Superintendent's Message
At Cheektowaga-Sloan, we are committed to maintaining our vision of Educating the Whole Child where our focus is on developing the intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development of every child. Our mission is to foster an environment where all students feel valued, engaged, and supported in their learning journey.
Grounded in Restorative Practices from PreK through 12th grade, we emphasize the importance of building strong and healthy relationships, promoting accountability, and cultivating a sense of community within each of our schools. We believe that when students feel a sense of belonging, respected and empowered, they are more likely to thrive both in and outside of the classroom. We believe in the importance of Restorative Circles and have dedicated time each day in all schools to ensure that Circles are taking place. This valuable time allows students and adults to connect and form genuine relationships which we have found leads to greater academic, social and emotional success in school and at home.
We are beyond proud and honored to have been selected to share our work in Restorative Practices. This past October 2024, Assistant Superintendent Janelle Finn and I delivered a presentation in New York City at the New York State School Boards (NYSSBA) Annual State Conference and we also delivered a presentation this past November 2024 at the Erie County Association of School Boards (ECASB) SpeedBoarding Event in West Seneca, NY. We are thrilled to be able to share our successful work and assist other school districts as they begin the process of incorporating Restorative Practices into their schools.
We set the following ambitious goals for the 2024-2025 school year and it has been our commitment to ensure we are meeting or exceeding our goals so that we continue to improve our District and support our students' growth:
- School Environment: We are committed to creating a safe, inclusive, positive and welcoming environment where every student can succeed. This year, we are eagerly awaiting the groundbreaking of our Beautification Capital Project, which will bring significant updates to our District facilities. This includes a new state-of-the-art multipurpose turf field at JFK Middle/High School, a modern concession stand, and new electronic signs at all schools. At Theodore Roosevelt and Woodrow Wilson, we will also be unveiling brand new, innovative playgrounds that will enhance outdoor learning and support a healthy lifestyle for our youngest learners.
- Active Student Involvement: We believe that student-centered teaching, active engagement and a focus on individual needs is the key to success. This year, we are focused on expanding opportunities for student leadership and active participation in the classroom, on the field, in various extracurricular opportunities, and in the community. We believe in providing chances for students to contribute their voice and ideas and take ownership of their learning.
- Student Feedback and Growth: We are focused on collecting meaningful data points to provide specific, relevant, and timely feedback to students. In order to accomplish this, we now have regular data meetings in all schools, we engage in action planning to differentiate instruction, and we have consistent meaningful conversations related to data.
Our vision of Educating the Whole Child will always be our priority along with providing opportunities for students that allow them to shine academically, emotionally, socially and physically in all that they do whether it be in the classroom, in athletic programs, in music and the arts, in extracurricular activities, in Restorative Circles, and in our community. Together with our families and community partners, we are creating an environment where every student can reach their fullest potential and become a thoughtful, compassionate, positive, respectful and independent student, leader, and member of society.
Thank you for your ongoing relationship and partnership with all of us here as we work together between home and school to educate all of our children.
Sincerely,
Andrea L. Galenski
Superintendent of Schools