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While the mission of a school will change little if at all over the course of time, policies, strategic planning and the vison statements should be reviewed and updated every two to three years, said Superintendent Chris Lindholm.
With that instruction, the I.S.D. 166 school board started on a process to update the school’s vison statement last fall. It was an inclusive process that brought in voices and leaders from Grand Portage and the rest of the county, as well as teachers and staff.
After listening sessions and reviewing pages and pages of input, the school board distilled it down and created and adopting Vision 2030 (What we intend to create and experience) a set of guidelines to building inclusiveness and cultural understanding within the school system.
It’s important to look to the future, Lindholm said, noting the class of 2035 is in kindergarten. “We have to prepare kids for jobs and careers that don’t exist yet,” he noted in an interview with the Cook County News-Herald.
When it came to wordsmithing and tightening up the document, the biggest shift was in core values and inclusiveness of the Ojibwe culture.
“It was time to walk our walk and not just talk about it but make it happen,” said Lindholm.
“We got overwhelming support from the Grand Portage LIEC and Tribal Council. John Morin (Tribal Council member) was very positive and helped us. Erik Redix (Chair of the LIEC) and Robert (Bobby) Deschampe, Grand Portage Band of Lake Superior Chippewa, were also instrumental in helping the school board.
However, I.S.D. 166 Ojibwe language teacher Martina Wigwas, “helped us embrace the Ojibwe language.” Chris said he knew nothing of the Ojibwe language before Martina taught him and the board some of the structure and meanings of some words.
“She (Ms. Wigwas) helped us embrace the language and come up with the Ojibwe words for our Core Values,” Lindholm said. “Really, bless her heart, she was instrumental in helping to form our mission and core values.”
School Board Chair Dan Shirley said, “We have been working on strategic planning, in fits and starts, for several years now. The strategic road map that the board adopted is the culmination of many years of thought and foundational work, capped by several months of a highly organized and intentional process led by Superintendent Lindholm. One of the aspects that I’m very proud of is that this document has been a collaborative effort with our community. In particular, the opportunity to partner with leaders in Grand Portage to incorporate Ojibwe wisdom enriches this document in a way that is truly unique and will be of immense benefit to our school district and students. It represents a good faith effort at mutual trust building that I hope to continue to build on.”
Vison 2030 includes “inspiring curiosity, creativity, empathy and a passion for lifelong learning.
Creating rigorous and enriching learning experiences.
Cultivating reflection, an understanding of historical context, and a diverse world b view.
Preparing students with self-awareness and strong communication and problem solving skills.
Meeting the needs of each student in a safe and nurturing environment.
Rigorous & Engaging Learning Experiences
These include developing rigorous and relevant curriculum, instruction and assessments that are culturally responsive, equitable and prepare students for the global workforce of the future.
Develop and implement personalized student learning plans.
Capacity Building & Effective Operations
Develop and implement professional development and continuous improvement systems that drive a culture of excellence.
Provide and support high quality staff, facilities, technology, and resources that cultivate pride and prepare students for success.
Partnerships, Transparency & Communications
Enhance both internal and external communication systems and platforms to increase the engagement and support of families and community members.
Grow and deepen meaningful community partnerships that create and support learning opportunities for students.
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