Mission Statement

The Shrewsbury Public Schools, in partnership with the community, will provide students with the skills and knowledge for the 21st century, an appreciation of our democratic tradition, and the desire to continue to learn throughout life.

I. Curriculum and Instruction
    1. Revise the curriculum review process to ensure that the district’s curriculum aligns with the Massachusetts Curriculum Frameworks.
    2. Host visiting teams to review the curriculum in Health, Physical Education and Family and Consumer Science (November) and Mathematics (Spring).
    3. Begin the self-study in Social Studies and Science/Technology Engineering in preparation for visiting teams in 2001-2002.
    4. Review the results from the 1999-2000 pilot in student competencies in technology, refine student expectations, assessment strategies, and methods to track and report progress.
    5. Continue the district initiative in student writing to establish consistent expectations at all grade levels.
    6. Develop remedial and support programs to address the needs of students in the "failing" and "needs improvement" performance categories on MCAS.
    7. Re-energize the effort to meet the needs of high achieving students in the district by reconvening the district-wide Commission on High Achieving Students.
    8. Continue to develop differentiated instructional strategies by using assessment data to guide classroom practice.
    9. Expand the district’s efforts with the Community Service Learning Project to include additional K-12 efforts and consider a Community Service Learning Day in December.

II. Accountability
    1. Expand the School District Report Card to include additional indicators and to publish the enhanced version in the spring edition of the Shrewsbury School Journal.
    2. Explore additional opportunities to highlight the strengths of the district to parents and members of the community.
    3. Convene the elementary report card and student portfolio committee to research, design, and implement a standards-based report card for the 2001-2002 school year.
    4. Continue to develop the district’s capacity to comply with the Department of Education’s requirements regarding:

      5. • student information management systems

      • audit standards for school finance

      • school district audits of educational programs

    5. Schedule civil rights training to comply with the mandate from the Department of Education.
    6. Analyze MCAS results and address issues relating to the School Accountability Program.
    7. Convene a district-wide committee to study current practices regarding homework, establish consistent standards, and recommend district policy to the School Committee.
    8. Reactivate the Superintendent’s Forum to provide information to the community on topics such as the building program, curriculum and instruction, MCAS, etc.

III. School Culture
    1. Enhance programs such as responsive classroom (K-8), student mentors, middle school morning meetings, and other opportunities for student leadership.
    2. Establish a district-wide Faculty Advisory Committee to provide a forum to discuss issues related to school climate and operations.
    3. Strengthen school cultures to support staff in maintaining a balance between professional and personal responsibilities.
    4. Broaden the role of the Coordinating Council to address district-wide issues such as homework and attendance policies.
    5. Establish an employee assistance program.
    6. Continue collaboration with the Shrewsbury Police Department by re-establishing police liaisons to each school and developing a memorandum of agreement that articulates the roles and responsibilities of each department.
    7. Publish the report of school safety audits and establish procedures to monitor and review safety plans on an annual basis.
    8. Recruit teacher candidates to reflect the diversity of the student population.
    9. Continue the training on issues of diversity for school administrators.
    10. Offer professional development workshops on diversity and inclusion.

IV. School Space Planning
    1. Develop the plan for Beal School renovations (elevator, gymnasium ceiling, parking and bus loading).
    2. Convene the Coordinating Council to formulate recommendations regarding student enrollment needs for the 2001-2002 school year and beyond.
    3. Host a multi-board meeting to strengthen relationships among elected officials and to discuss important school issues such as facilities and enrollment, educational standards, and future needs.
    4. Communicate space needs and planning activities to the community (Parent and Community Forums, Shrewsbury School Journal, Superintendent’s Forum).
    5. Present the long-term vision and needs of the Shrewsbury Schools to the Master Planning Committee.
    6. Determine the management structure and logistical plan for the procurement of equipment and furnishings for the new High School.

V. Professional Development
    1. Increase the breadth and depth of professional development opportunities available to staff.
    2. Reconvene the Professional Development Committee and survey teachers to identify professional development needs for 2001-2002 and beyond.
    3. Implement Individual Professional Development Plans for all staff, in accordance with the requirements of the Department of Education.
    4. Provide an opportunity for teachers to pursue certification in school administration and assess the need to develop a program to support the initiative.
    5. Continue professional development training for Section 504 Coordinators.
    6. Provide professional development training for special and regular education teachers for IEP 2000, in response to revised state and federal laws.
    7. Offer professional development opportunities for instructional aides and other support staff.
    8. Establish desired teacher competencies in technology and provide appropriate workshops and seminars.
    9. Focus workshop and seminar offering to address early literacy and content training in response to education reform initiatives.