Below is the welcoming address that I delivered to teachers and administrators on Aug. 22nd. I presented this in the form of an “Ignite Talk”. Ignite talks are Powerpoint presentations that contain 20 slides that auto-advance every 15 seconds. The tag line of ignite talks is “Enlighten us but make it quick”. My slides had photos that matched the text. Those slides are linked here.
As we begin another school year I thought it would be important to share with you our OCSU vision, mission, and core values and beliefs.
I’m excited about the opportunity we have to work together to build a community where all of our students have choices for success throughout their lives.
A few years ago a group of OCSU students, teachers, administrators, board members, and community members worked together to articulate the characteristics of students who graduate from our system prepared for life after high school.
The OCSU vision, mission, and core values and beliefs were developed based on the ideas generated from that work. Every single day I see evidence of those ideas being carried out in classrooms across our SU.
We believe that high expectations, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence, knowledge, and wisdom are the cornerstones to success in school and beyond.
As we shift to proficiency-based learning we are finding creative ways to engage students in core subjects.
High expectations and rigorous learning experiences are evident as our academic teams are busy winning championships across the state and across the country.
Students are working individually and in groups to strengthen their skills with our cross -curricular proficiencies, important life skills that will help them to be successful no matter what they choose to do.
We believe that every student can learn when the educational experience is engaging, diverse, integrated, collaborative, and personalized.
Flexible seating and student-centered learning are evident in our classrooms and schools.
Research projects where students choose their topic and how to show their learning is just one example of how we’re encouraging student voice and choice.
We celebrate creativity and we’re proud of the opportunities we offer to our students. From preschool to high school our arts programs are exemplary and allow for a variety of learning experiences.
Concerts, art shows, theatre productions, and talent shows are just some of the opportunities students have to showcase their talents. Engaging with authentic audiences allows students to have real-life experiences.
We believe respect, honesty, kindness, individual responsibility, and understanding towards others are crucial elements of the school environment.
Social justice activities are important to our OCSU community and we believe in the importance of teaching students to be kind and inclusive to all.
The Flannel Friday for Food challenge, speaking out against bullying, collecting food for the food shelf to celebrate Day 100, and learning about the addiction crisis are just some of the activities that help to build awareness of social justice issues.
We believe positive relationships and healthy and safe environments help students to reach their full potential, and that each member of the community has a role in our moving forward.
Welding, woodworking, gardening, and cooking are just a sample of the variety of experiences we offer to personalize learning based on student interests.
Sports – both individual and team – happen during all seasons and at all grade levels, and allow students to challenge themselves and to develop interests in lifelong physical activities.
It takes a village to raise a child and we value activities that allow us to partner with parents and community members. Our school gardens and partnership with Green Mountain Farm-to-School, family literacy and math nights, and even building new playgrounds are just some of the ways our schools partner with family and community.
As I reflect on all that we do to ensure that students have choices for success throughout their lives I want to acknowledge all of you for your commitment and dedication to our OCSU community.
It’s your energy and enthusiasm that is making a difference for our students every single day and I want you to know that your efforts are noticed and appreciated.
I’m looking forward to our year together and am anxious to visit your classrooms and share in all the wonderful experiences I know you’ll be offering students. Thank-you for all you do to make OCSU the special place that it is.
Have a wonderful year!!
As we begin another school year I thought it would be important to share with you our OCSU vision, mission, and core values and beliefs.
I’m excited about the opportunity we have to work together to build a community where all of our students have choices for success throughout their lives.
A few years ago a group of OCSU students, teachers, administrators, board members, and community members worked together to articulate the characteristics of students who graduate from our system prepared for life after high school.
The OCSU vision, mission, and core values and beliefs were developed based on the ideas generated from that work. Every single day I see evidence of those ideas being carried out in classrooms across our SU.
We believe that high expectations, perseverance, and the pursuit of excellence, knowledge, and wisdom are the cornerstones to success in school and beyond.
As we shift to proficiency-based learning we are finding creative ways to engage students in core subjects.
High expectations and rigorous learning experiences are evident as our academic teams are busy winning championships across the state and across the country.
Students are working individually and in groups to strengthen their skills with our cross -curricular proficiencies, important life skills that will help them to be successful no matter what they choose to do.
We believe that every student can learn when the educational experience is engaging, diverse, integrated, collaborative, and personalized.
Flexible seating and student-centered learning are evident in our classrooms and schools.
Research projects where students choose their topic and how to show their learning is just one example of how we’re encouraging student voice and choice.
We celebrate creativity and we’re proud of the opportunities we offer to our students. From preschool to high school our arts programs are exemplary and allow for a variety of learning experiences.
Concerts, art shows, theatre productions, and talent shows are just some of the opportunities students have to showcase their talents. Engaging with authentic audiences allows students to have real-life experiences.
We believe respect, honesty, kindness, individual responsibility, and understanding towards others are crucial elements of the school environment.
Social justice activities are important to our OCSU community and we believe in the importance of teaching students to be kind and inclusive to all.
The Flannel Friday for Food challenge, speaking out against bullying, collecting food for the food shelf to celebrate Day 100, and learning about the addiction crisis are just some of the activities that help to build awareness of social justice issues.
We believe positive relationships and healthy and safe environments help students to reach their full potential, and that each member of the community has a role in our moving forward.
Welding, woodworking, gardening, and cooking are just a sample of the variety of experiences we offer to personalize learning based on student interests.
Sports – both individual and team – happen during all seasons and at all grade levels, and allow students to challenge themselves and to develop interests in lifelong physical activities.
It takes a village to raise a child and we value activities that allow us to partner with parents and community members. Our school gardens and partnership with Green Mountain Farm-to-School, family literacy and math nights, and even building new playgrounds are just some of the ways our schools partner with family and community.
As I reflect on all that we do to ensure that students have choices for success throughout their lives I want to acknowledge all of you for your commitment and dedication to our OCSU community.
It’s your energy and enthusiasm that is making a difference for our students every single day and I want you to know that your efforts are noticed and appreciated.
I’m looking forward to our year together and am anxious to visit your classrooms and share in all the wonderful experiences I know you’ll be offering students. Thank-you for all you do to make OCSU the special place that it is.
Have a wonderful year!!
RSS Feed
