August 2022

Dear Families,

It is with a huge smile that I welcome everyone in Lyle to the 2022-23 school year. The start of each school year brings much excitement, energy, and perhaps even some trepidation.  We all feel this excitement in different ways. Students look forward to seeing friends, some of whom they may not have seen since June, and are excited about all that the new year will bring. Parents and guardians are thrilled to see their children off for the start of another successful school year, yet are amazed at how fast their children are growing.  Even staff members, re-energized from vacation and summer professional learning, may be trying to tame those nervous butterflies as the first day of school approaches.

Fall is a special time for those of us involved in public education because it allows us to develop new goals, build new relationships and embark upon new challenges. The goals this year will highlight both academic and social and emotional learning. While improving student achievement is of great importance to our mission, we know it is essential to focus on the social and emotional needs of our students as well. We are so lucky to have a supportive community and school team who value all students and encourage them as they reach their dreams and goals.

Please help me in welcoming our new teaching staff. Ian Monahan will be teaching K-12 music, Katie Layne is our new 2^nd grade teacher, and Ann Scott will be teaching secondary Art, CTE, and Computer Science. Also, Conor Ryan, who joined our team late last school year, will be returning as our Attendance and Reengagement Specialist.

We also have a few teachers that have moved positions within our building, so you’ll see familiar faces, in new places! Shelby Casey will be teaching middle school math, Jesika LaBryer has moved to teaching middle school science, Tim Foley is now our K-12 PE teacher, and Anna Seltzer has moved to teaching 5^th grade.

I continue to be honored to work with each of you, our Board of Directors, and our incredible team of educators as we work together to provide the best possible learning opportunity for Lyle students. Welcome back!

Sincerely,

Ann Varkados

Superintendent