Akron Connected 11/8/24
November 8, 2024
Swim Program Returns to ACS
After more than a decade, Akron Central School District is thrilled to dive back into offering swim instruction as part of our Physical Education curriculum. This fall, our 4th and 5th-grade students took to the water with excitement and their progress has been nothing short of remarkable.
Running from October 18th to November 13th, the program offered nine swim classes to all 4th and 5th graders, with a focus on water safety, swim skills, and building confidence in the pool. Students learned essential techniques such as front crawl, rhythmic breathing, and even diving. They also completed a swim test to assess and celebrate their progress.
“The fourth and fifth grade students are doing an amazing job in swim class!” said Mrs. Schukraft, one of our enthusiastic Physical Education teachers. “The students are making great strides, and their confidence in the water is improving with each class. Students are eager to learn new skills and have become stronger swimmers throughout the unit. I'm excited that the students have had this opportunity, as swimming is such a valuable life skill. It's been a fantastic experience for the students and they’ve had a blast being in the pool.”
The excitement doesn’t stop there! Starting December 2nd, our middle school students in grades 6-8 will have the chance to participate in their own swim unit. This addition ensures that more students benefit from the valuable skills and confidence that come with learning to swim.
ACS is proud to provide this life-saving and life-enriching skill to our students. We look forward to seeing our swimmers grow and thrive in the water as this program continues to expand!
Join Akron Schools’ Strategic Planning Process
Akron Central Schools is currently in the third year of our current three-year Strategic Plan - and we are excited to engage with our community to shape the next chapter! Strategic planning is an essential process for setting priorities, improving services, and ensuring we meet the needs of all students. With your insights and collaboration, we can continue to enhance the educational experience for every student in our district.
This year, we’re proud to partner with BOCES to guide this work. Together, we are gathering valuable feedback through surveys, focus groups, and committee meetings, with a commitment to inclusivity and transparency. By gathering data from various perspectives—students, parents, staff, and community members—we aim to understand diverse experiences and identify clear priorities.
The process began on October 23 with the launch of a community survey using a unique Thought Exchange Interview format. Unlike traditional surveys, participants’ responses remain private, and artificial intelligence generates follow-up questions to dig deeper into key themes. This approach ensures a more honest and comprehensive understanding of what works well in our district and areas where we can grow.
The survey also sought to gauge respondents' feelings around our district’s progress toward the goals of our current strategic plan in the areas of:
Communication practices
Fostering an inclusive community
Tailoring learning opportunities to students’ individual interests, strengths, and needs
Next Steps:
Strategic Planning Committee Meetings: This committee will comprise of a variety of stakeholders, once again including students, parents, staff, and community members. Beginning December 4th, the committee will meet five times throughout the school year. The first meeting will focus on analyzing feedback and setting goals, while subsequent meetings will dive into specific priority areas and action planning. Anyone interested in being a part of this work should contact Mrs. Danielle Hawkins, Director of Curriculum & Instruction, at (716)542-5065.
Thank you to all who have participated in the process thus far, either by completing the survey or engaging with a focus group. We believe that the strength of our Strategic Plan lies in the voices of those it serves. Your input is vital, and we invite all parents and community members to stay involved throughout the process.
Thank you for helping Akron Schools grow as #OneAkron, One Family! Together, we can create a future full of opportunity and success for every student.
At Akron Central Schools, we believe parent and community involvement is key to our students' success. Your feedback helps us create meaningful opportunities that meet the needs of our families. We’re planning upcoming workshops and would love to hear from you!
Below you'll see the descriptions of some workshops that we believe can be valuable to our community. Let us know what you think by sharing your input in the quick live poll below. Together, we can make a difference!
Artificial Intelligence in Education
Discover how AI can enhance learning, support teachers and parents, and create new opportunities for students.Healthy Meal Prep for Families
A fun, hands-on parent-child activity focused on preparing nutritious, delicious meals together.Finding Balance with Technology at Home
Learn strategies to manage screen time, set content safeguards, and create a tech-healthy household.Supporting Students with Anxiety
Gain tools and insights to help your child manage anxiety and build resilience.
Exploring AI's Impact on Education by Heather Cayea
As a school board member, I recently had the opportunity to attend the NYSSBA Conference in New York City. A key focus of the conference was the growing influence of AI on educational practices.
One unique opportunity was meeting SOPHIA, an AI-powered humanoid robot. SOPHIA's insightful conversation about the future of education left a lasting impression, highlighting the potential for AI to personalize learning and enhance teaching methods.
Another highlight was the keynote address by author and educational strategist Dan Fitzpatrick. His presentation, "The AI Classroom: Refining Education for a Transformative Future," provided valuable insights into how AI can be harnessed to create more engaging and effective learning experiences. Fitzpatrick emphasized the importance of ethical considerations and responsible AI implementation in the classroom.
While AI offers exciting possibilities, it also raises valid concerns. We discussed the need for data privacy safeguards, the potential for algorithmic bias, and the importance of maintaining human connection in education. As a school board member, I am committed to ensuring that AI is used responsibly and ethically in our district. By carefully considering the potential benefits and risks, we can leverage AI to improve student outcomes and prepare our children for the future.
Anatomy of District Goal Setting by Ryan Allen
This school year, the Board of Education has been working to create goals that support the District's long-term strategic plan. We aim to empower students to have a greater voice and expand elective opportunities.
At the NYSBBA Education Conference in NYC, I attended a session called “Anatomy of District Goal Setting.” The main focus was on effective leadership strategies to drive continuous improvement. This is the foundation of goal setting.
