Community Conversation Reunion
The Future Search process continued on December 3rd, 2018 with the Community Conversation Reunion Event. Thank you to the 72 participants that were able to attend! Once again the Design Team planned an event that helped generate meaningful discussion between stakeholders, and ultimately provide the District with suggestions it should consider as we continue to move forward with our priority areas. The goals of the evening were to:
- Recapture the excitement and enthusiasm from the engagement event last fall
- Share out the work that has been done to date on the community’s themes
- Identify reactions, questions and suggestions to guide future efforts in meeting those themes
- Strengthen the connection between the community and the school district
We achieved these goals together!
Drew Howick, Future Search, consultant was again on hand to lead the participants through a process of sharing, discussion, and understanding each others’ perspectives. Also in attendance were a number of presenters from the Frederic staff and partnerships that exist between the district and various organizations. Thank you to our partners for taking the time to share your valuable insight and expertise.
What’s next?
The District will continue its intentional efforts to make progress with the priorities identified in 2017. The primary focus remains the top six priorities, but the Reunion event has provided the District with additional suggestions and reflections that will help in our efforts. Communication remains incredibly important and was a recurring theme at the Reunion event. We are working to develop communication strategies to best meet a diverse group of stakeholders, who all want their information and communications a certain way. We realize we can always improve communications and be more intentional about sharing our story and the work around the priorities, including our accomplishments, next steps, and the challenges we face.
As was discussed at the Reunion event, we have to remind ourselves of the long process ahead, rather than quick fixes, to do good work with our priorities so our current 1st graders will leave Frederic with an incredible education when they graduate in 2030.
Participant reactions to priority presentation (grouping):
Learning
Generally encouraged by the changes discussed, such as scheduling, individualized learning efforts and structures being put in place, music programming setup, outside the classroom learning opportunities, vocational additions. Would like to continue to develop more vocational opportunities and internships, more opportunities for low income students to travel, more dual credit options.
Social Emotional Needs
Generally satisfied with the identification of the significance and efforts around social emotional needs, mental health and trauma including the partnerships, collaborations, and Professional Learning Community structure. Concern about school’s role in social emotional needs vs. the county’s role, mental health vs. education, and funding to support the needs.
Communication
Generally satisfied with the Future Search process of involving community, listening to suggestions, and what participants learned at the Reunion event. Would like to see increased communications throughout the district with various stakeholders.
Funding Support
Generally understanding the District is making due with what it has, is seeking grant opportunities, and is establishing an education foundation. Concern about staff and student turnover and lack of funding for staff to meet student needs.
The final activity of the night was to discuss at each table the following question:
"Given where we are today and what we anticipate in the future, what should the Frederic School District take into consideration as we move forward?"
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