Dear SPS Community,

I write this message on this, the winter solstice–the darkest day of the year. I am grateful for
the many celebrations of light and for the sparkle which children bring to our classrooms
every day. I am grateful for the many acts of generosity and kindness exhibited by our families,
children, staff, and the community as a whole. I am grateful for the untiring commitment of our
educators and school staffs who over the past few months and years have demonstrated
remarkable resilience and creativity. I am grateful for our town officials, elected and volunteer,
who work selflessly to ensure a safe and responsive learning environment for our students.
I am deeply concerned by the acts of hatred and prejudice which have been visited on our
neighboring towns.

I am deeply concerned by the physical and mental challenges we face as
we work to recover and heal from the pandemic and its impacts. I also know that many
families are facing complex challenges of their own. I acknowledge that SPS, like so many
districts across the Commonwealth, is also faced with a concerning fiscal forecast.

Despite these challenges, I am hopeful. Already there are more seconds and soon there will be
more minutes and hours of daylight. I truly believe that we are a community that does not
tolerate hate and will take all necessary actions to ensure that all are welcome and respected.
I truly believe that when faced with challenging issues, that we are a community that can agree
to respectfully disagree. I truly believe that ours is a community that puts children first and
recognizes that they will light the way to a brighter future.

Wishing you and yours a healthy and happy New Year,

Brad Crozier
Superintendent