It's a good time to be a part of Christina. That much was evident last night, as our community convened for the first of many strategic planning sessions. We are a district poised for growth and change, led by a new superintendent, and guided by a board newly infused with fresh ideas, creativity, and energy.
As the end of one decade bears down on us, it's clear that there is much work to be done. But, we move forward with a stronger foundation. The last three years have seen much change as we adopted Neighborhood Schools, implemented some full-day kindergarten classes, completed a new elementary school and have now begun construction on new facilities for Sterck.
I am bouyed by the collaboration of our first community meeting surrounding our strategic plan. Deep in the heart of Newark High School, educators, parents, and community leaders came together to create the first vestiges of a wish list for our future. Early education and secondary improvements were high on the agenda for many. However, it was the group of four or five students who participated of their own free will that really stole the show. Nothing can come close to the first hand experiences of our students and their stories. They asked for smaller class sizes, more variety in extra-curricular programming, and stressed a need for all high schools to offer the same programs, such the Cambridge college prep program. Though these are not new ideas, what was novel is that they were voiced by our children and heard by so many adults.
I'm not naive, there is so much work to be done and none of it easy. And as much as we want every wish list item to become reality, the reality is that there are limits to what we can accomplish. Change doesn't happen overnight. It must be systematic and policy-driven -- which is why the Strategic Planning process is so vital to our future.
Yes, we are poised for great things. Let's chart the course for success through community collaboration. If you haven't been there yet, check out the district website for important meeting dates and other opportunities to particpate: http://www.christina.k12.de.us/
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