A Message from the Superintendent

"Seward - Every Student, Every Day, A Success"

Welcome to the School District of Seward's Annual Report. Seward offers an excellent education for all students and the district mission statement above characterizes what happens in our classrooms every day.

The 2005-2006 annual report provides a snapshot of the school district and information about various programs and services for the students of our district. It is a glimpse of the progress our schools continue to make and it will help you see how well our school is meeting state and federal expectations on student performance and school quality. We use student assessment and program evaluation data to improve curriculum, instruction, school climate, organization and management to advance student learning - continuous improvement.

Preparing all students for success after graduation is the overriding goal of the district, which may be described as "21st century skills," and also as work and postsecondary readiness. A "Good to Great" committee made up of community members, school staff and administrators, and board members developed the groundwork for the graduate expectations. That document is included in the annual report.

Instruction is the essential domain of the classroom teachers and using research based best practices is an ongoing concentration and critical part of the improvement plans in our district, across curricular areas and grade levels. This is one of the most effective ways to improve achievement of ALL students. Best practices are research-based instructional strategies that are most effective and equitable in increasing improved student learning. We are excited about our focus on the teaching and learning process. The most important factor in student achievement, above and beyond any other, is the quality of the teacher in the classroom and their focus on effective instructional strategies for all children.

Another critical piece in improving the learning of all students is the curriculum. Standards are not the ceiling for achievement, but the floor. The essential knowledge and skills have been identified. All staff are working to see that this curriculum is taught and assessed frequently -- as part of the regular instructional process in the classroom. It is essential to focus on literacy goals for learning for all students. Reading, writing and vocabulary are keys to learning in all subjects, they advance student achievement, and they assist students in advancing in our information-based society.

While recognizing that our children need to be successful on state and local assessments, we understand that our programs need to go beyond that. Our curriculum and instruction is standards-based, and while we consider our district to be a standards-based organization, we want to ensure that learning is both challenging and fun. We focus on maintaining safe learning environments, continually striving to improve our comprehensive educational system.

The report card provides information about how well our district is doing, where it is succeeding, and where there is room for improvement. It is part of a comprehensive system of accountability and also allows us to reflect on the accomplishment of our staff and students in the District. I am always impressed and continually encouraged by the efforts of faculty, staff, and administration to devote their energy and talents to the success of our children. We are very proud of our school and the dedicated teachers and administrators of the district, and most of all, our students.
Thank You

On behalf of the Seward board of education, administration, and staff, we would like to thank all parents and patrons who serve on committees, help with Booster Club and PTO activities, and all who give of their time and talents to our school district and children.

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