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Superintendent's Message

Special Thank You to the South Lake Community for Passing the August Bond

Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow

 

With less than a month before school starts, the district is buzzing with activity.  There is great anticipation for the start of the school year as the facilities teams are actively cleaning and preparing the buildings and grounds.  The coaches and band leaders are working with athletes and band members; our teachers and staff members are preparing for Tuesday, September 5, 2023, our first day of school. 

 

Special thanks to our community for passing the August Bond Proposal!  South Lake Schools has had a strong partnership between the district and our community members, including our parents, business owners, and seniors.  We appreciate your support and trust as we create a vibrant learning environment for our students, staff, and community.  Quality programs and facilities of excellence are the result of your ongoing support. 

 

South Lake Schools has also been thriving and busy during June and July.  Our students and staff completed a successful summer learning session.  Across the country, COVID disrupted the learning process for many students and families.  As a result, the summer months are critical times for student growth and development.  South Lake Schools prepares students to Learn Today, Lead Tomorrow, every month of the year! 

 

South Lake Schools has three points of emphasis for the 2023/24 school year.

 

  • Every student will be encouraged to build strong, healthy relationships: We work to help every SLS student connect and engage academically and through strong extra-curricular programs such as in the arts, robotics, or athletics.  Strong relationships energize students and help them overcome feelings of isolation that often occur in a social media culture.
  • With high expectations and accountability, every student will be challenged to achieve their potential: Research shows that high expectations lead to increased achievement. Accountability celebrates success and provides mentoring and feedback leading to positive growth and change.
  • Every child learns, leads, and succeeds! As students learn and achieve, they are empowered to become leaders, both in school and in life. South Lake graduates make a difference locally and globally. 

 

See below for important information regarding the start of the 2023/24 school year.

 

  • Building start and end times are new for the 2023/24 school year.
  •       South Lake High School 7:45 AM – 2:45 PM
  •       South Lake Middle School 8:05 AM – 3:05 PM
  •       Elmwood Elementary School 8:25 AM – 3:25 PM
  •       Avalon Elementary School 8:45 AM – 3:45 PM
  • SLS will continue to provide transportation for elementary, middle, and high school students.
  • SLS is dedicated to accelerating learning for every student so they can reach their potential. This will include quality grade-level instruction for all students and strong supports to meet each student’s emotional, physical, and academic needs.
  • SLS has continued the protocols of daily cleaning and disinfecting.
  • SLS has maintained all HVAC equipment and all air filters have been replaced on a quarterly schedule to ensure that schools and classrooms have air flow that meets all guidelines from local and state authorities.
  • SLS will continue our 1:1 technology program with every student issued an iPad to help increase engagement and academic success. In lieu of a mandatory technology fee for the 2023/24 school year, the district will no longer issue charging equipment to students.  Charging equipment is available for purchase through SLS at a reduced rate ($8.00/brick, $13.00/cable).    
  • Optional iPad insurance is available for a $25.00 fee per device. This optional coverage covers up to 1 incident of damage to the device and/or case.  Insurance does not cover the device if it is lost or stolen. 
  • Families can purchase charging equipment and/or pay for device insurance at e-Funds for Schools.   
  • Avalon Elementary School Kindergarten Welcome Event will be from 5:00 – 6:00 PM on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
  • Avalon Elementary School (Grades 1st and 2nd) and Elmwood Elementary School Open Houses will be from 5:00 – 6:30 PM on Wednesday, August 30, 2023.
  • South Lake Middle School Orientation (6th Grade AM, 7th/8th Grade PM) will be on Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
  • South Lake High School Cavalier Days (9:00 AM – Noon, 2:00 PM – 6:00 PM) will be on Monday, August 28th and Tuesday, August 29, 2023.
  • South Lake High School Open House will be at 6:00 PM on Monday, September 11, 2023.
  • South Lake Middle School Curriculum Night will be at 6:00 PM on Thursday, September 14, 2023.

 

At South Lake, the partnership between the community and our schools makes both stronger.

 

As always, the District calendar is available on our website at Calendars.   Bell schedules are available at Bell Schedules on the District main page or at your child’s school website.  Please do not hesitate to contact your building administrator if you have questions about the start of school.  We are here to help your child succeed! 

 

We will continue to update you on information important to your child’s success. Thank you for your support as together we create a positive environment where every child learns, leads, and succeeds!

  

Theodore Von Hiltmayer

Superintendent