The New Stillwater Area Public Schools...Stillwater Area Public Schools - April 2013 BRIDGE...
Transcript of The New Stillwater Area Public Schools...Stillwater Area Public Schools - April 2013 BRIDGE...
Excellence is more than a tradition in Stillwater Area Public Schools. It’s an expectation. While our schools have provided an excellent education for generations, the ever-changing world requires us to rethink our future.
Our new mission, and the supporting strategic plan, is focused on addressing the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each student. We’re bridging our strong tradition with the changing needs of students in the 21st century by focusing on:
• Personalization Our students are individuals, and we will encourage and support all students along their personalized learning pathways.
• Passion Our teachers will know each student’s passion, and design learning opportunities to capture each child’s curiosity and imagination.
• Community Our community will nurture its youngest members and work
together to meet students’ social, emotional, physical and academic needs.
• Safety Our schools will be safe and welcoming learning environments
that support students’ learning, as well as their social, emotional and physical well-being.
Stillwater Area Public Schools - April 2013
BRIDGE
Classrooms across the district will be changing as we begin to bridge our traditions with the needs and passions of our students both today and into the future. Here’s just a quick preview of what is to come for students in the Stillwater Area Public Schools.
The Pre-Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade Experience
• Instruction designed to meet the needs of small groups and individual learners
• Opportunities to learn world languages and experience various cultures
• Art and design lessons integrated into the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum
• Increased support and interventions for students who struggle emotionally and academically
The Junior High Experience
• High levels of student engagement through passion-based learning
• Personal learning plans and flexible scheduling to meet the needs of each unique learner
• Opportunities to explore interests and develop new skills
• Academic advisors to help students and families plan for the future
The High School Experience
• Pathways of studies in specific areas tailored to meet the individual interests and post-secondary plans of students
• Flexible scheduling options to meet the personal learning needs of students
• More learning opportunities outside of the school building and beyond the traditional school day
• Small learning communities supported by academic advisors
www.stillwaterschools.org/visionOnline access to action plans, 300 action steps, financials, progress updates and more The mission of
Stillwater Area Public Schools,
in partnership with students, family
and community, is to develop curious
individuals who are active and engaged
leaders in an ever-changing world by
challenging all students as they travel
along their personalized
learning pathways.
This plan was developed by more than
230 community members and staff. It is
not the “district’s” plan - it is your plan.
Bridge to Excellence is a partnership
between community and school staff. It
has been designed to ensure that every
one of our learners has the experiences,
skills and knowledge they will need to
successfully navigate an ever-changing
world.
To successfully implement this plan
will require significant change to our
existing school system – from the
materials we teach and the way we
deliver instruction, to the way we train
our staff, schedule classes and engage
the community.
Join us! The future is exciting for
Stillwater Area Public Schools.
The New Stillwater Area Public Schools
Taking ActionOur new plan was designed for action. It is not something that will sit on the shelf, but instead will be the focus of our work for the next five years.
Our new plan is also designed for transparency. Formal progress updates will be shared annually, and more informal progress reports will be available online.
Together, we will know the objectives of our new strategic plan have been met when we can boldly proclaim that each Stillwater Area Public Schools’ student:
• hastheskillsandabilitiestocompete in an ever-changing world;
• isanactiveparticipantinhis/her community;
• contributestoasafe,caringand healthy environment;
• hasasenseofbelonging;
• ispersonallyengagedinserviceto others;
• hasapassionforlearning;
• canidentifyandpursuehis/herpassions.
Building the Structure
We’re implementing new programs, further developing our staff, and introducing exciting new opportunities for students, including elementary world language and art/design.
Students and families are beginning to see and feel our new vision as it comes to life.
Personalization:• Incorporating students’ culture and life
experiences into lessons• Providing world language instruction in
elementary schools• Implementing new grading and reporting
system to better evaluate students’ growth
Passion:• Expanding STEM (Science, Technology,
Engineering and Math) to STEAM by including art/design
• Engaging students by embedding technology into more of their classroom learning
Community: • Encouraging residents to share their
knowledge and experiences with students by expanding volunteer opportunities
• Supporting students and their families through transitions in their learning
Safety:• Supporting students and staff in making
healthier wellness and lifestyle choices• Continuing to meet the mental health needs
of students
Adding the Details
With a modern new curriculum in place and extensive teacher training underway, more focus is placed on developing students’ passions and meeting their individual social, emotional and health needs.
The community is taking ownership of our schools and becoming more involved in educating and supporting our students.
Personalization:• Meeting the needs of the “whole child”
(academic, social, emotional and physical) • Expanding blended and flexible learning
opportunities and implementing Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)
• Supporting parents in their role as educators by establishing resource centers in each school
Passion:• Matching students with caring adults
who share common passions, resulting in increased sense of belonging
• Working with students to create learning opportunities around their passions
Community:• Recognizing the contributions and services of
volunteers• Partnering with local community
organizations and individuals to gather community feedback to enhance our schools
Safety:• Establishing peer mentor programs • Expanding character development and
community building activities in schools
Putting On the Finishing Touches
Our focus is now on developing personalized learning plans for each student, which takes into account their individual needs, goals, passions and strengths. We’re working closely with parents to support students’ academic, social, emotional and health needs.
Our vision is alive and our entire community is noticing the positive changes.
Personalization: • Creating Personalized Learning Plans for each
student based on individual needs• Providing students with an electronic
portfolio to store and archive their work throughout their career in our schools
Passion:• Incorporating passion-based learning
methods in all classrooms • Providing opportunities for students to learn
alongside professionals in laboratories, clinics, offices, etc.
Community:• Providing students at all grade levels with
opportunities to engage in community service• Creating opportunities for parent education
Safety:• Equipping classrooms with tools (such as
standing desks or exercise balls) to support students’ health needs and learning styles
BRIDGE
Traveling Our New Bridge
We’re evaluating what is working well and celebrating the successes of the previous four years.
We’re also identifying our future needs and engaging the community in development of a new strategic plan.
Personalization: • Supporting students by launching a
community-wide mentor program
Passion:• Providing all students with opportunities to
complete passion-based projects around their interests
Community:• Providing all students with opportunities to
engage in service learning activities as part of the curriculum, thus strengthening their ties to the district and community
• Identifying partnerships with local colleges, universities and businesses
Safety:• Expanding access to health services for
students
Setting the Foundation
Much work is being done to develop new, modern curriculum to prepare students for an ever-changing world.
We are developing the capacity of our staff through increased training and establishing new systems to help us implement our strategic plan.
Personalization:• Meeting the individual learning and cultural
needs of each student• Provide students with a 21st century learning
model that is tied to essential writing, reading, listening and speaking skills
• Providing parents and teachers with meaningful information about students’ progress and growth
• Building meaningful connections between students and adults
Passion:• Providing opportunities for parents, students and
teachers to discuss students’ passions and interests
Community:• Involving students in their communities
through special projects• Encouraging residents to utilize school facilities
for recreation and wellness (Community Center model)
Safety:• Expanding district-wide anti-bullying efforts
Our new strategic plan is designed to BRIDGE our strong tradition of excellence with the changing needs of our students in the 21st century.
Year 3 (2015-2016)Year 2 (2014-2015)
Year 1 (2013-2014)
Year 4 (2016-2017)
Year 5 (2017-2018)
View the complete five year implementation plan at www.stillwaterschools.org/vision