Superintendent's Message
 

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September 2023

Dear Southern Cayuga Friends & Families,

Welcome to the Southern Cayuga family. Southern Cayuga prides itself on small class size, a nurturing learning
environment, and an academic team devoted to the success of our students. Our goal is to equip our students
with the knowledge, skills, and opportunities that will enable them to be successful in life.

We’ve been busy this summer preparing for the next major capital project. Following voter approval in May
2023, the district entered the design phase of the project working with RSA Architects and C&S Construction
Management. The two-year project is slated to begin in the summer of 2024 and includes roof replacement,
the installation of a new playground, upgrades to major mechanical systems, and new seating in the
auditorium and high school gymnasium.

The State of New York recently released additional guidance regarding the use of Native American mascots by
public schools. While Southern Cayuga retired the chief head logo many years ago, the guidance document
clearly prohibits the continued use of team names, along with mascots and logos derived from, or that have
connections to, indigenous peoples. Southern Cayuga will soon retire the team nickname Chiefs and the
mascot advisory committee is already working to identify a new symbol of Southern Cayuga pride.

I‘m pleased to announce that Southern Cayuga CSD now qualifies for the Community Eligibility Provision under
the National School Lunch and Breakfast Program for 2023-2024. All students will be served breakfast and
lunch meals at no charge.

As we look ahead to the new school year, I wish everyone the best.

Patrick Jensen, Superintendent of Schools