By Chad Hilliker,
Loveland City School District superintendent
We are now doing our most important work, the work we do with our students! They have returned to our buildings, rejuvenated from break, stocked with school supplies and ready to learn! For our students it was first day of class; for our faculty and staff, each August marks a new opportunity to transform a young life.
Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today: At the Loveland City School District, this is the collective mission we are all on. This summer, our administrative team focused serious energy into defining exactly what that statement means. Out of these discussions we developed this vision: We are committed to being a destination school district exemplified through our dedicated approach to the complete student experience.
This vision statement is the why we – as professionals – gather back together this August in anticipation of our first day for students. This year, we have a laser focus on what I’m calling “the big three”:
- GROWTH – Every Tiger will demonstrate personal academic growth
- INNOVATION – Every Tiger will experience an innovative education environment
- CARE – Every Tiger will be cared for and supported
When we talk about Tiger GROWTH, what we are really saying is that we will meet each student where they are academically, and then take them to the pinnacle of their potential – intentionally focused on proven strategies to achieve world-class results.
[pull_quote_left]We CARE. We build relationships in every classroom, every lunchroom, every playground and all of the arts, athletics and extracurricular activities in between.[/pull_quote_left]INNOVATION is not only the environment we foster but the mindset our graduates leave with as they enter college/career – including resiliency, creativity, empathy and reflection. We believe that a student’s abilities, intelligence and talents are developed, and our students – district-wide – will be provided a personalized education that charts a clear path for their future.
This idea of innovation isn’t just important to our school; it is of equal importance to our parents and community. In April the district conducted a community survey to gain perspective from all members of the Tiger Family about what the future of the district should include for both student programs and district learning spaces. Out of around 430 survey participants, an overwhelming majority wanted us to focus on bringing technology innovation into the Loveland student experience. We are now launching an innovation task force of educators to begin thinking about and developing ideas around what the future student experience should look like.
Finally, we CARE. We build relationships in every classroom, every lunchroom, every playground and all of the arts, athletics and extracurricular activities in between. This is the foundation of how we will help all students manage the unique challenges and pressures that greatly impact their personal development and academic success.
Preparing Students for Tomorrow, Today.
It’s what we do, and we do it well. With each of us focused on “the big three” this school year, sitting here today as school is set to begin, I can only imagine the growth we will have as a team this year.
When will Loveland Schools change the school calendar to improve which days schools are open, similar to other districts, such as Little Miami, that calendar breaks the year up which helps with a better working and learning environment.