From the Superintendent
June 11, 2025
Dear MSD Community:
As we close the chapter on the 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to thank each of you for the incredible energy, dedication, and support you've shown throughout the year. Whether at home as families or on campus as teachers, staff, and administrators — in classrooms, dorms, or offices—you have each played an essential role in creating a positive and successful experience for our students and for one another.
Our theme this year, Dream Big, encouraged us to push beyond the familiar, take on new challenges, and support one another as we learned and grew together. That spirit was evident in every corner of our community, and I couldn't be prouder of what we've accomplished.
Over the course of the year, we witnessed tremendous growth and achievement among our students, and we grew alongside them as a school community. Together, we advanced key initiatives to reaffirm MSD's identity and direction, including revisiting our mission and vision, developing new core values, and creating a five-year strategic plan to guide us into the future.
I've had the privilege of attending several end-of-year celebrations and promotions, and each one was a reminder of the strength and heart of our community. Seeing students, families, teachers, and staff come together to honor hard work and perseverance is a powerful reflection of our mission: to empower every student to reach their full potential. Your continued support has made that possible.
As we head into summer, I encourage you to rest, recharge, and continue to explore the world around you. And above all, keep dreaming big.
Wishing you a safe and restorative summer.
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
May 16, 2025: Introducing MSD’s 2025-2030 Strategic Plan
May 16, 2025
Greetings, MSD Community.
I'm excited to share that the Board of Trustees has officially endorsed MSD's new 2025-2030 Strategic Plan, along with our reimagined mission and vision statements and a newly established set of core values. This milestone reflects the culmination of thoughtful planning and the dedicated efforts of the Strategic Planning Steering Committee over the past year.
While we continue to work toward publishing a full strategic plan document—complete with American Sign Language (ASL) versions to ensure accessibility—I want to provide you with an early overview of the direction we will take together in the years ahead.
At the core of our plan are four Strategic Priorities, which reflect our shared commitment to students, staff, families, and the broader community. Each priority includes three specific goals that will guide our work and focus our efforts over the next five years.
Priority 1: Student Academic Achievement
This priority focuses on strengthening literacy and math outcomes, supporting ASL and English bilingual development, and enhancing specialized programming to ensure access to high-quality learning experiences for students with additional learning needs.
Priority 2: Workforce Recruitment, Development, and Retention
This priority focuses on building and sustaining a strong school workforce that is mission-aligned, well-supported, and continually progressing. It emphasizes improved efforts in recruitment, stronger support for long-term retention, and a culture of continuous learning and career growth through professional development.
Priority 3: Family Engagement
This priority focuses on fostering meaningful partnerships between families and MSD. It includes implementing clear, consistent communication strategies, launching a family engagement plan that promotes learning beyond the classroom, and expanding access to ASL education and resources so families are empowered to support their children's development.
Priority 4: Community Partnerships
This priority focuses on expanding MSD's footprint beyond our campuses. It includes defining outreach goals and building new partnerships with local organizations, advocacy groups, and businesses, with the goal of optimizing collaborations that support our students and their educational experiences.
To view the full set of Strategic Priorities and Goals, along with MSD's Vision, Mission, and Core Values, please visit www.msd.edu/strategic-plan/.
The full Strategic Plan packet—including an updated ASL video series—will be released at the end of the school year and made widely available through our website and other platforms. Ongoing updates and additional materials will remain available at www.msd.edu/strategic-planning/.
This summer, our leadership team will focus on developing a comprehensive implementation plan. This will include Year 1 action steps, a communication strategy, and a framework for monitoring progress and sharing updates throughout the year.
Thank you for being part of this important work. I'm truly excited for what lies ahead and look forward to working together as we bring this plan into action.
With Orioles Pride,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
April 1, 2025: Your Input Matters — Strategic Planing Surveys
April 1, 2025
Dear MSD Community,
I'm writing to share an update on our progress in developing MSD's new 5-Year Strategic Plan, along with revised vision, mission, and core values.
As noted in my previous message, we made a slight shift in our planning process. After reviewing feedback from both the Steering Committee and members of the MSD community, we redirected our focus toward identifying core values that truly reflect our shared beliefs. These values were shaped through thoughtful collaboration between the Steering Committee and a dedicated subcommittee.
I'm pleased to share that the Steering Committee recently held its fourth and final meeting. Over the past several months, the committee has engaged in meaningful discussions, reviewed data, listened to presentations, and worked together to define MSD's future direction. As a result, they identified strategic priorities that will guide our work over the next five years. These focus areas include:
- Strengthening literacy and math instruction
- Advancing ASL and English bilingual education
- Supporting students with additional learning needs
- Improving recruitment, retention, and staff support
- Enhancing family engagement
- Increasing outreach, visibility, and awareness of MSD
Now, we need your input to help move this work forward.
We invite you to rank these strategic priorities based on what you believe best reflect MSD's goals. You will also have the opportunity to review and provide feedback on the proposed vision and mission statements, and to select the core value statements that best represent what we strive to achieve at MSD.
Please take a few moments to complete the survey linked below by Friday, April 11.
Once survey responses are received, the Core Planning Committee will review the feedback and begin drafting the new 5-Year Strategic Plan. A draft will be presented to the Board of Trustees for review and endorsement at their next quarterly meeting on May 2.
Following the Board's approval, we will share the final Strategic Plan with the MSD community. This plan will serve as a roadmap for MSD's direction, priorities, and continued growth in the years ahead.
In closing, I want to express my sincere appreciation to the Steering Committee members for their time and commitment throughout this process. Their contributions have been invaluable.
Thank you for your continued engagement and support. We look forward to shaping a strategic plan that supports MSD's vision for the future.
Thank you,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
March 26, 2025: Important School Calendar Updates
March 26, 2025
Dear MSD Community,
Due to inclement weather this year resulting in six school day closures, we must adjust the last day of school. The MSD Board of Trustees has approved a two-day waiver, reducing the number of make-up days required.
Revised Last Day of School
Barring any additional school closures for the remainder of this school year, the last day of school for students will be Wednesday, June 11, and it will be a half day. The last day for 10-month teachers and staff will be Thursday, June 12, and it will be a full workday.
Additional Calendar Adjustments
Thursday, June 5 and Friday, June 6 are now full school days for all students and staff.
2025-2026 School Year Calendar
Thank you to everyone who responded to the calendar survey and shared input during the development process. We carefully considered your feedback, reviewed the Frederick and Howard County Public School System calendars, and compared other school districts to find the best possible alignment.
We also prioritized the needs of our residential students by avoiding mid-week closures when possible—something that often differs from local public school calendars, which may include professional development days or holidays during the week.
I'm pleased to share that the 2025-2026 school calendar is now finalized and available for planning. The calendar is also available on our website at www.msd.edu/school-calendar/.
Thank you,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
Superintendent
March 14, 2025: Updates on MSD's Strategic Planning Efforts
March 14, 2025
Dear MSD Community,
I am pleased to share updates on MSD's ongoing strategic planning efforts. This process is an opportunity for us to build a strong foundation for the future, ensuring that our mission, vision, and core values reflect the needs and aspirations of our students, staff, families, and community. In this letter, I will outline our progress, recent developments, and the key steps ahead.
On January 31, the steering committee convened for its third meeting, further refining the Strengths-Weaknesses-Opportunities-Threats (SWOT) analysis findings. During this session, members identified and outlined MSD's most critical needs, using data and discussions to establish priorities. The committee also began drafting core values by identifying the fundamental principles that resonated most. I am particularly thankful for the time and dedication the steering committee has invested in this process.
As part of this progress, we have taken important steps to refine MSD's guiding statements and visual identity, all essential components in shaping our long-term vision.
— Establishing Core Values
We are moving away from belief statements and establishing core values to guide MSD's direction. This shift reflects our commitment to defining the fundamental principles that influence our actions, decisions, and overall school culture.
As part of our accreditation process this fall, we will develop MSD's philosophy, drawing from our foundational beliefs to inform this work. At that time, we will also revisit the Profile of Graduates to ensure it aligns with our evolving vision.
— Draft Vision and Mission Statements
In October, we invited community input on our current vision, mission, and belief statements. Since then, our steering committee and a sub-committee—including members of the steering committee—have worked diligently to develop several draft vision and mission statements.
Through careful review of survey results and committee discussions, it became clear that rewriting these statements was a necessary part of the process. The proposed drafts are more comprehensive than our current mission statement, reflecting the community and committee's belief that the existing statement does not fully capture the breadth of MSD's programs and services. These new drafts thoughtfully integrate all the key elements identified as priorities by the committee. Additionally, there was meaningful discussion about highlighting what sets MSD apart, such as the expanded opportunities for student involvement in extracurricular activities and student life programs. At the core of our work is the holistic development of each student—nurturing their academic, social, and personal growth.
At our latest steering committee meeting, these drafts were presented to the full committee which provided additional feedback before selecting the top two. We then made further revisions to refine these statements and will share the updated drafts with the committee at our next steering committee meeting. Following that, we will present the final two options to the community and invite input on which vision and mission statement resonates most. This feedback will help guide the selection of MSD's new vision and mission statements.
— Rebranding
We have begun the rebranding process to modernize MSD's visual identity while ensuring it aligns with our evolving vision, mission, and core values. Community input has been, and will continue to be, an integral part of this year-long effort. Rest assured, our school colors—orange and black—and our mascot, the Orioles, will remain a proud part of our identity.
— Key Tasks Ahead
For the past several weeks, the core planning committee has begun developing the strategic plan, building on the thoughtful work and priorities identified throughout this process. The steering committee will hold its final meeting on March 21 to provide input on the development of MSD's new core values and conduct a thorough review of the draft strategic plan.
This spring, we will share the draft strategic plan with stakeholders, seeking their perspectives and endorsement before submitting it to the Board of Trustees for formal approval at its next quarterly meeting in May.
Your engagement and feedback are essential as we plan MSD's future together. To stay informed and track our progress, I encourage you to visit the Strategic Planning website, where you will find the latest updates and resources.
Thank you for your continued support.
Let's keep dreaming big!
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
February 20, 2025: School News and Updates from the Superintendent
February 20, 2025
Greetings, MSD Community,
I'm writing to share some key updates, but first, I want to acknowledge the recent federal developments that may be affecting members of our communities in different ways. We recognize that times of change can bring uncertainty, and we are closely monitoring these changes and their potential impact. No matter the circumstances, our mission remains steadfast: to educate, support, and empower our students while fostering a strong sense of belonging at MSD.
As we move forward together, we remain committed to supporting our community and continuing the important work we do for our students. Above all, we will continue to prioritize the well-being of our students and staff, ensuring that MSD remains a place where everyone feels valued, supported, and included.
Weather-Related Closures & School Calendar Adjustments
This winter season has presented challenges, leading to multiple school closures. Unfortunately, this will affect our school calendar, including the last day of school. We plan to assess the situation at the end of the winter season and will finalize makeup days and the revised last day of school in March.
Legislative Session & Budget for the 2025-2026 School Year
As a state agency, MSD actively participates in the annual budget process, carefully planning both our operating and capital budgets to support our students and programs for the upcoming fiscal year. This process begins in the summer and continues through December, alongside our legislative efforts—meeting with key policymakers and stakeholders who oversee state appropriations for agencies like MSD.
In January, the 2025 state legislative session commenced, and Governor Wes Moore released his proposed state budget, which includes funding for MSD. However, with the anticipated $3 billion state budget shortfall, discussions are ongoing regarding potential budget adjustments across the board. Like school districts across the state, we are navigating the challenge of balancing fiscal responsibility with our commitment to ensuring our students have the resources they need to succeed.
Despite these financial uncertainties, I am confident in our advocacy efforts and deeply appreciative of my team's strategic preparation throughout the budget session. We are also closely monitoring federal funding developments, as MSD receives a portion of its budget through federal grants. In the coming weeks, I will continue working closely with legislators in Annapolis to champion the resources needed to advance our mission.
Amid these discussions, we had an exciting moment of celebration as our Columbia Campus Middle School Robotics team was recognized by both the Maryland House of Delegates and the State Senate for their outstanding inaugural season last year. Their visit to Annapolis was an incredible opportunity to showcase their hard work, innovation, and dedication in their first few robotics competitions. It also provided a platform to share success stories with our state leaders, highlighting the meaningful impact of MSD's programs.
Frederick Campus New Dormitory Project
I am thrilled to announce that, after years of planning, we have officially launched the Frederick Campus New Dormitory Project. This long-awaited initiative will transform the residential experience at MSD, replacing Faupel, Foxwell-Moylan, and Klipp-Redmond Halls with modern, state-of-the-art residential homes designed to provide a true home away from home for our students. Additionally, this project includes the construction of a new student activity center and an updated satellite health center, further enhancing residential life.
This multi-year project will be completed in phases, ensuring a smooth transition while maintaining a high standard of care and support for our residential students. We are grateful for our ongoing partnership with the state and excited to collaborate with Page Sutherland Page, Inc., the architectural firm leading the project, to bring this vision to life. As part of their team, Page has contracted Hansel Baumann, a consultant specializing in DeafSpace Design.
Recently, we hosted a productive series of design meetings, where students, residential staff, and MSD community members had the opportunity to share valuable input on the design of the new dorms, student activity center, and health center. Their insights are shaping this project, and the new spaces will reflect the needs and experiences of our students. This project marks an exciting new chapter for MSD, and I look forward to sharing updates as we move forward.
East Regional Academic Bowl
Next month, we are proud to host the East Regional Academic Bowl in partnership with Gallaudet University. We look forward to welcoming 15 teams from Deaf schools and programs across the region for this exciting competition. The event will showcase the talents of young scholars, and the matches will be open to the public — including the opportunity to cheer on our home team as they compete for the regional championship and a spot at the national competition.
For more details, please visit our event website at www.msd.edu/2025-east-regional-academic-bowl/. Let's give our visiting teams a warm Oriole welcome!
Finally, we have made significant process in the development of our five-year Strategic Plan. I will be sharing a separate community letter soon with an in-depth update, so please stay tuned for that communication.
Thank you for your continued commitment and dedication to MSD. I truly appreciate all that you do to support our students, staff, and school community.
With Orioles Pride,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
February 4, 2025: Update on the Frederick Campus CEPO Position
February 4, 2025
Dear MSD Community:
I am writing to share an important update on the recruitment and hiring process for the new Chief Educational Programs Officer (CEPO) at MSD's Frederick campus. Tara Holloway is currently serving as the interim CEPO for this school year.
We have officially posted the Frederick Campus CEPO position in search of a visionary leader for this critical role. The CEPO will provide strategic educational leadership, foster high expectations, and ensure equitable access to bilingual and culturally relevant instruction at the Frederick campus. Working closely with the Columbia Campus CEPO, they will strengthen MSD's academic programs and contribute to the ongoing transformation of the educational experience for our students.
The search process and timeline will follow a similar approach to last year, ensuring an inclusive and transparent selection process for our school community. I will chair the search process, which will include at least two rounds of interviews with various stakeholders. Additionally, a community forum will be held at the final stage, providing the Frederick campus community an opportunity to engage with the selected candidates and provide feedback.
Here is an overview of the timeline:
February 2025
- The Frederick Campus CEPO position is posted, and MSD begins accepting applications.
March 2025
- The Human Resources Office and the interview committee will screen applications and identify the most qualified candidates for interviews.
April 2025
- First-round interviews will be conducted with a committee consisting of various stakeholders.
April/May 2025
- Second-round interviews will take place with selected members of the MSD Leadership Team.
- Community presentations and forums will be held at the Frederick campus, providing an opportunity for community members to engage and offer feedback.
- The MSD Leadership Team will carefully review interview notes and community feedback to make a recommendation.
May 2025
- The Superintendent will announce the selection of the new Frederick Campus CEPO and their start date.
The new Frederick Campus CEPO is expected to start sometime in July 2025.
For more details about the position, please visit the job posting. If you or someone you know is interested and qualified, we encourage you to apply or share this opportunity with a prospective candidate.
If you are interested in serving on the First Round Interview Committee or know someone who may be, please contact Jennifer Lake from the Superintendent's Office at [email protected] by Friday, February 14, 2025. Committee members will be selected with careful consideration of diversity and representation within the Frederick campus community.
We are excited about this process and appreciate your continued support and engagement as we work together to shape the future of MSD.
With Orioles Pride,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
January 17, 2025: PowerSchool Data Breach Update
January 17, 2025
MSD Community,
We are writing to provide an important update on the latest findings from PowerSchool regarding the recent cybersecurity incident involving their Student Information System SIS), a platform widely used by school districts across the country, including MSD. While a private cybersecurity firm has confirmed that all compromised data has been deleted, PowerSchool has now identified the specific student and staff information that was accessed and downloaded.
In our previous update, we shared that PowerSchool reported the compromised data primarily included parent and student contact information, such as names and addresses. They also noted that personally identifiable information (PII), including Social Security numbers and medical information, may have been impacted for some individuals across their customer base.
Following further investigation, PowerSchool has confirmed that the compromised student data at MSD included key information for both former and currently enrolled students. This data consisted of full names, dates of birth, addresses, phone numbers, parents' full names and email addresses.
Additionally, PowerSchool has confirmed that medical information used to alert staff of important student health concerns, such as allergy information or special considerations, were accessed.
The compromised staff data included key information from the teachers data for both former and current staff. This data consisted of full names, state-issued teacher numbers (W#), Access IDs (usernames for school portals), school email addresses, and phone numbers for staff who opted-in for One Call Now notifications.
It is important to note that MSD does not collect Social Security numbers or financial information in our SIS. Therefore, no sensitive data of this nature was compromised for our students and staff.
Because the extracted data included student and staff login IDs for access to various SIS portals, we have implemented a plan to fully reset all usernames and passwords. This process will begin this weekend with staff accounts. To minimize disruption to grading and report cards, approximately 275 active staff accounts will be reset on Monday, which is a holiday. Middle and high school student accounts will be reset throughout the following week. Please note that parent accounts were not impacted by the data breach and will not require a reset.
We continue to work closely with the Maryland State Department of Education and the Department of Information Technology, who are providing us with guidance and support as we monitor and address this situation. In the meantime, PowerSchool has launched a FAQ page to share general information and address specific questions from families and educators.
Thank you for your continued support and understanding as we address this situation.
Sincerely,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
January 10, 2025: PowerSchool Data Breach
January 10, 2025
MSD Community,
We are writing to inform you about a cybersecurity incident involving PowerSchool, a Student Information System (SIS) used by many school districts nationwide, including MSD.
On December 28, 2024, PowerSchool identified a potential cybersecurity incident involving unauthorized access to certain information through one of its community-focused customer support portals, PowerSource.
MSD became aware of the breach on January 7, 2025, and is working with PowerSchool to understand the potential effects on our school community. As of last night, PowerSchool confirmed with MSD that they are urgently assessing the situation and will provide us with updates as soon as more information becomes available.
PowerSchool informed affected schools that the compromised data primarily includes parent and student contact information, such as names and addresses. Additionally, they reported that for some individuals across their customer base, personally identifiable information (PII)—including Social Security numbers and medical information—may have been affected. PowerSchool is working to determine whether any PII related to our students and staff were involved.
We want to assure you that MSD does not collect Social Security numbers or financial information in our SIS. As a result, this sensitive data was not exposed for our students or staff.
PowerSchool has assured us that the incident has been contained and that enhanced security measures have been implemented to prevent further unauthorized access. They are also working with third-party cybersecurity experts and law enforcement to address the situation.
In addition to PowerSchool's efforts, the Maryland State Department of Education and the Department of Information Technology are working closely with MSD and other school districts across the state to monitor the situation and provide guidance and support.
We understand the importance of transparency and the trust you place in us to safeguard personal information. We will continue to provide updates and share any unnecessary steps to take as more details become available.
Thank you for your understanding and patience as we navigate this situation.
Sincerely,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
Superintendent
January 9, 2025: 2025 is Here—We Need Your Input on MSD's Calendars!
2025 is Here—We Need Your Input on MSD's Calendars!
January 9, 2025
Greetings, MSD Community.
Happy New Year and welcome back!
I hope you all had a wonderful and refreshing extended winter break, enjoying the snow days with your families. As we step into 2025, we're excited to embrace the opportunities of a new semester together.
The leadership team has been hard at work planning for the next academic year and beyond. To guide this process, we've created a survey to gather your feedback as we develop future school calendars. Rather than focusing solely on next year, our goal is to establish multi-year calendars to better support long-term planning for everyone.
The 2024-2025 school year calendar introduced some significant changes, and we'd love to know what you think of those changes. Please take a few minutes to complete the survey by the end of the day on Monday, January 27, 2025. Your input is essential as we plan future school calendars.
Thank you for your continued support. Let's make this semester a successful and memorable one!
With Orioles Pride,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
December 19, 2024: Mid-Year Reflections and Holiday Wishes from the Superintendent
December 19, 2024
Dear MSD Community:
As we approach the midpoint of the 2024-2025 school year, I want to take a moment to reflect on the many highlights that have made this semester so meaningful.
This fall, we welcomed 462 students, including over 40 new enrollees, with additional enrollments anticipated after the winter break. Together, we embraced our schoolwide theme, Dream Big, encouraging everyone to set ambitious goals and take bold steps toward achieving them. This shared vision has shaped our collective efforts, creating opportunities for growth and success for all our students.
Throughout the semester, I've had the privilege of witnessing countless examples of excellence and dedication from our students and staff. Whether in classrooms or beyond, their hard work and collaboration have demonstrated the incredible outcomes we achieve when we work together. I am deeply grateful for our shared commitment to providing students with opportunities to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our STEM programs continue to inspire innovation and critical thinking. Students have engaged in projects and initiatives that spark curiosity while equipping them with problem-solving skills essential for future challenges. These experiences reflect our dedication to preparing them for a rapidly evolving world.
Recognizing the importance of holistic development, we have also focused on students' social-emotional well-being. Through targeted lessons and workshops, we have ensured that their foundational needs are supported, empowering them to excel academically and build meaningful connections with peers and educators alike.
Beyond academics, our student life programs, extracurricular activities, and athletics have provided students with opportunities to explore their passions, build resilience, and dream bigger than ever before. These experiences not only support students in reaching their full potential but also strengthen our sense of community.
— Strategic Planning Process
Our strategic planning process is well underway, and I'm grateful for your ongoing engagement and participation in the community-wide surveys. In November, the steering committee held its second meeting, continuing its analysis of data and survey responses. They have begun identifying key themes and trends that will serve as the foundation of MSD's strategic priorities. The committee also started refining our mission and vision statements, establishing important groundwork for the next phase. In January, the focus will shift to reviewing and updating our belief statements.
For more information and to stay updated on our progress, I encourage you to visit the Strategic Planning website, where you'll find updates and resources.
— Operational and Infrastructure Updates
The renovation of the Veditz Building, which houses our Career and Technical Education programs on Frederick campus, is progressing steadily. Witnessing the daily transformations has been inspiring, and we are on track to complete the project by Spring 2025. This timeline will allow us to begin furnishing and equipping the building in preparation for its grand opening at the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
Enhancements to campus safety have been a priority, particularly the installation of a state-of-the-art emergency notification system on Columbia campus. This system features updated emergency lights and an efficient messaging platform for real-time emergency alerts. Additionally, new monitors are being installed in designated public areas to display emergency messages in ASL, ensuring full accessibility.
— Advocacy and Budget Preparations
Over the last few months, our leadership team has been actively preparing the budget for the next fiscal year by engaging with key state legislators and constituents. A significant highlight of this collaborative effort was hosting the House Ways and Means Committee at our Columbia campus. During their visit, committee members toured classrooms and gained firsthand insights into the impactful work we do for our students, particularly our shared commitment to ensuring full language and communication accessibility. This visit left a strong impression on the delegates, underscoring the critical role MSD plays for deaf and hard-of-hearing students across the state.
Given the challenging economic forecast for the state next year, our team has been working diligently to safeguard MSD's budget and minimize potential impacts on our programs and services. This collective advocacy is essential to ensuring we can continue fulfilling our mission effectively.
As the 2025 legislative session begins in January, we will keep the MSD community informed about any developments that may affect our priorities and operations.
— Season of Holiday Wishes
As we wrap up this semester, I want to extend my heartfelt wishes to each of you for a joyful and restful holiday season. May your days be filled with happiness, relaxation, and meaningful moments spent with family, friends, and loved ones.
Thank you for your unwavering commitment to MSD and the incredible impact you make in our students' lives. I look forward to welcoming you back in 2025 as we continue to Dream Big and achieve new milestones together.
Warm regards,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
November 7, 2024: Updates on MSD's Strategic Planning Process
November 7, 2024
Hello, MSD Community.
I'd like to provide an update on the status of MSD's Strategic Planning. To support this process, we established the Core Planning Committee to oversee logistics, planning, and communication, ensuring smooth operations throughout. The committee began by inviting interest from the MSD community to join the Strategic Planning Steering Committee, which has since formed with 44 members.
To gather additional community input, we distributed surveys to the MSD community, seeking feedback on our school's vision, mission, and belief statements. These survey results serve as foundational input for the Steering Committee's work, and we are grateful to everyone who participated—your feedback has been invaluable. The survey results are now available online for your review.
The Steering Committee has scheduled four meetings throughout the school year to guide the planning process, with a target of presenting a draft five-year strategic plan to the Board of Trustees at the May 2025 board meeting.
On Friday, October 25, the Steering Committee held its first meeting, officially launching this year's planning process. During this meeting, the committee received an overview of the strategic planning process, emphasizing the importance of a well-defined plan. The presentation also outlined the committee's role, timeline, and meeting expectations. Examples of strategic plans from other schools for the Deaf were shared to illustrate different approaches to plan design, providing inspiration for our own roadmap. This foundational work will also inform our upcoming accreditation process, set to begin next school year.
In the afternoon, committee members worked in three small groups, rotating through data review activities and group discussions. One session involved reviewing the survey results on our school's vision, mission, and belief statements, brainstorming potential updates. The groups also conducted a SWOT analysis, identifying MSD's strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats based on the data, which will help shape our strategic priorities. Committee members now have access to a shared folder with all essential data, assets, and reports for this process, including documents, notes, visuals, and other resources to support their work.
We are now planning for our second Steering Committee meeting, scheduled for November 15. In preparation, we are gathering input from our middle and high school students through their student body councils, inviting them to share what they like about MSD, what they feel could be improved, and what it would take to make MSD their dream school. During the upcoming meeting, we will continue reviewing data, start identifying needs and priorities based on our analysis, and work on refining our vision and mission statements to ensure they align with the needs and aspirations of our school community.
All communications and updates can be found on our school website. Additionally, the results of our school climate surveys are now available online. While MSD is actively addressing areas identified in the climate surveys, this information will also support the Steering Committee's efforts to prioritize goals in the new strategic plan.
This is an exciting journey, and I appreciate the dedication the Steering Committee has shown in shaping MSD's future. I will continue to keep you informed as we move forward.
Thank you,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
October 9, 2024: Your Input Needed for MSD's Strategic Planning
October 9, 2024
Greetings, MSD Community:
As part of our ongoing strategic planning process, we invite you to participate in two important surveys. One focuses on evaluating our vision and mission statements, while the other is centered on our belief statements.
The vision, mission, and belief statements are key pillars of our strategic planning process, guiding the direction of our school and shaping our priorities for the future. The vision defines our long-term aspirations, the mission outlines how we achieve those goals, and the belief statements reflect the core values that shape our decisions and approach to education.
During the strategic planning process, we evaluate these statements to ensure they align with the evolving needs and priorities of our school. Your feedback will help ensure our goals remain focused and relevant as we develop a comprehensive plan for MSD's growth over the next five years.
Please take a few moments to complete both surveys by Tuesday, October 22.
We appreciate your participation and thank you for your continued support.
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
>> Complete Online Survey on MSD's Vision and Mission Statements
>> Complete Online Survey on MSD's Belief Statements
October 3, 2024: Reminder—Nominate Yourself for the Strategic Planning Steering Committee
October 3, 2024
Greetings, MSD Community:
This is a friendly reminder to submit your nomination for the Strategic Planning Steering Committee. We are looking for dedicated and passionate individuals—staff, families, and community members—to join us in shaping the future of MSD.
This will be an organic process, shaped by the diverse perspectives of our school community. The strategic planning process will play a key role in reviewing our programs and services and helping to set strategic goals and priorities of MSD for the next five years. We are committed to ensuring the committee reflects the wide range of perspectives within our school.
We are especially looking for more nominations from our aides, student support staff, student life, and fiscal and operations teams. Your unique insights are essential to making this process truly representative of our school community.
In addition to the committee's work, we will engage the broader MSD community through surveys and focus groups over the course of the year, with our first survey being shared next week.
Serving on the committee is a wonderful opportunity to make a lasting impact and be a part of a process that will grow and evolve with your input. If you are interested, please submit your nomination by tomorrow, Friday, October 4th, by the end of the day.
For more information about this process, please visit our Strategic Planning webpage at www.msd.edu/strategic-planning/.
Warmly,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
September 24, 2024: Strategic Planning for 2025-2030
September 24, 2024
Greetings, MSD Community.
I am pleased to announce that we have officially begun the strategic planning process for 2025-2030. This is an important and exciting time for MSD as we initiate an effort that will shape the future of our school. With the educational landscape and the workforce evolving rapidly, MSD must continue to adapt to prepare for the opportunities and challenges ahead. This strategic planning process will ensure that we remain at the forefront of Deaf education, meeting the needs of our students, staff, families, and the community for years to come.
The strategic planning process involves a thorough review of our programs and services, paired with input from our stakeholders. We've launched a dedicated Strategic Planning webpage, which will serve as a central resource for updates throughout this process. The page includes a general overview of the process, the timeline, and the stakeholders involved. As we progress, additional information will be added to keep you informed and engaged. Please visit the webpage at www.msd.edu/strategic-planning/.
We are deeply committed to involving the MSD community every step of the way. Your feedback and engagement are essential to developing a plan that reflects our collective vision for the future. To guide this effort, we are establishing a steering committee, which will be composed of representatives from various parts of our community. The committee will be tasked with reviewing data and making recommendations to identify strategic goals and address the priorities of MSD for the next five years.
The steering committee will consist of the following members:
- Teachers
- Aides
- Student Support Staff
- Secondary Transition
- Administrators/Supervisors
- Student Life (e.g., Residential, After School Programs, and Athletics)
- Fiscal/Operations
- Parents/Families
- MSD Leadership Team
- MSD Board of Trustees
- Community Members (e.g., alumni and supporters)
In addition to the steering committee, we will actively seek input from the entire MSD community through surveys and focus groups over the course of the year. These surveys and focus groups will cover different aspects of MSD, helping us identify emerging needs and trends as we work to develop a comprehensive and forward-thinking strategic plan.
It is our goal to complete the MSD Strategic Plan for 2025-2030 by the end of this school year. The MSD Board of Trustees will review and approve our five-year Strategic Plan at their quarterly meeting in May 2025. For more information on our timeline and important events in this process, please visit www.msd.edu/strategic-planning-timeline/. Please note that this list is not final, and we will be adding more events and dates to the timeline throughout the year.
We will continue to share regular updates as we move forward with this process. This is an exciting opportunity to chart the course for MSD's future, and we look forward to your involvement. Together, we will ensure that MSD remains a leader in Deaf education for the next five years and beyond.
Let's dream big.
John A. Serrano
Superintendent
August 26, 2024: Welcome Back to a New School Year!
August 26, 2024
Greetings, MSD Community.
Two weeks ago, we had the pleasure of welcoming 23 new employees during orientation. Additionally, we were thrilled to welcome our new teachers, who participated in engaging training sessions led by our Curriculum and Instruction team.
Last week, our teachers and staff returned, kicking off Staff Week—a time dedicated to collaboration and preparation for the upcoming school year. The energy on the first day was electric as we embraced this year's inspiring theme, Dream Big!, which resonated throughout the day. Our primary focus last week was on professional learning and creating the right conditions to ensure all students are set up for success. This included reviewing student information and setting up academic plans for the year. With these preparations complete, our teachers and staff are excited and ready to welcome your child(ren) back for the new school year this week.
We're also pleased to announce that the Student/Family Handbook and the Student Code of Conduct for the 2024-2025 school year are now available online. This comprehensive resource is designed to provide you with essential information about our school policies, procedures, expectations, and support services. We've made some updates to the Student Code of Conduct to ensure clarity, reflecting our ongoing commitment to the safety and well-being of our students, staff, and families. Whether you are a returning family or new to our school community, the handbook is here to guide you through the upcoming year at MSD. You can access it online at www.msd.edu/handbook/.
As partners in your child's education, I encourage you to take some time to review the handbook together with your child(ren). If you have any questions or need clarification on any of the content, please contact your child's department principal or Dr. Latasha Bacote-Owens at [email protected].
Your active engagement with the handbook and our Student Code of Conduct is greatly appreciated as we work together to create a successful and supportive learning environment for all students.
It was a pleasure having many of you at our Back-to-School event today, and we look forward to welcoming your children back to school tomorrow.
Let's continue to Dream Big!
With Orioles Pride,
John A. Serrano
Superintendent