A Letter From D-S Public Schools Superintendent Spriggs

Dear Dover and Sherborn Community Members:

Summer is drawing to a close and on August 31, 2011, the Dover Sherborn Public Schools’ doors will open to welcome all students back to school. Bus schedules will be posted on the school district’s web site and printed in the Dover Sherborn Press on August 25, 2011. In preparation for the new school year, I thought this would be an opportune time to share a few updates and newsworthy happenings.

The Dover Sherborn Public Schools are members of two collaborative - The Education Collaborative (TEC) and ACCEPT.  Both are recognized as excellent state models.  Of note, TEC was the first of the state collaboratives to successfully participate in the recently launched audit process developed and conducted by the Department of Elementary and Secondary Education.  Both collaboratives provide savings in special education programs and transportation, coupled with collective purchasing capability with natural resources, instructional materials, and athletic equipment.

Administrators and instructional leaders have recruited talented, highly qualified teachers and support staff.  Pine Hill Elementary School welcomes a skilled and experienced Assistant Principal.  The Middle and High School welcome new faculty to teach French, Chemistry, English, Chinese, Chorus, Art, and Health and Physical Education.    The new hires meet the standards of excellence so well established by our sitting faculty and administration.

The Regional School Committee and the Superintendent met with member towns’ finance committees to debrief the budget process and to define procedures for budget building moving forward.  As the school districts function as three separate entities, there are complex issues involved.  All participants are committed to improving the budget process.

This year the Superintendent’s goals include implementing and publishing the Strategic Direction, reviewing K-12 special education and IT department staffing configurations which are currently separated by district.  We will continue to identify instructional and operational aspects of the school system through which greater efficiency can be realized. 

For the Dover Sherborn sports enthusiast, the DS Raiders welcome new coaches sure to add to an anticipated exciting season.   The DS Raiders are preparing for a season of great sportsmanship, team building, and memorable athletic accomplishment.

The fine arts promise another year of great performances, concerts, and visual art programs to be showcased for all members of our communities.  Be prepared as students’ talents on stage and in the studios are nothing short of exceptional!

Thank you for your continued support and for the school pride so prominently displayed throughout Dover and Sherborn. 

Valerie G.Spriggs

Superintendent of Schools