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District Goals and Objectives 2024-2025

 

MISSION STATEMENT

The West Islip Community is committed to excellence in education through the establishment of an academic, vocational and social environment in which all children can learn and succeed. Our students will be provided the opportunity to develop their self-esteem and a respect for others while acquiring the knowledge, skills and attitudes to become responsible citizens in a rapidly changing world. Our goal is to have students think in global terms and develop cultural sensitivity and an international orientation. We seek to instill in our students the ability to share their commonalities, celebrate their differences, and appreciate that learning is a lifelong process

 

I. GOVERNANCE

OBJECTIVES:

  • Update policies and protocols as required by law and Commissioner's Regulations and NYSSBA recommendations
  • Provide Board trustees with ongoing mentorship, including information and training related to the business, finance and advocacy functions of the school district
  • Create a fiscally responsible and efficient budget that maintains and enhances the integrity of all programs in a manner that is sensitive to the financial constraints of stakeholders
  • Respond to school safety and security-related matters as prescribed by federal, state and local requirements
  • Form strategic partnerships to advocate for budget reform at the state level with a particular focus on the foundation aid formula

II. COMMUNITY

OBJECTIVES:

  • Partner with community groups and stakeholders to support and enhance school programs
  • Utilize the district website and social media pages to celebrate the accomplishments of students and staff
  • Continue to promote equity, diversity, and inclusiveness in the school environment by offering learning experiences and activities for all students and staff that embrace respect and compassion for all
  • Host district events to educate the community on programs and supports available throughout the district
  • Redesign our district website as an engaging and interactive platform that fosters community involvement and collaboration

III. INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM

OBJECTIVES:

  • Further develop our West Islip Profile of a Graduate by developing educational experiences for each of our defined attributes in all subject areas
  • Provide ongoing professional development in the area of (1) foundational literacy acquisition, with a focus on structured, explicit and multi-sensory methods; and (2) identification of students who may benefit from this approach
  • Review curriculum and programs (K-12) to ensure a rigorous academic environment focused on developing the skills, knowledge, habits and attitudes that students need to be successful in their future
  • Embed strategies within our instructional program to help students develop proactive methods for supporting their own mental health and wellness
  • Expand equitable, standards-based grading practices to best provide feedback about learning and academic progress
  • Continue to strengthen our Tier 1 instructional practices to help students achieve optimal learning outcomes
  • Explore alternatives to the traditional assessment model by incorporating project and performance based learning opportunities for students
  • Utilize feedback and achievement data to guide instructional decisions, determine necessary professional development for staff, and refine course offerings to ensure all students meet with success
  • Incorporate relevant and meaningful learning experiences at the local and global level through industry partnerships, skill based programs and experiential travel opportunities
  • Develop mastery learning techniques to ensure that every student achieves a thorough understanding of the material before progressing to more advanced concepts

 

IV. FACILITIES

OBJECTIVES:

  • Evaluate district needs and identify priority items to fund through the capital reserves
  • Continue to focus on school safety protocols to meet or exceed recommended security standards, ensuring a safe and secure learning environment for all students and staff
  • Explore modifications to instructional spaces that support 21st century learning and student engagement

V. TECHNOLOGY

OBJECTIVES:

  • Implement the district's technology plan to ensure a strategic vision, goals and actions that support student achievement and engagement through the seamless integration of technology into teaching and learning
  • Provide access to relevant and rigorous professional development to ensure educators and leaders are proficient in the integration of learning technologies
  • Provide learning opportunities for parents in the use of district technology and applications
  • Develop a comprehensive stance on artificial intelligence that guides ethical implementation and integration into the school district's curriculum and policies
  • Effectively implement the NYS Computer Science and Digital Fluency Standards to equip students with essential 21st-century skills and foster a deeper understanding of technology
  • Align technology competencies across grade levels to ensure a coherent and progressive development of digital skills throughout the educational journey