Barnstead Elementary School Strategic Plan to Plan August 27, 2012 Tim Rice

Abstract We are a SINI-DINI School entering Year 4-Reading/Year 3- Math which places us in the “Planning for Restructuring” category. There is new leadership in the district and the current Barnstead Elementary School Strategic Plan expired at the end of this past school year; it was designed as a five-year plan; from We have a new AYP designation provides ample motivation and opportunity to take a fresh look at where we have been and to where we need to go. We would like to take this year to create a new Strategic Plan that incorporates the principles, strategies, current research, and implementation activities to create a new five-year plan.

“Problems that are created by our current level of thinking can’t be solved by that same level of thinking” - Albert Einstein

A Look Back,… Several years ago we started a discussion with administration, teacher, and paraprofessional leadership to take a look at how we were doing and to engage in dialog School Board Chair BEA & Team Leaders Admin SAUBEST

Why Do We Need a Plan? 1.Planning and Change are the Primary responsibilities of Leadership.* 2.People support what they help create.* 3.It is important to reestablish our vision, mission, and strategy to solve the current challenges AND the future challenges.** * From Stephen G. Haines, “The Systems Thinking Approach to Strategic Planning and management” **from John Myrna, “Where The Hell Are We?”

Strengths Dedicated Faculty & Staff Math & Literacy Curriculum Technology Resources Pre-K to 8 School Small class sizes (Grades Pre-K to 3) Professional Development Support Supportive School Board Opportunities Two new contracts: Teachers & Paraprofessionals Ample Professional Development Funds Special Education & General Ed Collaboration New Leadership in BES & SAU Extra funds from NH DOE Threats “Planning for Restructuring” Status (plan due May 2013) “Steps for Success” Program and time to accomplish it Competing demands: Curriculum vs. Testing Time Weaknesses Space/Lack of classrooms “Gymcafetorium” SINI/DINI School Year 4 Reading Year 3 Math Communication Barnstead Elemetary School

Courage is fear holding on a minute longer. George S. Patton

Process 1. Create a 3 to 5 year strategic plan (or 1 year plan) -current plan was a 5-year plan; Convene a committee from: - administration (BES & SAU) - teachers, paraprofessionals - parents - community 3. Retreat for 1-2 days to discuss and write a strategic plan

What is Possible at BES? (invite those who are passionate about our school & community) Who Cares? (be open to creative solutions)

BES Faculty and Staff BES Administration SAU Administration School Board Parents of Students Accountability

What is our Mission?  What function does BES provide  Who does BES primarily perform/provide?  How do we perform? What is our Vision?  Do we like our current Vision Statement?  Is it critical for change?  Doe it represent constant purpose for BES?  Inspire & Invigorate?  Ultimate standard of measurement for all at BES?

To borrow from someone else with a plan,… We need: - Data/History of the school and how we are doing - Notebooks with data, information, budgets, etc. - Orientation (why are we hear & what is our job?)

The line between failure and success is so fine that we…are often on the line and do not know it. How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, would have achieved success. A little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. Elbert Hubbard Elements of a strong Strategic Plan: 1.Triangulation: Three sources of data to establish reliability and validity 2.BHAG Goals (“Big, Hairy, Awesome Goals”) 3.Everyone has to give input to the plan before it is fully considered 4.The Plan must be: 1.Vivid 2.Have Imagination 3.Action

Resources to Replenish Imagination 1.Dan Brown: An Open Letter to Educators (YouTube Video) Remember the Geese; fly in formation 3.7 Secrets for Success; Steve Jobs (YouTube video) Lessons from a Dancing man (YouTube video) Dewitt Jones; What is Right with the World (YouTube video) 1. ature=relmfuhttp:// ature=relmfu

The Plan must: - have accountability - involve data - connect to action plans

The line between failure and success is so fine that we…are often on the line and do not know it. How many a man has thrown up his hands at a time when a little more effort, a little more patience, would have achieved success. A little more effort, and what seemed hopeless failure may turn to glorious success. Elbert Hubbard

Where is the Strategic Plan? Here?

Timeline for this Plan? –Step #1: Meeting with Professional Development Committee, Curriculum Council, and Leadership to evaluate our current status and begin brainstorming whether or not the current Mission & Vision are meeting our needs given AYP Status. (July 2012) –Step #2: Discuss with School Board their goals and objective for the coming school year with a peak to one more year with NECAP, Common Core Curriculum, Smarter Balanced Assessment. (July & August 2012) –Gaining consensus to starting a new Strategic Planning Process. (September/October 2012)