Vision for 2010-2011

I am asked to create a vision statement for the upcoming year when it comes to our budget. Here is this year's:

The vision for Rye Junior High School has changed very little in the past year. Preparing students for the world ahead of them is our highest priority. High school is the first step from here and the world after that can take on many different forms depending on the student and their individual skill areas. How do we meet the various needs of the students who walk through our doors every morning?
Students are developing at different rates in their three years at Rye Junior High School. Whether the changes come physically, mentally or even socially, RJH is positioned to meet the needs of all its students. We establish programming, opportunities, and a building to reach each student at their own level. Students challenge us each day to give them an understanding of the ever changing world by their questions, needs and dreams. Teachers respond by creating new lessons, activities, and assessments designed to push students to higher levels. They integrate technology in new and exciting ways. Research is being done both electronically and with traditional methods to allow students to find the answers they want and are asked to uncover. We work to develop the “whole child.” To quantify development is very difficult. Although we have measurable outcomes academically, the three years at RJH is a journey and the pace at which students get to the end varies dramatically. Each student hits his/her stride at different times. Think of your own journey and when you hit your stride.
Additions to the school, we have a couple that allow us to move forward at a more rapid pace. A newly finished library greatly expands our ability to teach integrated research in a suitable location. There is plenty of learning space while allowing the library to continue to function as a traditional lending library. Internet access and expanded collections allow students to have adequate resources to complete their work and read the most current literature. This space will once again be the hub of activity in our building but will allow for more access and enhanced learning opportunities. With funding from the Rye Education Foundation, we were able to create a One to One Netbook pilot in the seventh grade. This immediate access to technology for teachers and students has allowed students to grow more proficient with technology as they are using it on a daily basis in more than one classroom. Increased writing, research and data analysis promotes higher level thinking and greater skill development, not only in technology but in their core classes. Continuation of this pilot would be optimal for student learning for a modern world.
But these are tough times economically and continued expansion of programs is difficult. Our strength is in our teachers and their skill sets. We continue to pursue professional development opportunities for all and allow teachers to grow and develop. We have initiated the Professional Learning Communities model to bring a focus to learning and not teaching. Data analysis is part of our weekly conversation. How are our students progressing? What areas are they proficient and what areas need greater concentration? How does our curriculum allow for student progress? These are conversations that are the focus of common planning time. We are thankful to have the resource of our colleagues and their collective wisdom.
Moving into the second decade of this century, we are still committed to the ideal that all students can learn what they need to be successful in the years to come. We are preparing students for the world around them and the world that is to come. It is our mission and our responsibility.