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A male teacher sits and examines a robot with two female students.

SEVENTYFOUR/STOCK.ADOBE.COM

 

As CUBE Chair, it is my honor to lead our educational community into a new academic year with a clear focus on the key areas that will ensure success for every student. By prioritizing education transformation and innovation, student achievement, safety and security, and transportation, we understand that these are more than just strategic goals; they are the pillars supporting a smooth and successful start to this school year.

The world around us is evolving at an unprecedented pace, and our public education systems must not only keep up but also lead the way in preparing students for the future. Education transformation and innovation should be a strong focus as we begin this academic year.

We are committed to creating learning environments that are dynamic and responsive to the needs of today’s students. This means integrating cutting-edge technology, adopting new teaching methodologies, and fostering creativity and critical thinking. Our classrooms should be transformed into hubs of innovation where students can engage in personalized learning experiences that cater to their individual strengths and areas for growth.

As we embark on this new school year, it is crucial that we embrace these changes wholeheartedly. A commitment to innovation will not only enhance student engagement but will also lay the groundwork for lifelong learning, equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in an ever-changing world.

Inspire and motivate students

At the core of our new school year is the commitment to student achievement. Every child deserves the opportunity to succeed. This belief drives our focus on setting high academic standards and supporting each student in reaching their full potential.

As we start the academic year, each one of our public schools should be rolling out new initiatives aimed at boosting student performance across all grade levels. These include enhanced curriculum standards, comprehensive assessment tools, and targeted interventions for students who need additional support. By focusing on mastery of core subjects while also encouraging exploration in the arts, sciences, and other areas, we are providing a well-rounded education that fosters both intellectual and personal growth.

A successful start to the school year depends on our ability to inspire and motivate students from day one. By prioritizing achievement and providing the necessary resources, we are setting the stage for a year of academic excellence.

Monitor and protect our campuses

Safety and security are more than just considerations—they are essential to the successful operation of our schools. A safe learning environment is foundational to academic success and the well-being of our students and staff.

This year and every academic year after, we should implement comprehensive safety protocols to ensure that our schools are secure places where students can focus on learning without distraction. These measures include enhanced physical security, regular safety drills, and the integration of advanced technology to monitor and protect our campuses. Additionally, we should expand mental health resources, recognizing that emotional well-being is a critical component of a safe school environment.

The importance of these efforts cannot be overstated. A safe start to the school year is crucial for building the trust and confidence of students, parents, and educators, and it sets the tone for a productive and positive academic experience.

Conditions for every student to succeed

Reliable and efficient transportation is the backbone of our educational system. It ensures that every student has access to education, regardless of where they live. As we begin this school year, we are committed to providing transportation that is not only dependable but also safe and environmentally responsible.

By now, your board, administration, and staff should have made investments in modernizing your transportation fleet, including introducing greener, more sustainable vehicles. This not only reduces our environmental impact but also ensures that students arrive at school ready to learn. Additionally, this optimizes bus routes to minimize travel times and reduce the burden on families and students.

A successful start to the school year depends on getting students to school on time and safely every day. Our efforts in this area reflect our dedication to supporting students from the moment they leave their homes until they return at the end of the day.

As we step into this new academic year, the focus on education transformation and innovation, student achievement, safety and security, and transportation is more critical than ever. These pillars are not just priorities; they are the foundation of a successful school year.

By embracing innovation, setting high standards, ensuring safety, and providing reliable transportation, we are creating the conditions necessary for every student to succeed. Together, we will make this school year not only successful but transformative, laying the groundwork for a brighter future for all our students.

Gill Garrett (gill.garrett@pontiacschools.org) is the 2023-25 chair of the CUBE Steering Committee.

 

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