Our goal is to maintain the excellence of Ross School while continuously striving to improve in order to prepare our students for success in our diverse and rapidly changing world.
1. Curriculum Assure a consistently excellent, balanced and well-articulated program to develop, nurture and challenge each child.
Actions: a) Develop a curriculum review calendar with a regular cycle and which matches state adoption for all content elements
b) Implement revised Special Education and Special Services programs aligned with established goals
c) Study methods to provide elective choices for middle school students including applied arts
d) Build on our character program and further integrate it into the culture of our school
e) Enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of communications around curriculum and methodology
2. Tools for the 21st Century Provide students with the skills and tools for learning in the 21st century.
Actions: a) Integrate information literacy into the K-8 curriculum
b) Teach students study skills and strategies that best support their learning and link across grade levels.
c) Continue to provide parent and student education on the ethics for technology use at school
3. Global and Community Perspective Provide students with experiences that develop an understanding and respect for the diversity of the world and the importance of contributing to others.
Actions: a) Adopt curriculum that includes a global perspective integrated with core classroom, library and fine arts programs
b) Implement an effective Spanish program for all K-8 students
c) Review best practices and enhance our community service program to include opportunities for service within and outside the school
d) Develop and implement activities to increase community connections with Ross School
4. Work Environment Foster a work environment that supports best teaching and a respectful partnership between parents and school.
Actions: a) Continue to provide teacher training to build on best practice strategies to meet the needs of all learners
b) Increase ways to support time for teacher collaboration and planning
c) Attract and retain the best faculty, staff and administration through a competitive compensation package
d) Evaluate and strengthen systems that foster respect in parent-educator interactions
5. Facilities Ensure an up-to-date, safe and secure facility for school and community that supports our educational program and is flexible for changing needs.
Actions: a) Assess current needs and revise Master Plan as necessary
b) Analyze and make recommendations for funding options
c) Explore broader agreements between town and school to make efficient use of resources
6. Finance Ensure financial stability and efficient and effective use of resources.
Actions: a) Create a mechanism to coordinate development activities thereby increasing community awareness of, involvement with and support for the school
b) Develop strategies to protect and enhance school funding and adapt to a changing environment
c) Seek new and expand existing streams of local fundraising such as: endowment, corporate support and parcel tax
d) Analyze current systems to ensure cost effective use of resources
e) Build on existing systems to gather and use demographic information for budget planning
f) Collaborate and share resources with local community and other districts when appropriate
