Dear Center School Families,
As we begin another exciting school year, I want to share three important areas of focus that will guide the work of our staff throughout the 2026 - 2027 year. Our goal is simple: to continue growing as educators so that every student is challenged, supported, and feels a strong sense of belonging within our school community.
1. Examining the Tasks We Give Our Students
One of our primary areas of focus will be taking a close look at the learning tasks and experiences we provide for students. We will continually ask ourselves: Are our students being asked to think deeply? Are they solving problems, making connections, explaining their thinking, and applying what they know?
We want to ensure that our classrooms provide meaningful opportunities for students to move beyond simply recalling information and toward deeper thinking, problem-solving, creativity, collaboration, and reflection. Our staff will work together to analyze student tasks and consider how we can continually raise the level of thinking.
2. Examining Our Feedback: Verbal, Nonverbal, and Written
The feedback students receive from adults has a tremendous impact on their learning and their experience in school. This year, we will be intentional about examining what we say, what we write, and what we communicate through our actions, facial expressions, body language, and other nonverbal cues.
We will consider whether our feedback is specific, meaningful, and focused on helping students grow. Just as importantly, we will reflect on how our students may experience and interpret the feedback we provide. Our goal is for every interaction with a student to communicate high expectations, encouragement, respect, and a belief in their ability to grow.
3. Continuing Our Restorative Approach to Climate and Culture
Our third focus is continuing to strengthen our restorative approach to building a positive school climate and culture. We believe that relationships are at the heart of a successful school community.
We will continue to help students develop the skills to communicate, take responsibility, repair relationships, resolve conflict, and learn from challenging situations. A restorative approach does not mean that we lower expectations. Rather, it means that we maintain high expectations while also providing students with opportunities to reflect, make things right, and grow.
We want our school to be a place where students feel known, valued, respected, and connected—and where every member of our community understands that they play an important role in creating that environment.
Our Commitment
These three areas are interconnected. We want to provide students with challenging and meaningful learning, support them through intentional and thoughtful feedback, and create a school culture where strong relationships and a sense of belonging allow students to thrive.
As always, feel free to reach out!
Michael
