Our best work. Our best selves.
Each year, summer brings us a chance to reflect, refresh and recharge. Like so many other things, this August will be different. We are rethinking, reinventing and reimagining like we never have before. It will require our best work and our best selves.
Neuqua Valley is an extraordinary school - not because of awards or achievement, but because of our people and the pride we each have in what we do. We welcome you to our family and are grateful you will be a part of this community. We have high expectations and support one another as we seek them.
As we did during Remote Learning last quarter, we are focusing on two areas this fall: Routines and Relationships. Routines help our students focus in unsettling times and relationships are the foundation for all of the ambitions we have for each of our students. You'll be hearing about these more as the school year approaches.
Neuqua Valley is an extraordinary school - not because of awards or achievement, but because of our people and the pride we each have in what we do. We welcome you to our family and are grateful you will be a part of this community. We have high expectations and support one another as we seek them.
As we did during Remote Learning last quarter, we are focusing on two areas this fall: Routines and Relationships. Routines help our students focus in unsettling times and relationships are the foundation for all of the ambitions we have for each of our students. You'll be hearing about these more as the school year approaches.
EQUITY AND INCLUSION
One of the most powerful moments that played out across our country this spring calls on our profession to answer the need for a greater sense of equity with our students, among our students and among ourselves.
Think about these three phrases:
Think about these three phrases:
ALL students. |
EVERY student. |
EACH student. |
We often say that we believe ALL students, or EVERY student, can succeed. Of course, we do! But what our students need to hear is that we believe EACH student can succeed. They need to hear that we see them as individuals, not just part of the school, class or group. We know them by name, not on a roster but as someone with their own voice and story. To believe in EACH student is to listen to them, know them and support their needs as they see them - not only the way we see them.
PROFESSIONAL LEARNING COMMUNITIES
PLC'S are the heart of our professional DNA. We believe the best source of support and growth is one another. Colleagues that share your content or courses will help guide the best decisions and provide the most relevant professional development. We are walking down many untraveled paths. Working together and keeping together will be an important part of our own social emotional wellness and that of our students. We need our routines as well.
SOCIAL EMOTIONAL LEARNING
Positive and productive habits fuel the progress of our students. We have a chance every day - in-person or remote - to make SEL a part of what we do:
- LESSONS that allow for student-driven conversation and dialogue;
- QUESTIONS that promote student reflection, reaction and response;
- CLASSES small enough for personal attention (this may the first and only time this happens!)
Remember:
WE BELIEVE IN YOU.
The best argument against our own uncertainty is the confidence we share in colleagues. They will lift you up. You will lift them up. Together, we lift students up. And that's exactly what we all need.
