VISION FOR KENT CITY COMMUNITY SCHOOLS

   Kent City Community Schools is among the best in the nation in guiding all students to perform at their highest potential, become life-long learners, and be productive contributors to the community.  Students’ academic achievement and self-esteem, along with respecting the dignity and self-worth of each individual are our top priorities.  We provide a safe, nurturing, engaging, and goal-oriented learning environment.  The school climate is friendly, positive, accepting of diversity, and respectful to all.

    Students are excited about learning, make a personal connection, and see the value in life-long learning.  They apply knowledge in new situations or contexts.  All students are held to high expectations.  Through their sense of responsibility, good values, excellent character, and positive behaviors, they hold themselves accountable for their actions. 

    The effort of students is recognized; along with the acknowledgement and celebration of achievement.  Students are encouraged to explore and grow personally, and have access to a wide variety of academic and extra-curricular opportunities.  A high level of pride and accomplishment is evident throughout the school and community.

    Parents value education and accept responsibility to be engaged in the educational process.  Parents and community members take a supportive role and work collaboratively with teachers to assist students in succeeding.  Volunteers are active in the school.  Parents provide a positive learning environment at home, which demonstrates the importance of becoming a life-long learner.  Everyone realizes that the education of our students is the joint responsibility of the parent, teacher, and community.

    Positive relationships are essential, and developed through open two-way communication.  Parents feel their concerns are listened to and addressed by school personnel.  A strong and effective home-school connection exists and family involvement enhances the students’ school experience.  

    Teachers are excited about helping each student learn and hold high/rigorous expectations for each student.  The compassionate, committed, and collaborative staff is engaged in continuous professional development to stay current with the latest educational research.  A variety of instructional strategies are used to reach diverse learners.  Teachers promote individual student success and intellectual curiosity, and accept responsibility for inspiring each student to succeed.  They guide each student in establishing personal learning goals, and are responsive to each student’s needs.  Staff provides emotional, social, and academic support for each student.

    Administrators maintain everyone’s focus on achievement for ALL students, facilitate dialogue focused on student achievement data, and create a learning organization.  They empower staff to focus on students’ academic achievement and self-esteem, and teaching students to respect the dignity and self-worth of each individual.  They facilitate staff working collaboratively, embracing change, and making sound educational decisions.  Administrators interact well with teachers, parents, and students; this creates an inviting campus for the community, where parents are welcome in the school and encouraged to participate.

    Board of Education goals are established and evaluated each year.  Building school improvement goals and grade/department goals are aligned with the board goals, which creates a common focus and facilitates collaboration.  The district is on a solid financial foundation with sufficient/recommended fund balance.  A sound and fluid strategic plan has been developed, is being implemented, and is evaluated annually.  There is an emphasis on learning for life!

    Curriculum, assessment, and instruction are research-based.  All curricula are held to the highest standard of rigor and relevance to ensure that our students receive the best possible education.  Academically advanced courses are available, interventions are used to assist at-risk learners, and differentiated instructional strategies are applied to challenge students at their highest level.  Students are encouraged to strive for high goals and reach their full potential.  Everyone sets goals, analyzes data linked to those goals, and makes time to reflect on successes.  A Career Preparation System is in place to provide students with life-long career and education information and opportunities to plan their future. 

    Technology is current and integrated into the learning environment to enhance learning.  Technology is used to make information accessible to students, parents, and teachers, to provide a vehicle for communicating student data or information, and to enable two-way communication.

    All district employees understand the significance of their role in providing the best education possible for the students.  Secretaries provide countless services and always with a strong customer service orientation.  Educational assistants promote student success by aiding students in the classrooms, assisting with small group instruction, enabling students with special needs to participate, and promoting responsibility in the cafeteria and on the playground.  Bus drivers greet students with a smile and transport them safely to and from school.  The food service staff works diligently to provide our students with nutritional/healthy choices.  Facilities are up-to-date, clean, and well maintained by a hard working custodial/maintenance crew.

    Students, employees, and community members are very proud of our schools!