Watertown Board of Education

S T R A T E G I C  P L A N

MISSION STATEMENT

The mission of the Watertown School District, with determination to be a world-class educational leader and a centerpiece of a dynamic and growing community, is to meet the diverse needs of each student - academic, artistic, athletic, emotional, ethical, social, and technological - to develop members of our community who:

• embrace life-long learning;
• are caring and responsible citizens;
• have a sense of social justice.

This will be accomplished by:

• establishing high expectations for all students;
• partnering with parents and the community as a whole;
• providing the differentiated instruction, guidance and resources necessary to achieve these high expectations set forth for our students, staff, and community.

• All educational decisions will be made with the best - demonstrated interests of the student in mind.
• The district will collaborate with the community to maximize resources to benefit the students.
• The district will always maintain a safe and secure environment and never tolerate bullying, violence, harassment, or prejudice of any kind.
• The district will maintain high expectations for all students and staff by providing professional development with on-going in-class support and follow up.

OBJECTIVES

• By 2007, 100% of students will meet or exceed state goals for the Connecticut Mastery Tests and the Connecticut Academic Performance Test.
• By 2007, 100% of students will meet Watertown High School Graduation Standards in writing, math, and technology.
• By 2007, 100% of primary level students will meet all grade level standards as measured by the district.
• By 2007, 100% of all students will commit to be drug free as measured by signed pledges and review of disciplinary referrals.
• By 2007, 100% of students who need AP courses at Watertown High School will participate in them.

We recognize that these are high-end student objectives and our ability to accomplish them is dependent upon the availability of optional resources.

STRATEGIES

• We will develop ways to engage families in the education of their children at home and at school.
• We will develop multiple ways to analyze and use data to continually evaluate and improve instructional strategies and to create individual instructional plans.
• We will nurture and encourage staff involvement in sustained Professional Development and collaboration from all involved that includes in-class support and follow up.
• We will effectively engage, inform, and educate our community as to the importance of supporting our children and our school district.
• We will build the capacity for each school to engage in a school improvement planning process to support and coordinate with the district's strategic plan.
• We will develop a comprehensive program to promote peer advocacy and involvement in a comprehensive anti-drug program.