 If you’ve had an opportunity to attend a Sweet Home graduation at UB’s Center for the Arts, you know that it is a marvelous experience. It’s my personal favorite each school year. Also known as “Commencement exercises,” June 25th was the day that the Class of 2010 completed its thirteen-year journey together and began the next phase of their young lives. The student speeches that evening voiced themes of reflection
on years together, pride in their accomplishments and anticipation for what life holds for them in the years ahead. As they walked across the stage to receive their diplomas, they literally and figuratively were making the transition from one phase of their life to another.
As always, graduation was an emotionally charged night for the students and their families. This year, it also served as a sort of metaphor for the District. After eight years of strong leadership, Geoff Hicks left the District to take advantage of an opportunity to lead the Arlington School District outside Poughkeepsie. Geoff’s tenure was marked by a resolute desire to build a culture of high expectations and continuous improvement for students and staff alike. Many initiatives were begun that facilitated the District’s growth and helped our students to learn and achieve to higher levels. As Mr. Hicks’ tenure closed, I was honored by the Board of Education with my appointment last month to serve as the next Superintendent of the Sweet Home Schools. Much like our graduates, this opportunity has
prompted me to reflect upon what our District has accomplished and look forward to the challenges we face in the years ahead.
During the past seven years, I have worked closely with each school in an effort to implement the Sweet Home vision for excellence. I am very proud of what we have been able to accomplish as a District. Our students have learned more and their achievement has steadily improved. Our staff has also learned more and has shaped its practice to improve their craft. Like our graduates, I eagerly await the opportunity to help guide the District’s efforts in the years ahead. We’ll face several challenges- changing expectations for our students and a struggling economy that will demand us to remain fiscally responsible to our community. Like our graduates, we’ll set high goals for ourselves and step forward.
At one point during the selection process, I was asked, “Why are you interested in serving as Superintendent of Sweet Home?” I responded with several important reasons. I started with the Board of Education. These seven individuals are absolutely student-centered and committed to excellence. They are a veteran team that works well together. Another important factor is the strength of our faculty and staff. They seek excellence in their students and operate within a culture of teamwork and professional learning. Additionally, the Sweet Home community has been highly supportive of our efforts throughout the years. Community members contribute to our success in many ways each day and have provided the financial support we need to obtain the resources to help our children. Most importantly, the
Sweet Home students are the very best. It was our kids that endeared me most when I came to Sweet Home in 1996 and they remain the reason for my work today.
I am thankful to the Board of Education for the opportunity to continue our work and am excited to lead the next chapter of Sweet Home’s history. This coming school year marks the 60th anniversary of the District’s inception. As we pass this milestone, we will look to make Sweet Home schools an even better place for kids. We’ll support them in producing original work that will help them master important content. We’ll ask them to apply that knowledge to solve authentic tasks that will foster thinking skills and habits of mind needed in today’s dynamic world. We’ll continue our efforts to make parents and the community partners in the process. We’ll raise the bar of expectations so that our students will learn more and emerge from their own graduation prepared for success in
college, the job market or the armed forces. Finally, we’ll also raise expectations for all the adults. Certainly, one doesn’t happen without the other.
Schooling and education are more important now than ever before. The knowledge and skill our kids acquire are critical in preparing them to take their place in the world into which they’ll graduate. I stand ready to continue the growth of an organization committed to excellence and prepared to do whatever is necessary to meet the needs of our students, parents and community.
I am delighted to serve the Sweet Home community as its next Superintendent. Our District has a rich history with much to be proud of. As it “commences” the next phase of that history, I pledge my commitment and dedication to making Sweet Home the best it can be. Please know as we begin our work, I seek your thoughts, ideas and questions. Please feel free to call or email me should you ever have a question or concern.
Anthony J. Day became Superintendent of Schools on July 1, 2010 succeeding Mr. Geoffrey M. Hicks who left the district to become Superintendent of Schools of Arlington Central School District in Poughkeepsie, NY. Prior to becoming Superintendent, Mr. Day served as Sweet Home' Assistant Superintendent of Instruction for eight years. Mr. Day can be reached at 250-1402 or aday@shs.k12.ny.us.
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