. Schartner, EdD

Dr. Walter F. Schartner

Superintendent

Sayville Public Schools