MSD OF DECATUR TOWNSHIP

Dear Decatur Township Families,

As we move into the month of February, we have entered a period of time in the school year until spring break when there are few, planned interruptions to the school calendar. We have hopefully experienced the worst of the winter season as our daylight hours become longer. I would encourage you to work closely with your children’s teachers to maintain open lines of communication to help build and grow strong home-school relationships. When parents and teachers work together collaboratively, our students benefit tremendously!

As we celebrate Black History Month this February, I want to take a moment to reflect on the significance of this time of year and its importance within our school community. Black History Month is a time for all of us to honor the achievements and contributions of Black individuals throughout history. At Decatur Township Schools, we are committed to providing our students with opportunities to learn about and appreciate the diverse experiences that have shaped our nation. We believe that fostering a rich understanding of history helps cultivate empathy, critical thinking, and a sense of shared responsibility.

Read Across America Day is on February 28th and Decatur Township Schools will be participating in activities again this year. Read Across America Day is a nationwide initiative that promotes the joy of reading and encourages a lifelong love of books and learning. It also honors the birthday of Dr. Seuss, one of America’s most beloved authors, whose stories have sparked the imaginations of children for generations.

We believe that reading is not just about learning to decode words—it’s about developing curiosity and critical thinking skills. It helps our students explore new worlds, ideas, and perspectives, while also building the foundation for academic success. Whether it’s Dr. Seuss books, picture books, or any of your child’s favorite stories, there are countless ways to share the joy of reading as a family.

As a school district, we are focused on the Science of Reading. This approach is based on decades of research into how the brain learns to read and provides a structured, evidence-based framework to help all students become successful readers. As you know, reading is a foundational skill that supports students' academic success in every subject. The Science of Reading emphasizes a comprehensive, systematic approach that includes phonemic awareness, phonics, fluency, vocabulary, and reading comprehension. By using research-backed strategies, we are committed to ensuring that every student has the tools they need to become confident, proficient readers in elementary school.

We recognize that reading is not only about mastering words, but also about fostering a love of learning and encouraging students to engage with a variety of texts, ideas, and perspectives. We encourage you to support your child’s reading development at home by practicing reading together regularly and exploring different types of books.

In this month’s newsletter, you will also find information about the need for more substitute teachers in our school district. We partner with Kelly Services to help fill our substitute positions each day. If you are interested in becoming more involved in Decatur Township Schools as a substitute teacher, please see the information below. If you are interested in a regular position within the school district, please visit our website at https://www.decaturproud.org/hr/job-postings .

Thank you for your continued support as we Prepare Students to be Tomorrow Ready!

Dr. Scott Collins

Superintendent

MSD of Decatur Township