I know that
all of us in Minneapolis Public Schools (MPS) want to help our young people
learn and grow. The richest environments for learning and teaching don’t just
happen – we create them. Having the highest expectations for our students, our
colleagues and ourselves is key in realizing our mission of preparing all students
for college, career and life.
MPS is
launching the behavior standards project, a school district and community
collaborative effort to create and sustain positive and respectful climates for
learning and teaching. We are all in this work together. We invite you to be a
part of the process of clarifying behavior expectations for all students and
clarifying appropriate staff responses to student behavior. The project
involves engaging students, families and staff to gather ideas and suggestions
about ways we can foster positive and respectful environments for learning and
teaching. This important feedback will inform the project results, which
include positive behavior expectations, an updated MPS discipline policy and
procedures, a code of conduct, information for families and training for staff
members.
Your
engagement and feedback in this effort are instrumental. Specifically, we want
to hear from you about what’s working – the techniques, strategies or research
that has helped you create positive learning environments. We also want to hear
about where you could use some help. In early March, teachers and educational
support professionals (ESPs) will be invited to participate in an online
facilitated discussion led by the VIVA Teachers Project. Principals and
assistant principals will work through their union, the Principals’ Forum.
Other staff members will also have opportunities to provide input. Through area
meetings, parents and families will be able to offer comments and suggestions
about appropriate school behavior and respectful environments. Students will
also have opportunities to comment and we will be in touch with MPS community
partners who work with our students to solicit their input as well.
We are
committed to helping staff members, families and students work together to
establish a positive and respectful environment for learning. Holding ourselves
accountable for creating engaging environments for our diverse student body is
just as important as holding our students accountable to clear expectations.
I
appreciate
your continued support as we improve
our policies and procedures to ensure student success.
Sincerely,
Bernadeia H. Johnson, Ed.D.
Superintendent
of Schools
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