Our Priorities
We look forward to working alongside the superintendent, other board members, administrators, faculty, staff, students, families, and residents to advance shared community priorities.
Student-centered, collaborative learning that is rigorous and engaging
We support:
Expanded opportunities for learning through problem-solving and teamwork, resulting in more engaging classroom experiences for students across grades levels and programs.
High-quality professional development to support teachers who want to deepen skills related to project-based learning, collaborative learning, and differentiated instruction.
Ongoing connections with local businesses and community organizations for meaningful learning experiences beyond the classroom.
Cell phone-free learning, bell-to-bell
Implementation of a cell phone-free policy is supported by the RVCSD community (via survey), by research, and officially by New York State.
We support a policy that:
Promotes focus and engagement in the classroom and encourages face-to-face communication and social interactionamong students.
Addresses student-to-family communication needs and allows for appropriate accommodations.
Includes thoughtful educational programs to support digital literacy among students.
Thoughtful integration of technology
We support:
Ongoing efforts across our campuses to offer technology as a tool to enhance learning, while also working to reduce digital distractions.
Balancing screen time with in-person interactions and hands-on projects for a well-rounded educational experience.
Equipping students for the digital world in a deliberate, responsible, and age-appropriate ways.
Equipping staff for the digital world by providing professional development and digital resources.
Informed, multifaceted approach to safety
We support:
Working to ensure both physical and emotional safety for all students and staff, looking from many angles at the roles of infrastructure, personnel, programs, policy, culture, and more.
Facilitating thoughtful discussions on school safety measures, including presence of armed guards, that prioritize community input, address community concerns, and recognize the seriousness of the issue.
Procuring data-driven assessments and solutions to enhance school safety.
Outdoor time and environmental education
Research confirms that outdoor exploration, relaxation, and academic inquiry contribute to enhanced creativity, focus, and mental well-being, for older as well as younger students.
We support:
Outdoor time for all ages to enhance social emotional and physical health, as well as focus in the classroom.
Environmental education that prepares students to navigate a rapidly changing climate.
Excursions and field trips that promote positive relationships between students and offer opportunities for teamwork and leadership.
Enhanced communication and transparency
We support:
Developing and/or enhancing channels for information sharing and engagement with the entire Rondout community – teachers, families, and residents – using accessible, consistent formats.
Implementing the Equity Lens Tool developed by the RV District Equity Council in 2023/24 when making board and administrative decisions, including gathering input from those affected by the issue.
Ensuring all communications are easily accessible in languages other than English, including through digital translation tools.
Improved academic outcomes
We support:
Ongoing efforts to improve test scores at the middle, intermediate, and high school levels so they are in line with the best performing districts in our county.
Continued use of assessment data, student work, and reports from teachers to investigate the causes of falling test scoresand advocate for thoughtful, creative, and equitable measures to address them.
Ongoing development of varied, engaging academic programs, including community partnerships, to offer every student a pathway to excel in their work.
Holistic approach to school culture
We support:
Fostering a positive and inclusive school culture that supports every student’s well-being and success.
Focusing on building strong relationships between students, staff, and families.
Fully embracing all academic pathways and post-secondary goals so students feel motivated to learn and safe to be their full, authentic selves.
Further engaging families and community members in shaping school policies, programs, and procedures.