We Own it!

When we discussed the theme for the 2019-2020 school year we recognized the importance of our Personalized Learning Vision for the District:

We will partner with our students to own their learning, pursue their ambitions and achieve their goals.  

The words "Own Their Learning" stood out.  When students take responsibility and own their own learning, we have achieved what we set out to do.  That is, we have created life long learners who become bold to achieve and succeed in life.

There is something about ownership that sets our behaviors and attitudes apart from situations, conditions and choices contrasted from where and when we have little to no investment in ownership and possession.  When we own something, we are much more likely to take pride in its substance, show much more respect and appreciation for what we own.  We are much more willing to maintain, improve and provide solutions to problems, and we become much more willing to take initiative in involving energy and time in making sure what we own is quality, appealing, and effective in its purpose and design.

We see ownership in our district as a means of describing a mindset and an approach where we as a team are willing to take the risk of ownership on multiple levels.  We decide and commit to owning our students - their successes, challenges, idiosyncrasies and most importantly, our relationships with each and every child.

We see ownership that takes responsibility for the good, the bad and the indifferent and refuses to blame others.  We take ownership and refuse to put down and/or denigrate another peer, employee, parent or student.  We own the failures and reject excuses and fault finding.  Problems are owned to be solved, and solutions are owned by all and shared to implement, succeed and celebrate!

If we own the story, then we can write the ending.  

Brene Brown

This year is a year when we emphasize and promote our ability to "own our story" and thereby create the road and destiny built on our mission, vision, values and lofty goals.  When we own it, we call the shots and help everyone finish strong!  Have a great school year.