Communications Archives

— MSD Updates on Recent Developments
 
 
May 2, 2023
 
Dear MSD Community: 
 
As I reflect on my first 90 days as the superintendent of MSD, I want to express my sincere appreciation for the support and trust you have shown me. During this time, I have actively engaged with various stakeholders, listened to feedback, and made operational decisions with the aim of taking MSD to new heights. Change is never easy, but it is necessary for us to adapt and evolve to meet the ever-changing needs of our school.
 
The first significant step in our transformation will involve changing the leadership in the role of the Frederick Campus Principal. After much reflection, Frederick Campus Principal Kevin Strachan has decided to step away from his current role to pursue new priorities in his life. He will be reassigned to a different position on the IEP team starting this summer. We are grateful for his contributions and service as the Frederick Campus Principal and interim superintendent, particularly during the challenging times of the past several years. We know he will continue to bring his expertise and dedication to his new role, and we wish him all the best in his future endeavors.
 
Mr. Strachan is committed to fulfilling his current role for the remainder of the school year, and he will continue to work with me on the transition during the summer. I will be working on posting the Frederick Campus Principal position, including a plan for the search and hiring process.
 
In the coming weeks, I will communicate other changes and key priorities that will occur in the next couple of months in preparation for the upcoming school year. This includes updates about the search process for the Frederick Campus Principal position. Additionally, as a follow-up to the listening sessions, I am looking into setting up informational sessions and town hall meetings to share key findings and takeaways with the school community.
 
I understand that this announcement comes during a busy time as we finish the school year, and I want to express my appreciation for your understanding and support. While change can be challenging, I remain committed and optimistic about MSD and the future it holds. Together we will embark on a new transformative direction for MSD. We will reaffirm our commitment to accountability and equity while also prioritizing efficiency. And we will create a more positive and inclusive learning environment for all students, families, and staff.
 
I look forward to sharing more updates with you throughout the remainder of this school year. Thank you for your continued commitment and support of our students.
 
Sincerely, 
 
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
— MSD Updates on Recent Developments
 
 
April 6, 2023
 
Dear MSD Community: 

As we move through the academic year, I want to take a moment to update you on the recent developments within our school. These updates will offer insight into the progress we are making toward our shared goals and provide updates on our approved budgets, facilities, stakeholder sessions, diversity efforts, planning for the 2023-2024 school year, and student and staff achievements.
 
— Operating & Capital Budgets and Facilities
I am pleased to announce that our 2023-2024 operating and capital budgets have been approved by the House and Senate Subcommittees and will be voted on by the full committees in the coming days. This achievement is a demonstration of our strong fiscal position and a significant milestone in our ongoing efforts to enhance our school's infrastructure and resources. With this approval, we can confidently move forward with our plans to provide our students with the best possible education and resources.
 
As we continue to work towards improving our school's infrastructure and resources, we have made strides with our facilities and construction projects. At the Columbia campus, MSD has had recent communication with the state regarding the pressing need to keep the mass notification system project moving forward, and I'm pleased to share that there has been some progress in this area. The project for the new dormitories at the Frederick campus are progressing smoothly and are on schedule. We look forward to providing our residential students with updated and modernized living accommodations in the near future.
 
Furthermore, we are in the process of accepting bids from construction contractors for the Veditz Building. This project is an important step towards achieving our goal of a state-of-the-art Career and Technical Education center, and we anticipate that construction will commence in May or June 2023.
 
— Listening Sessions
As a part of my 90-day plan, I have been actively engaging with various stakeholders and scheduling listening sessions with all staff and student groups on both campuses. These sessions have given me a valuable opportunity to gain insights into the school's key strengths, challenges, and opportunities as well as to understand the changes and initiatives that our members would like to see in the next five years.
 
Meeting with members in person has allowed me to connect with the MSD community on a more personal level and get a better sense of their perspectives. I plan to share the key findings from these listening sessions with the community in the late spring, and I look forward to continuing these conversations as we work together to strive for excellence in all aspects of our school and plan for the immediate future and beyond.
 
— Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion
As superintendent, I am deeply committed to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) efforts within our school. With the Board of Trustees' support, I have been tasked with completing the final phase of the school climate survey process. This survey aims to gather data from various stakeholders to identify our current strengths and areas of need related to DEI and the school climate. We will use the information collected to set priorities and guide our next steps.
 
In addition, I am actively reviewing the collected data to determine the best course of action to determine how MSD can effectively optimize staff resources to support our DEI efforts. This will be closely tied to revisiting our structure and planning for the needs of the next academic year. This also includes examining the previous work done by the 2020 community work groups and other DEI-related initiatives carried out in the past several years to ensure we are building upon their progress and moving forward with intention. 
 
While we recognize that progress may not have met our expectations, we remain steadfast in our commitment to advancing diversity, equity, and inclusion efforts for a more equitable and inclusive school environment.
 
— Planning for the 2023-2024 School Year
As we strive to provide the best possible education for our students, we are diligently preparing for the upcoming 2023-2024 academic year. Our focus includes interviewing and hiring new employees to join our talented team of educators and staff members, as well as taking a look at our existing structure to identify opportunities for efficiency.
 
As we plan for the future of our school, it is important for the Board of Trustees and the school to collaborate closely in identifying key issues and set priorities for the board's work to align with our short and long-term goals. This joint effort will lead the way for a strategic planning process to optimize resources and support student learning, ensuring the board is equipped with the necessary tools to make informed decisions that positively impact our students, staff, and community.
 
Our commitment to staffing excellence and program enhancement, coupled with our efforts to optimize our operations, will enable us to meet the evolving needs of our students, ensuring that they receive the highest quality education possible. We look forward to the opportunities ahead and are excited about the positive impact that these initiatives will have on our school community.
 
— Special Recognition
In closing, I am proud to share with you the remarkable achievements of our students in various competitions and events; they have represented MSD with pride, from the elementary spelling bee to robotics and performing arts to the high school academic bowl team. Furthermore, our Math team and the Frederick campus Battle of the Books Buff team recently participated in national competitions and performed exceptionally well. In addition, the Columbia middle school girls' basketball team's recent championship is a testament to the hard work and dedication of our student-athletes and coaches. I am immensely proud of all our students and grateful for the unwavering support of their families, our staff, and the MSD community.
 
I am thrilled to announce that the Golden Gala exceeded all expectations and was a resounding success. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the committee for their hard work and dedication to making the event unforgettable. It was heartwarming to see the community come together to commemorate this important milestone, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of such a wonderful occasion. I look forward to our next community gathering.
 
Lastly, I hope you and your loved ones have a safe and wonderful spring break. There is no doubt that ever since I started in my role at MSD, I have witnessed the dedication and hard work of our teachers and staff in educating and serving the needs of our students. Please make sure to lay down your workload and make time for the things that bring you joy and peace. I hope the week-long break will allow us to recharge and prepare for the final stretch of the school year.
 
As always, I am proud to serve as your superintendent and remain committed to working collaboratively with all stakeholders to ensure that MSD continues to provide an exceptional educational experience for all of our students.
 
Have a restful spring break.
 
Go Orioles!
 
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
— MSD's Colloquium - MSA Accreditation Mid-Cycle
 
 
March 16, 2023
 
Dear MSD Community: 

On Tuesday, March 14, MSD hosted a colloquium as part of the current Middle States Association (MSA) accreditation mid-cycle. The colloquium was designed to showcase our efforts and share its action research processes and progress findings with the MSD community, the public, and MSA representatives who watched the proceedings. Our action research question focused on the use of technology to foster engagement, involvement, education, and collaboration with MSD families to support and enhance student academic achievement.
 
Throughout the presentation, the following strategies were addressed:
  • Make communication via technology more accessible to parents/families
  • Create a digital family support center
  • Connect all families
  • Create a user friendly digital presence to improve school/home communication
We had various presenters share their findings, including both successes and challenges, related to the use of the aforementioned strategies in applying the following:
  • The use of educational software and apps
  • Implementation of PowerSchool and Schoology
  • The use of various school communication methods to disseminate information to stakeholders
  • The use of digital family newsletters to make connections with families
  • The process of soliciting input on curriculum resources from families
  • Provision of resources and services for families with infants to toddlers
  • Provision of ASL classes for families, both in person and online
  • Parent training series for families with students with additional needs
  • Extended IEP meeting options
  • Mid-cycle survey results and MAP assessment results
This colloquium was also a meaningful way to recognize the hard work and successes of the past several years, which were the direct result of everyone's efforts. While there was plenty of success to celebrate, we also recognize that there were some challenges. Therefore, there is still more work to do. The premise behind the Sustaining Excellence protocol is that a school will use strategic planning and action research as vehicles for growth and improvement in student performance and the school's capacity to effect that growth. MSD remains committed to that premise.
 
In conclusion, MSD will use the key insights and takeaways learned throughout this process to shape the next steps within the last part of this current accreditation cycle. Please be on the lookout for future communications regarding the MSA accreditation.
 
If you missed the colloquium, please click here to view the recording. MSA accreditation reports and other relevant documents are posted on the MSD website at www.msd.edu/accreditation/. 
 
Upon the conclusion of the colloquium, I sat down to work on this letter, and as I did, I received communication from the MSA Office expressing their compliments for the great work that was on display during the colloquium. In that same communication, MSA declared that MSD has met the maintenance requirements for the Sustaining Excellence protocol. This is wonderful news and I couldn't be prouder of the MSD staff, students, families, and community for meeting this goal. This accreditation recognizes MSD's efforts in enhancing its educational programs and services. We remain dedicated to continued improvement and assuring that our students receive the utmost quality of education possible. 
 
Now that I have summarized the colloquium for you, I would be remiss if I didn't express my appreciation and recognize the hard work and effort required to put together a well-designed virtual colloquium. It was truly a team effort, and I want to commend the MSD team for their dedication and commitment to excellence.
 
The success of the colloquium would not have been possible without the exceptional leadership of Tara Holloway, who skillfully brought everyone together and maintained close communication with MSA to ensure that MSD remained on track and submitted the required report on time.
 
Moreover, MSD's high school seniors, Mepper Beshears and Bella Finkle, demonstrated exemplary facilitation skills, keeping everyone engaged throughout the colloquium. Their contribution as student emcees was invaluable to the overall success of the event.
 
The presenters made time within their busy schedules to be part of the colloquium and worked diligently to compile all of the necessary information. We would like to extend our gratitude to the following presenters:
  • Ann Behm, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
  • Caitlin Blake, Director of Enhanced Services
  • Tara Duboski Finkle, Family Education & Early Childhood Assistant Principal - Frederick 
  • Patricia Germundson, Elementary Assistant Principal, Frederick
  • Dawniela Halischak, Columbia Principal 
  • Tara Holloway, Director of Curriculum and Instruction
  • Jenna Kuschmider, Curriculum and Instruction Specialist
  • Amy Mowl, Director of Public Relations
  • Deb Myers, ASL Instructor
  • Shannon Negussie, Middle School Assistant Principal - Columbia
  • Patricia Muldowney, Family Education & Early Childhood Assistant Principal - Columbia
  • Milagros Rodriguez-Gonzalez, PowerSchool Administrator 
  • Chet Virnig, High School Assistant Principal 
  • Jessica Willoughby, Data & Assessment Coordinator 
  • Charlene Ward-Marr, Director of Student Support Services
Special thanks to Gabrielle Beaumont for working behind the scenes on logistics and facilitating the webinar, Janna DiBiase for student support, and Milagros Rodriguez-Gonzalez for providing technical assistance.
 
Kudos to Amy Mowl for the public relations effort as well as putting together the beautiful PowerPoint presentation which made the event cohesive from start to finish.
 
I appreciate every one of you.

With Oriole Pride, 
John A. Serrano
— Invitation to MSD's Sustaining Excellence Colloquium
 
February 24, 2023
 
Dear MSD Community: 

The Maryland School for the Deaf (MSD) achieved full accreditation through the Middle States Association using their Sustaining Excellence Protocol on May 1, 2019. This is a significant achievement for our school community and reflects our commitment to providing the best possible education for our students.
 
As part of the accreditation process, MSD has been conducting a self-study research project to explore how technology can foster improved engagement, involvement, education, and collaboration with diverse families throughout Maryland. This study focuses on language and social/emotional development, academic support, and enhancing student academic achievement.
 
The Sustaining Excellence Colloquium represents the mid-point in our accreditation process. It is an opportunity to share our progress and findings with the community and receive feedback and support as we move forward.
 
While we were initially scheduled to present our findings at a colloquium in Spring 2022, the COVID-19 pandemic disrupted our ability to fully implement our research during the 2020-2021 school year. Fortunately, we were granted an extension and have been able to continue our self-study.

I am excited to announce that we will present our findings to the community on Tuesday, March 14, at 1:00 p.m. during our Sustaining Excellence Colloquium. This event will be virtual via Zoom Webinar, and I encourage everyone to attend. Please register online to receive the webinar link.
 
>> Register Online Here
 
For more information about our accreditation with the Middle States Association, please visit www.msd.edu/accreditation/. 
 
Thank you for your support of Maryland School for the Deaf. We are committed to providing the highest quality education to all our students, and the Middle States Association accreditation process is an important part of our commitment to continuous school improvement.
 
John A. Serrano
— 90-Day Entry Plan
 
 
February 9, 2023
 
Dear MSD Community: 

The intention of this letter is to share with you what you can expect of me within my first three months as superintendent. It is important that you have an overall idea of what my priorities and key focus areas will be for the next three months. By the time you read this and watch my video, I will have been at MSD for two weeks. I cannot begin to describe the amazing warm welcome I received from MSD students, staff, and families. It was indeed an inspiring experience that strengthened my commitment and resolve to ensure that I succeed in my role as superintendent. I'd like to recognize the many staff members who have been instrumental in preparing for my arrival to ensure a smooth transition. From the bottom of my heart, thank you.
 
I recognize that my arrival has brought a new level of excitement and hope for the present and future. I am committed to building upon this positive momentum to take the school to the next level. My commitment to the MSD community is to learn as much as possible to support the school's success and make informed decisions to better serve the school. Everything I do at MSD will start with this guiding principle—what is in the best interests of the students?
 
The following are my three key focus areas which I will then elaborate on:
  • Onboarding
  • Community & Stakeholders Engagement and Relations
  • School Operations and Processes
Onboarding
  • As a new staff member of the MSD community, I will undergo the onboarding process that is required of new staff members, including completing the required trainings and becoming familiar with essential processes and protocols.
  • Settle in my new offices on both the Columbia and Frederick campuses, which includes establishing work procedures and routines to allow me to work effectively on both campuses.
  • Become familiar with the various buildings, departments, and their functions on both campuses.
Community & Stakeholders Engagement and Relations
  • Attend and participate in scheduled legislative hearings concerning the MSD budget. I had the opportunity to attend my first Operating Budget hearing with the Senate during my first week, in which the Chief Financial/Operating Officer and myself testified on MSD's behalf.
  • Develop and establish positive relationships with key legislators and state constituents that have a vested interest in MSD and give them the opportunity to learn more about MSD to ensure they continue to support full funding of our school.
  • Identify internal and external stakeholders that are essential to the operations and support of MSD and create opportunities to meet with them. Examples of external stakeholders include but are not limited to parent/staff associations, MSD Foundation, American Federation of Teachers union representatives, Maryland State Department of Education (MSDE), the state counsel's office representing the school, etc.
  • Work closely with each member of the school leadership team, including both campus principals, the Dean of Student Affairs, Human Resources Director, and the Chief Financial/Operating Officer.
  • Identify opportunities to engage with various members of the school community and learn more about the highlights, opportunities, and areas of growth for the school. 
  • Visit all departments and buildings on both campuses. My goal is to conduct frequent, brief visits and attend school events to meet as many MSD students, staff members, families, and community members as possible.
  • Develop and strengthen a working relationship with the Board of Trustees leadership and the board members to identify key board priorities for the year.
School Operations and Processes
  • Review the current leadership structure and decision-making processes and how the decisions are communicated and implemented. 
  • Become familiar with policies and procedures in all aspects of school instruction and curriculum, operations, personnel, and student life.
  • Educate myself in fiscal operations, budget planning and facilities/maintenance including familiarizing myself with state regulations concerning school funding and capital projects.
  • Review and become familiar with Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) work that MSD has done over the past several years.
  • Understand and become familiar with various professional development opportunities and training requirements for MSD staff. 
These three key focus areas are critical to helping me establish the direction that will guide my decisions on how we will move forward together in elevating MSD to the next level.
 
Lastly, my commitment is to establish ongoing and transparent communication with the MSD community. Be on the lookout for future communications from my office.
 
Again, thank you for warmly embracing and welcoming me into the MSD community.
 
With Oriole Pride,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
— Message from Incoming Superintendent John A. Serrano
 
 
Hello, my name is John A. Serrano. (Sign name JA) It is a tremendous honor to be selected as the next Superintendent of MSD. I am also the first Latinx superintendent to lead MSD. I am humbled and honored to be appointed. I want to thank the MSD Board of Trustees, the superintendent search committee, and the MSD community of students, families, staff, teachers, and friends for their support. I must also thank my family for their support.
 
I look forward to working with you, and I am committed to hitting the ground running when I start on Wednesday, January 25. I intend to start with legislative work, making connections with community stakeholders, and ensuring we end this school year on a positive note. See you later!
 
Go Orioles!