LYNWOOD – The Lynwood Unified School District recently unveiled a new mission statement and objectives that will guide its instructional programs and educational planning moving forward. The updated principles reaffirm the district’s commitment to prepare Lynwood students for college and career and lay the foundation for crafting a new strategic plan with updated goals and specific measures for achieving them.

“We have reset our compass to ensure we continue to motivate all our students to aim high and succeed in life, both professionally and personally,” said Lynwood Unified Board of Education President Briseida Gonzalez, MSW. “Because we value community, we worked with students, parents, staff at all levels and community members to update our mission statement and we will do the same as we move forward with a new strategic plan.”

The new mission statement and objectives raise the bar for how the district educates its students and sets the stage for realigning Lynwood Unified’s goals with the new Common Core curriculum, project-based learning and new ways of measuring student success, officials said. The district is seeking to complete a new strategic plan by March, at which time it will be presented to the governing board.

“We’ve accomplished many of the goals set forth in the previous plan, which include raising academic standards, improving student achievement, expanding professional development and communicating better with students, families and staff, and we’re taking our programs to the next level,” said Superintendent Paul Gothold. “That’s exciting because the next level goes beyond test scores to emphasize a richer, more meaningful educational experience and to equip the whole child with a full set of tools to successfully navigate an increasingly dynamic world.”

Unveiled at the board’s Oct. 14 meeting, Lynwood Unified’s new mission statement reads as follows:

“The mission of Lynwood Unified School District, the cultivator of innovative thinkers, is to ensure each student fearlessly achieves his or her highest academic and personal aspirations while contributing to the greater society through a unique system distinguished by:

-people of great character who inspire and lead by example

-the instilling of courage to be creative

-the transformative uses of technology

-safe and clean environments

-the honoring of all voices of our community.”

To date, the district has also identified eight strategies for carrying out its mission. The strategies address student achievement, character, staff, family involvement, fiscal resources, ensuring safe and clean learning environments, collaboration with community and outside resources, and technology.

Now begins the work of fleshing out an action plan for achieving each goal, identifying what resources may be needed, and setting milestones for tracking the district’s progress, said Assistant Superintendent of Educational Services Gudiel Crosthwaite.

“We are building committees of 15 to 25 members to put the meat on the bones of each strategy and specify how we will hold ourselves accountable,” Crosthwaite said. “This collaborative approach was key to the success of the previous plan and sends our kids a clear message that they have the support of the entire Lynwood Unified community.”

To participate, parents, students, teachers, administrators, classified staff and community members are encouraged to contact Griselda Rodriguez in the Educational Services Department at (310) 886-1695.

 

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Published: Nov. 27, 2014 - Volume 13 - Issue 33