• Dear Nazareth Area School District (NASD) Family,

     

    I want to thank all of you for your support and cooperation throughout my first year as Superintendent of Schools. As Superintendent, I would like to continue setting high expectations for our students regarding academic performance, participation in co-curricular activities, positively representing the school district, and being responsible citizens both at school and in the community. NASD continues to hold a reputation for excellence, as evidenced by the number of families moving into our six municipalities because of the school system. I wholeheartedly value our reputation and the services we provide. I remain committed to ensuring that current and future students have numerous opportunities to explore their interests and find their true passions.

     

    On Thursday, June 1st, the 127th Annual Commencement Ceremony at Nazareth Area High School was held. I addressed the Class of 2023 and spoke to them about what employers today look for in high school graduates - 21st Century skills and personality-based skills.

     

    21st Century skills are a set of abilities students need to develop to succeed in today’s workforce - adaptability, critical thinking, oral communication, social orientation, and time management. These skills have always been essential for students, though they are particularly essential in our information-based economy.

     

    Personality-based skills are the characteristics, attributes, or personality traits that make up and reflect who a person is - dependability, generosity, organization, self-discipline, and social responsibility. These skills are highly transferable and essential for teamwork, group dynamics, building relationships, and day-to-day interactions with colleagues, managers, or clients.

     

    Generation Z, born from 1995 to 2012, must have these skill sets to succeed. As we currently educate this group of students, I remind them of something I have told my four daughters for the last 19 years; your generation will make this world a better place for everyone. Instead of dreading everything wrong in this world and believing nothing you can do as an individual will make a difference, focus on what you can make right and continue to be committed to helping inspire change in every corner of the globe. Serving as role models for previous and future generations, their generation continues to be kind to others, respectful of diversity, environmentally conscious, financially minded, politically progressive, and seekers of information.

     

    As an educator, I believe all students can learn and grow if given a positive and safe learning environment that welcomes exploration, problem-solving, and critical thinking. Having high and clear expectations for our students is essential in developing independent, productive, lifelong learners that embrace the challenges presented to them both now and in the future.  

     

    I encourage and welcome any questions, comments, or concerns you have about our schools and can be reached directly at (610) 759-1170 ext. 1111.

     

    Respectfully,

     

    Richard R. Kaskey, Ed. D.