We Owned It!

Who could have predicted we would end up owning a challenge that none of us could have ever dreamed of? Our theme for this school year has been "We Own it!" And, we ended up owning something much bigger than we expected.

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 learning, and as professionals own our responsibility to make sure every student learns and grows in their education, 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.

With the pandemic crisis that forced our kids and staff to their homes to continue school, all of us did not have a choice. We had to own the challenges that come with a forced Distance Learning environment. What is so encouraging for our schools and community is our staff and students were ready for the challenge. We have already owned the challenge to make sure every child in our District has access to the technology need to learn anywhere in the world, let alone in their own home.

• Almost 100% of our students K-12 have had a state of the art device at home with Internet access.
• A vast majority of our staff has been trained to use technology that personalizes and leverages our students' learning.
• A vast majority of our staff are trained professionals to use technology for learning for all students in dynamic and different ways.
• Many of our staff members have been relentless to keep track of our kids and make sure they are caught up in their learning.
• Many staff members have been diligent in reaching out to students who have social, emotional needs and have been there for them even though distance and the virus have been a challenge.

The following words were written in describing our theme this school year and are almost prophetic in how we explain how we have "owned" this crisis:

We see the ownership that takes responsibility for the good, the bad and the indifferent and refuses to blame others.  We own the failures and reject excuses and faultfinding.  Problems are owned to be solve, 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

Looking back, we are proud of students and staff for taking ownership of the solution of doing everything possible to make sure our kids are safe and still learn, albeit from a distance.

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!