Dear Catasauqua Area School District stakeholder,

I would like to take this opportunity near the end of our school year to share some thoughts and invite you to provide input regarding the recent e-learning experience and share ideas for the upcoming 2020-21 school year.

We are already planning for next school year and are excited to incorporate your needs and ideas. I request you complete the survey, titled CASD 2020-2021 Planning Survey, by June 5. We will use this information to formulate plans for next year. Considering the various needs of our families, I remain committed to offer numerous options for our students and families, including virtual (e-learning), full day, blended and other scenarios, all managed by our local educators and specialists.

Congratulations to our Catasauqua High School Class of 2020! This class of Rough Riders has experienced a senior year like no other. As President Teddy Roosevelt, the original Rough Rider said, “It is only through labor and painful effort, by grim energy and resolute courage, that we move on to better things.”

You have displayed courage, honor and integrity as you completed your senior year, creating new ways to share your accomplishments and remain connected. I am extremely proud of you as you move on to bigger things.

Thank you to our board of school directors, teachers, administrators, essential staff and all others for their support in designing and delivering the CASD online learning program and serving our community this spring. Our community partners, school resource officers and CASD employee volunteers have served thousands of meals to students and families, provided counseling and mental health services and countless other necessary needs since March. I feel truly blessed to be a part of the CASD and am humbled by the outpouring of love and support for those in need, in true Rough Rider fashion!

All CASD students and their families have risen to the challenge of learning in a new format and have exceeded our expectations in participating in interactive lessons and meaningful activities. I truly appreciate the dedication and importance you have placed on learning during this time.

As we move forward through the unknown, please know the board of school directors, administration and teaching staff will work diligently to include your needs as we design the 2020-21 program. Again, please participate in the CASD 2020-21 Planning Survey in order to begin the process. I urge you to continue your CASD education and not be lured into other programs, advertised to provide high-quality programming. Achievement data proves the vast majority of other options do not provide the high-quality programming and achievement your local school district provides, not to mention the availability of blended programming and readily available local specialists like counselors and behavioral/mental health professionals. We will keep you informed as we progress through the planning process.

Thank you so very much for your input and commitment to CASD. I truly appreciate it.

Sincerely,

Robert J. Spengler

CASD superintendent