From the desk of Matt Geha, Superintendent of Springfield Schools

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  • Visitors to our administration building are always impressed by the talents of our student-artists. Each month, our art teachers share student work, which is displayed in our lobby. Pictured are two of the Polz students who popped in with their mother, Shannon, for a quick peek at their work.
    Visitors to our administration building are always impressed by the talents of our student-artists. Each month, our art teachers share student work, which is displayed in our lobby. Pictured are two of the Polz students who popped in with their mother, Shannon, for a quick peek at their work.

    And, Just Like That …

    Before I hit “send” to forward the column I had written for your review this week, I received a pretty exciting message that deserves to be the “lead-off” to this message. If you’re thinking it might be about how amazing the SPS Prom and After Prom was–well, you’re close, but we think this may even top that feat. The message that appeared in my mailbox on May 2 announced Springfield High School has earned high national and metro-area rankings in 2022 Best High Schools, which U.S. News released recently. Check out the U.S. News profile page, with details about its rankings: usnews.com/education /best-high-schools/ohio/ districts/springfieldlocal/springfield-highschool-15603. By earning a national ranking in the top 40 percent, SHS achieved status as a U.S. News Best High School and gained eligibility to display a U.S. News-trademarked 2022 Best High Schools award badge. How about that?

    As this message was being written, I could count the days remaining in the 2021- 22 school year on a combination of my fingers and toes. While there are some who may feel this school year has lasted an eternity, there are many more who feel as though time deserves a speeding ticket. SHS is celebrating the accomplishments of the 306 members of the Class of 2022; Springfield Middle School eighth grade teachers will wipe away tears as their students leave to begin their high school careers; our fifth grade teachers will watch students who first stepped into their school at age five emerge ready for middle school, and our elementary school teachers will continue their year-long preparation for our newly reconfigured schools.

    It’s busy everywhere, and I am sure your homes are equally active because, afterall, your family is probably involved in one or more of these end-of-the-year activities. With that in mind, I’ll keep this message short. However, I do want to thank everyone for your continued support of our students and staff. There are a lot of “appreciation” activities taking place that are planned and executed by our parents and community members. These mean more to us than words can ever express, as do the encouraging notes, emails and treats that find their way to our workplaces.