What do you mean to be challenged academically every day? Aren't we already doing that?
Our teachers are doing their very best to challenge students every single day. However, our class sizes are large and frequently short of support staff, creating a situation where teachers are being asked to do more like cover other classes and/or staff the lunchroom. Teachers need to be properly supported so they can focus on what they do best: teach. The district emphasizes differentiated instruction, but teachers aren't given the time to implement it. On school board, I will work to fully staff our buildings allowing teachers to do what they do best and students to be fully supported and academically challenged.
What does it mean to belong at school?
Students should feel welcome in their building and made to feel like a valued member of their class. They should see themselves in the books they read and the curriculum used. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some speak different languages, are from different countries, have non-traditional families; some students have more and some have less. We need to be trauma-informed, ensuring that every child has the chance to feel like they belong. Students that feel like they belong are more engaged and learn more.
What does it mean to be safe at school?
Ensuring student safety means both the building is secure from potential outside threats AND the student feels secure being themselves inside the building. WDMCS has made great strides in securing the buildings with the addition of secure entrances and other security measures. There is still work to do making sure students feel secure being themselves. Bullying is an ongoing issue that continues to change as quickly as the technology around us. I will strive to create space for students to be their authentic selves and find their voice while in our buildings.
Our teachers are doing their very best to challenge students every single day. However, our class sizes are large and frequently short of support staff, creating a situation where teachers are being asked to do more like cover other classes and/or staff the lunchroom. Teachers need to be properly supported so they can focus on what they do best: teach. The district emphasizes differentiated instruction, but teachers aren't given the time to implement it. On school board, I will work to fully staff our buildings allowing teachers to do what they do best and students to be fully supported and academically challenged.
What does it mean to belong at school?
Students should feel welcome in their building and made to feel like a valued member of their class. They should see themselves in the books they read and the curriculum used. Our students come from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some speak different languages, are from different countries, have non-traditional families; some students have more and some have less. We need to be trauma-informed, ensuring that every child has the chance to feel like they belong. Students that feel like they belong are more engaged and learn more.
What does it mean to be safe at school?
Ensuring student safety means both the building is secure from potential outside threats AND the student feels secure being themselves inside the building. WDMCS has made great strides in securing the buildings with the addition of secure entrances and other security measures. There is still work to do making sure students feel secure being themselves. Bullying is an ongoing issue that continues to change as quickly as the technology around us. I will strive to create space for students to be their authentic selves and find their voice while in our buildings.