Dear Community,
As we finish up the Design stage of strategic planning and approach the Decide stage, I am excited about our inquiry teams gaining a deeper understanding around our three strategic focus areas: high quality learning experiences, student and staff well-being, and strategic resourcing.
In January, teams brought together students, teachers, parents, and community, to discuss their perceptions and experience in each focus area. By giving voice to all subgroups of the school community, the District is fostering a sense of ownership and pride among our residents in the education of students while gaining valuable insights to increase student engagement and academic success.
The work we are doing can best be summarized by the “Power of We.” The “Power of We” refers to the idea that people working together as a team can achieve more than they could individually and create something greater than what any one person could do alone.
The “Power of We” has been used as a communication theme for our District for the past year to emphasize the importance of collaboration and teamwork in education. Embracing the “Power of We” throughout the decision-making process allows us to build trust and strengthen relationships within our community. The District’s focus on voice is a positive step toward promoting student and staff engagement and creating a more dynamic and effective learning environment.
We have seen this in action not only throughout the strategic planning process and District advisory councils, but also in family out-reach programs such as our current parent book study "Behind Their Screens: Understanding Student Technology Use in School."
Families and staff are coming together to explore the impact of technology on student learning and behavior. The study also is highlighting the need for ongoing dialogue and collaboration between educators, parents, and students to ensure that technology is used in a way that supports student success.
These types of activities exemplify the “Power of We” and create long-lasting, sustainable relationships with families, impacting the learning experiences for all of our students. The “Power of We” is a fundamental component in defining what makes Chagrin a special place to live and who we are as a school community. The concept highlights the importance of working together to achieve common goals, creating a supportive learning environment, and promoting a welcoming environment in our school district.
To become part of the “we,” we invite you to learn more about the District’s strategic planning process or the current book study.
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