Dear Attica Central School District Community,
As we move through the month of January, I want to take a moment to reflect on our shared commitments as a school community and highlight the meaningful work taking place across our district.
Earlier this month, we observed Martin Luther King Jr. Day. This national holiday, established by President Ronald Reagan in 1983, is a time to honor Dr. King’s enduring legacy of service, courage and leadership.
His belief that “everybody can be great because everybody can serve” resonates deeply within our educational community. Leadership in education is not confined to a title - it’s demonstrated daily through intentional actions grounded in a shared commitment to ensuring every student has the opportunity to reach their fullest potential. As educators, we have an important role to play in leading with purpose and modeling the values we hope to instill in our students.
In alignment with our Strategic Plan commitments and action steps, I’m proud to share that during our Superintendent’s Conference Day on Jan. 23, more than 35 faculty and staff members participated in mental health first aid training. This important professional learning opportunity helped equip staff with the skills to recognize signs of mental health challenges, offer initial support and connect individuals with professionals within our school community who can help.
One of our strategic plan commitments is to ensure that all faculty and staff are trained in this vital area and this recent training was an important step toward strengthening student and staff well-being across our district.
I’m also pleased to share that our Middle School Fresh Connection Club was awarded the Excellence in Student Services Award by the Genesee Valley School Boards Association, in conjunction with our Legislative Leadership Day on January 24. The Fresh Connection Club focuses on helping students build meaningful connections to healthy food, their local community, and practical life skills through hands-on, experiential learning. This recognition highlights the innovative and student-centered programming taking place in our district and reflects our ongoing commitment to supporting the whole child.
Additionally, I recently had the opportunity to meet with the Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council at the High School, where students shared thoughtful ideas on promoting student well-being during the second semester. Their insights will help guide our continued efforts to build on our commitment to customizing the student learning experience, while enhancing student voice, choice, and creativity, particularly as it relates to student well-being. I am grateful for their leadership and for the important perspective they bring to our work.
As we look ahead, I am excited to see the activities and educational opportunities that will be provided for our high school students in the coming months. These experiences will continue to reflect our shared commitment to innovation, student-centered learning, and the overall development of the whole child.
Thank you for your continued support and partnership as we work together to empower, foster, and advance education for a brighter future.
Sincerely,
Dr. Kiel Illg
Superintendent of Schools