Superintendent's Corner

Superintendent's Corner

RCS Update from Superintendent Dr. Tracy R. Reed

It is hard to believe we are at the end of the school year. It seems like just yesterday we were welcoming more than 7,000 students and staff on the first day of school. However, that was August and we are now headed into June.

A lot has happened in the months in between. We have experienced challenges, but, more importantly, we have also experienced achievement and growth in milestones tied to the District’s strategic plan.
 
  • There was more than a year’s growth in English Language Arts for students in grades 7-12. 
  • We are closing gaps in third and fourth grade math and fifth grade science between District performance and state performance. 
  • Full day kindergarten pilots at two elementary buildings made gains well above the national average. Their growth in math and reading was in the 62nd percentile as compared to our half-day programs that showed growth below the national average at the 37th percentile.
  • This year’s chronic absentee rate was down by 10% from last school year. 
 
This week, 539 seniors received their diplomas. The class included 58 valedictorians and six students who also received their associate degrees from college. They have also been offered more than $9 million in college scholarships.  
 
I don’t want to get too far ahead and rush into next year, but there are a few items I want to make sure to pass along. During the summer, there will be plenty of activity to prepare for all-day kindergarten districtwide, moving fifth grade classes back to elementary buildings, and changing Waggoner Road Middle School to an elementary school. School supply lists will be out soon, and parents who have applied for an intra-district transfer opportunity will receive information in August. 
 
I encourage parents to take advantage of enrichment opportunities available to students. There is a list of resources on the website at reyn.org/announcements. The list includes several summer reading programs. Reading while school is out is so important to young readers of all ages to keep their reading skills sharp. Plus, the reading challenges at places such as the public library are a lot of fun! 
 
There are many events in the community this summer for families to enjoy, including:
  • Reynoldsburg Juneteenth Celebration, Saturday, June 17, 2023, 9 a.m.-4 p.m. at Huber Park
  • Pride Celebration, Saturday, June 24, 2023, 4 - 8 p.m. at Huber Park
  • Independence Day Celebration, July 3, 2023, 6 - 10 p.m. at Civic Park
  • Reynoldsburg Tomato Festival, August 10-12 at Huber Park
May you and your family have a restful, relaxing summer.

Dr. Tracy R. Reed
Superintendent
Reynoldsburg City Schools
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