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Dear SACS Families,
As we close another remarkable school year, I want to reflect on all we have accomplished together across Southwest Allen County Schools (SACS). This year has been filled with growth, achievement, opportunity, and connection. In every classroom, school, activity, and program, we continue building a district focused on student success while fostering a strong sense of belonging for every child and family.
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Our Map
As I have shared throughout the year, our Strategic Plan has served as a roadmap for the work taking place across SACS. Centered around five pillars: Academics, Attract and Retain Staff, Communications, Community Building, and Mental Health, our efforts have remained intentional, focused, and student-centered.
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| Academic Programming and Curriculum |
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| We are especially proud of the continued growth of our academic programming and student-centered curriculum designed to strengthen PreK–12 alignment and support student learning at every level. |
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This year, we launched TWIG Science (K–5), a hands-on curriculum that promotes curiosity, investigation, and real-world learning while creating meaningful connections across subjects. For example, a student studying weather in science may also graph weather patterns in math, analyze informational texts in reading, and explore the impact of natural disasters in social studies. This interdisciplinary approach helps students see how learning connects and applies beyond the classroom.
We also launched Savvas Envision Math for students in grades 6–Algebra 2, a research-based approach that strengthens conceptual mathematical understanding and problem-solving skills.
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This Fall, we will implement Amplify CKLA (Core Knowledge Language Arts) for grades K–5 and Amplify ELA (English Language Arts) for grades 6–8, further strengthening reading, writing, communication, and knowledge-building through rich, content-based instruction. Alongside these curriculum enhancements, SACS elementaries will continue expanding flexible grouping opportunities to better meet individual student needs. This approach allows students to receive differentiated instruction, support, and enrichment at the right level and pace, challenging those ready to go deeper while providing targeted support to ensure every learner can succeed. |
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What does this mean for students and families? These efforts reflect our commitment to a more balanced approach to learning by thoughtfully reducing screen time while blending innovative instruction with proven traditional practices. Families will see students using textbooks and workbooks, practicing handwriting in both print and cursive, completing paper-and-pencil assignments, engaging in hands-on learning, and meaningful collaboration. While technology remains an important educational tool, active learning and personal connections continue to be at the heart of an exceptional education.
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Limited Open Enrollment
As part of our ongoing commitment to expanding opportunities for students, we launched several initiatives this year to further position SACS as the district of choice. We launched Limited Open Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year, empowering families with greater choice in their child’s education. Families both within and outside district boundaries may now apply to attend the SACS school of choice that best fits their child’s needs, interests, and learning experience, based on available space. |
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As we look ahead, we remain committed to thoughtfully managing growth while preserving the high standards, strong school cultures, referendum-supported small class sizes, and welcoming learning environments that continue to make SACS a destination district and a school system families actively choose.
Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center
We are also excited about the significant progress of the SACS Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, which will be located on district owned property west of Covington Elementary and anticipated to open in 2028.
The future CTE Center will provide students meaningful opportunities to explore interests, develop real-world skills, earn industry-recognized credentials, and participate in dual credit opportunities that supports college and career readiness. This practical, functional, and well-equipped facility will offer hands-on learning experiences in high-demand fields such as Advanced Manufacturing; Construction; Education, Health and Human Services; and Public Service and Safety.
Designed to support every student, whether college, military, or workforce-bound, the CTE Center will create pathways for success beyond graduation. Students will explore a range of career pathways, discovering both what they want to pursue and, just as importantly, what may not be the right fit. This real-world exposure supports informed decision-making, helping students avoid costly missteps, save time and resources, and move forward with clarity, confidence, purpose, and optimism for their future.
Signature Elementary Programs
We continue to explore Signature Elementary Programs designed to expand learning experiences and provide families with unique educational pathways within SACS. Based on community feedback, we are examining opportunities in STEM, Dual Language Immersion, and Leadership and Service. While many of our schools already incorporate aspects of these focus areas, we are taking intentional steps to further strengthen and expand them. Our long-term goal is to identify and support schools that can serve as signature sites for these programs while continuing to ensure exceptional learning experiences for all students. |
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Reflecting on the 2025–2026 school year, what stands out most is the strong sense of community across SACS. Through events, performances, athletics, volunteer efforts, celebrations, partnerships, and everyday moments, SACS remains a place where people truly care about students and one another.
This work is made possible by our outstanding teachers and staff. As I often say, it is “our people” that are our greatest asset. Their passion, professionalism, and commitment make a lasting difference in the lives of children and strengthen every school in our district.
To our students, thank you for your energy, resilience, curiosity, and pride in your schools. You are at the center of everything we do, and we are incredibly proud of all you have accomplished this year.
I also want to express my sincere gratitude to you for choosing and supporting SACS. Your trust, partnership, and ongoing engagement make a meaningful difference in the work we do each day. Together, we are building an environment where students are supported, challenged, and empowered to reach their full potential. Your partnership is central to what makes SACS a place where students learn, grow, and thrive, and we are deeply grateful to walk alongside you in this shared commitment to their success.
Looking forward, there is already excitement for several important moments still to come.
June 4th , SACS will celebrate the Class of 2026 during the graduation ceremony at the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum beginning at 7:00 p.m. For those unable to attend in person, the ceremony will be streamed live here. |
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We also invite families to save the date for upcoming district events, including:
- Homestead High School Dedication and Open House on Wednesday, August 26, from 6-8 p.m.
- Under the Lights community festival on Thursday, September 17, from 6-9 p.m.
I wish all our families a safe, restful, and enjoyable summer. We look forward to welcoming our students back for another outstanding school year on August 5.
I love this place!
Joshua D. St. John, Ph.D., Superintendent
Southwest Allen County Schools
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