December 13, 2022

Dear CCSD Families and Community Members:

The winter holiday break is almost upon us and CCSD is thankful for the opportunity to partner with our parents and guardians, the City of Craig, Craig Tribal Association, Shaan-Seet, and Tlingit Haida Central Council to collaboratively develop the strongest educational opportunities for students.  We are very fortunate to have such strong support from parents and guardians.  CCSD’s partnership with the City of Craig and the City’s generous annual contribution to the district’s budget exemplifies the importance our community places on public education and, more importantly, our children.  CCSD is also extremely appreciative of our partnership with Craig Tribal Association and Shaan-Seet.  Both CTA and Shaan-Seet have regularly provided funding opportunities and support for the district’s curricular and extra-curricular programs we are privileged to offer students and families.  And, lastly, we couldn’t be more appreciative for our partnership with Tlingit Haida Central Council and support of the Craig Head Start program.  The combination of all this support provides a foundation of collaboration across our governmental agencies that ensures our students are provided a high quality PreK-12 experience.

Additionally, this time of year provides a plethora of opportunities to celebrate our students’ talents.  Last week our kindergarten – 4^th grade elementary students performed their Winter Concert to a packed house in the middle school gym.  Our 5^th grade band, middle school and high school bands, and high school choir will perform during our winter concert entitled “A Joyful Song” scheduled for Thursday, December 15, at 6:30 PM in the CHS auditorium.  Students have also been excelling in athletics.  The high school volleyball program displayed exceptional grit at the state tournament and won the 2A state championship. Our high school wrestling program performed well at the regional competition last weekend in Ketchikan with three athletes qualifying for the state tournament.  Academic Decathlon had an excellent showing at a SE regional competition last week. High school basketball teams are gearing up for their first competitions of the school year starting this Thursday (December 15) with the Klawock tournament.  Finally, middle school wrestling starts after the holiday break on January 3, 2023.  CCSD is proud to be able to offer these types of activities that allow our students to develop and showcase the wide range of skills, knowledge, and talent they possess.

In closing, we would like to wish our entire community a safe, restful winter holiday break.  Please take time for yourself and enjoy family and friends.  If I can provide additional information about the items noted in this letter or any other district initiative, please feel free to contact me at any time.

Happy Holidays,

Chris Reitan, CCSD Superintendent                                                       

Email: creitan@craigschools.com