Excellence is more than a tradition in Stillwater Area Public Schools. It’s an expectation. While our schools have provided an excellent education for generations, the ever-changing world requires us to rethink our future.

Our new mission, and the supporting strategic plan, is focused on addressing the academic, social, emotional and physical needs of each student. We’re bridging our strong tradition with the changing needs of students in the 21st century by focusing on:

• Personalization Our students are individuals, and we will encourage and support all students along their personalized learning pathways.

• Passion Our teachers will know each student’s passion, and design learning opportunities to capture each child’s curiosity and imagination.

• Community Our community will nurture its youngest members and work

together to meet students’ social, emotional, physical and academic needs.

• Safety Our schools will be safe and welcoming learning environments

that support students’ learning, as well as their social, emotional and physical well-being.

Stillwater Area Public Schools - April 2013

BRIDGE

Classrooms across the district will be changing as we begin to bridge our traditions with the needs and passions of our students both today and into the future. Here’s just a quick preview of what is to come for students in the Stillwater Area Public Schools.

The Pre-Kindergarten Through Sixth Grade Experience

• Instruction designed to meet the needs of small groups and individual learners

• Opportunities to learn world languages and experience various cultures

• Art and design lessons integrated into the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) curriculum

• Increased support and interventions for students who struggle emotionally and academically

The Junior High Experience

• High levels of student engagement through passion-based learning

• Personal learning plans and flexible scheduling to meet the needs of each unique learner

• Opportunities to explore interests and develop new skills

• Academic advisors to help students and families plan for the future

The High School Experience

• Pathways of studies in specific areas tailored to meet the individual interests and post-secondary plans of students

• Flexible scheduling options to meet the personal learning needs of students

• More learning opportunities outside of the school building and beyond the traditional school day

• Small learning communities supported by academic advisors

www.stillwaterschools.org/visionOnline access to action plans, 300 action steps, financials, progress updates and more The mission of

Stillwater Area Public Schools,

in partnership with students, family

and community, is to develop curious

individuals who are active and engaged

leaders in an ever-changing world by

challenging all students as they travel

along their personalized

learning pathways.

This plan was developed by more than

230 community members and staff. It is

not the “district’s” plan - it is your plan.

Bridge to Excellence is a partnership

between community and school staff. It

has been designed to ensure that every

one of our learners has the experiences,

skills and knowledge they will need to

successfully navigate an ever-changing

world.

To successfully implement this plan

will require significant change to our

existing school system – from the

materials we teach and the way we

deliver instruction, to the way we train

our staff, schedule classes and engage

the community.

Join us! The future is exciting for

Stillwater Area Public Schools.

The New Stillwater Area Public Schools

Taking ActionOur new plan was designed for action. It is not something that will sit on the shelf, but instead will be the focus of our work for the next five years.

Our new plan is also designed for transparency. Formal progress updates will be shared annually, and more informal progress reports will be available online.

Together, we will know the objectives of our new strategic plan have been met when we can boldly proclaim that each Stillwater Area Public Schools’ student:

• hastheskillsandabilitiestocompete in an ever-changing world;

• isanactiveparticipantinhis/her community;

• contributestoasafe,caringand healthy environment;

• hasasenseofbelonging;

• ispersonallyengagedinserviceto others;

• hasapassionforlearning;

• canidentifyandpursuehis/herpassions.

Building the Structure

We’re implementing new programs, further developing our staff, and introducing exciting new opportunities for students, including elementary world language and art/design.

Students and families are beginning to see and feel our new vision as it comes to life.

Personalization:• Incorporating students’ culture and life

experiences into lessons• Providing world language instruction in

elementary schools• Implementing new grading and reporting

system to better evaluate students’ growth

Passion:• Expanding STEM (Science, Technology,

Engineering and Math) to STEAM by including art/design

• Engaging students by embedding technology into more of their classroom learning

Community: • Encouraging residents to share their

knowledge and experiences with students by expanding volunteer opportunities

• Supporting students and their families through transitions in their learning

Safety:• Supporting students and staff in making

healthier wellness and lifestyle choices• Continuing to meet the mental health needs

of students

Adding the Details

With a modern new curriculum in place and extensive teacher training underway, more focus is placed on developing students’ passions and meeting their individual social, emotional and health needs.

The community is taking ownership of our schools and becoming more involved in educating and supporting our students.

Personalization:• Meeting the needs of the “whole child”

(academic, social, emotional and physical) • Expanding blended and flexible learning

opportunities and implementing Bring Your Own Technology (BYOT)

• Supporting parents in their role as educators by establishing resource centers in each school

Passion:• Matching students with caring adults

who share common passions, resulting in increased sense of belonging

• Working with students to create learning opportunities around their passions

Community:• Recognizing the contributions and services of

volunteers• Partnering with local community

organizations and individuals to gather community feedback to enhance our schools

Safety:• Establishing peer mentor programs • Expanding character development and

community building activities in schools

Putting On the Finishing Touches

Our focus is now on developing personalized learning plans for each student, which takes into account their individual needs, goals, passions and strengths. We’re working closely with parents to support students’ academic, social, emotional and health needs.

Our vision is alive and our entire community is noticing the positive changes.

Personalization: • Creating Personalized Learning Plans for each

student based on individual needs• Providing students with an electronic

portfolio to store and archive their work throughout their career in our schools

Passion:• Incorporating passion-based learning

methods in all classrooms • Providing opportunities for students to learn

alongside professionals in laboratories, clinics, offices, etc.

Community:• Providing students at all grade levels with

opportunities to engage in community service• Creating opportunities for parent education

Safety:• Equipping classrooms with tools (such as

standing desks or exercise balls) to support students’ health needs and learning styles

BRIDGE

Traveling Our New Bridge

We’re evaluating what is working well and celebrating the successes of the previous four years.

We’re also identifying our future needs and engaging the community in development of a new strategic plan.

Personalization: • Supporting students by launching a

community-wide mentor program

Passion:• Providing all students with opportunities to

complete passion-based projects around their interests

Community:• Providing all students with opportunities to

engage in service learning activities as part of the curriculum, thus strengthening their ties to the district and community

• Identifying partnerships with local colleges, universities and businesses

Safety:• Expanding access to health services for

students

Setting the Foundation

Much work is being done to develop new, modern curriculum to prepare students for an ever-changing world.

We are developing the capacity of our staff through increased training and establishing new systems to help us implement our strategic plan.

Personalization:• Meeting the individual learning and cultural

needs of each student• Provide students with a 21st century learning

model that is tied to essential writing, reading, listening and speaking skills

• Providing parents and teachers with meaningful information about students’ progress and growth

• Building meaningful connections between students and adults

Passion:• Providing opportunities for parents, students and

teachers to discuss students’ passions and interests

Community:• Involving students in their communities

through special projects• Encouraging residents to utilize school facilities

for recreation and wellness (Community Center model)

Safety:• Expanding district-wide anti-bullying efforts

Our new strategic plan is designed to BRIDGE our strong tradition of excellence with the changing needs of our students in the 21st century.

Year 3 (2015-2016)Year 2 (2014-2015)

Year 1 (2013-2014)

Year 4 (2016-2017)

Year 5 (2017-2018)

View the complete five year implementation plan at www.stillwaterschools.org/vision