March 22, 2024

Dear Batavia Families and Community,

As I reflect on the last couple of weeks since I wrote my last update, the following good news has been especially heartening as we slowly creep toward spring:

• Our art students and teachers have put on a fantastic art show at the Richmond Memorial Library—be sure to stop and visit. Tonight, we will celebrate those art students who will be receiving special recognition for their talents. Congratulations to our students and teachers.

• My guests this month on my monthly WBTA radio appearance were some dedicated students from John Kennedy who are participating in the JK Mentor Program under the guidance of counselors Eric Knapp and Michelle Nanni. As they spoke, I was impressed by their leadership and desire to serve their school. Bravo to Principal Paul Kesler and his crew on this remarkable program.

• Earlier this week, I celebrated with the Class of 2024 at our annual “100 Days to Graduation” event. I was struck by their enthusiasm and their ambitious and exciting post-BHS plans.

• It was an honor to participate in our annual Music in our Schools Concert last Thursday, as I was able to share the power of music in words captured by our students. Our groups sound amazing, and it was great fun for me to play a Duke Ellington tune with our faculty jazz band.

• Last night, I also attended and participated in Jackson School’s Family Reading Night, where other staff members joined me in reading a wonderful book to our families and children.

• It has been a long-standing tradition of mine as an administrator to have lunches with students, and I had an especially enjoyable lunch with some insightful students at Batavia Middle School, along with Principal Nate Korzelius. We discussed their ideas and suggestions, and I was especially pleased to hear these students say how much they enjoyed their teachers.

• The annual John Kennedy Paul Bunyan Pancake Breakfast took place earlier this morning. The enthusiasm for this annual science and technology event was contagious, and the pancakes were delicious—especially with extra syrup!

The Board of Education, District leadership, and I are continuing to fine-tune the proposed budget for the 24-25 school year and remain optimistic about fair and adequate funding from New York State.

This will be my last update until we return from Spring Break (March 29-April 8). By the way, I have finally caught the solar eclipse enthusiasm. I picked up my official pair of glasses from our local Chamber of Commerce and am currently scouting out events and programs to view this historic event.

Have a wonderful Spring Break with your family and loved ones!

Thank you for your continued support of our students.

Jason A. Smith

Superintendent of Schools
(585) 343-2480, ext 1000
jasonsmith@bataviacsd.org