Mission PossibleAl Adams, Independent School AdvisorZaq Roberts, Head of School - Gateway Alona Scott, Head of School - Keys

Mission, Vision - Aren’t they the same? MISSION Describes why the school exists: what the school believes, whom it serves, what it does…succinct, serves as a guide…captures the essence of a school and inspires energy and commitment.

VISION Describes the school’s desired future, an image of an ideal, an expression of optimism.

~NAIS Trustee Handbook

Trustee Roles

Hold School “In Trust ” ● Approve and “Hold” the Mission

● Strategic Thinking and Planning

● Fiscal Stewardship

● Hire, Support, Evaluate Head

● Commit Personal Time, Talent,

Treasure

● Advance The School Ambassadors – Tell the story; Cultivate; Solicit

● Provide “extra hand(s)” to administration when invited

Positioning in the Marketplace

● Institutional Identity

● Market needs/appetite

● Quality & Perception of Program

● Public Perception of Student Peer Group

● Distinctive/Differentiating Features

● Financial Sustainability & “Choice Points” - Strategic Priorities

Why Revise?- Reaccreditation

- Strategic planning

- Institutional positioning

- Change in Headship

- Shift in thinking in the best / most salient qualities of the mission

Not all mission statements are created equalDefine your criteria before you begin.

- Easy to remember- Succinct- Specific

- Essential- Targeted- Tangible- Timeless

- Memorable- Language that stands out- No jargon

- Every process is different: take the time to define your own criteria!

Resist the urge to throw in the kitchen sink.

- Academics- “Whole child” development- Arts and Athletics- College preparation- Character development- Diversity- Global citizenship- Leadership- Creativity and curiosity- Lifelong learning

(ZAQ - 7 minutes)

Select Language CarefullySeek Authenticity

- select language that is both accurate and aspirational

Aim to Stand Out - select words others are not yet using

What Do You Notice?

Nashoba Brooks School educates children for a life of continuous learning, accomplishment, and leadership in a diverse and changing world. The school nurtures students’ growth and character, while fostering the development of each child’s personal excellence in academics, athletics, and the arts.

The Latin School of Chicago provides its students with a rigorous and innovative educational program in a community that embraces diversity of people, cultures and ideas. Latin inspires its students to pursue their passions and lead lives of purpose and excellence.

Dana Hall School is committed to fostering excellence in academics, the arts, and athletics within a vibrant, caring community. With emphasis on integrity, leadership, diversity, and service as well as on respect for self and others, Dana Hall provides its students with a unique opportunity to prepare themselves for the challenges and choices they will face as women and citizens of the world.

With a commitment to academic excellence and personal integrity, The Spence School prepares a diverse community of girls and young women for the lifelong transformation of self and the world with purpose, passion and perspective.

BB&N’s mission is to promote scholarship, integrity, and kindness in diverse, curious, and motivated students. The School prepares students for lives of principled engagement in their communities and the world.

Which Statement Do You Find Most Compelling? Why?

Our Stories https://www.google.com/url?

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Keys School is an independent K–8 school that offers a broad hands-on curriculum. It fosters high academic achievement and emphasizes balanced growth—intellectual, physical, emotional, and social—for every student.

Within a diverse and supportive community, Keys provides a caring and creative environment that encourages children to love learning, to take intellectual risks, to act as global citizens, and to treat others with respect and empathy.

Keys School challenges students to develop a keen intellect and a generous spirit, to advocate for themselves and others, and to honor curiosity and reflection in an increasingly hurried world.

Keys School challenges students to develop a keen intellect and a generous spirit, to advocate for themselves and others, and to honor curiosity and reflection in an increasingly hurried world.

● Know themselves and treasure relationships● Pursue intellectual challenges● Reason, communicate, and persuade with conviction● Play, perform, and create with enthusiasm● Utilize technology to advance innovation, design, and collaboration● Explore the natural world and its complex systems● Seek and embrace the diverse perspectives and experiences of our global

community● Thrive in high school and in life

It’s All About People Who is Involved?

- Trustees- Staff- Faculty- Families- Students- Alumni- Alumni Families

Oh and maybe a consultant or facilitator!

Who Decides? - Steering Committee- Mechanisms for gathering input

- Surveys- Focus groups- Retreat

- Writing group: needs a decision rule- How many input/feedback

opportunities?- Final approval must come from the

Board

GATEWAY SCHOOL MISSION STATEMENT:•To challenge students with a rich and engaging academic program•To prepare students for future success – in school and beyond•To encourage students to give their personal best•To develop character and a commitment to personal, social and environmental responsibility•To inspire the passion for lifelong learning

Our Mission: to inspire children to lead livesof purpose and compassion throughscholarship and citizenship.Our Vision: a dynamic and intellectually challenging educational experience rooted in Progressive philosophy and reflective of evolving research.Our Goal: for students to discover their individual and collective potential to make positive change in the world.

The five point scale

5 - It’s incredible and accurately captures our key beliefs4 - It’s fabulous; I have a question about one or two words or concepts3 - It’s very good; I think some key ideas are missing2 - It’s generally right, but I have several concerns1 - This does not reflect my understanding of our school

Does the Mission Stand Alone?

MissionA private school with public purpose, Lick-Wilmerding High School develops the head, heart and hands of highly motivated students from all walks of life, inspiring them to become life-long learners who contribute to the world with confidence and compassion.

MottosHead, Heart, Hands

Private School With Public Purpose

Students from All Walks of Life

Defining PrinciplesA description of each of the three mottos (that are also contained in the mission statement).

Celebrate and Roll It Out!Design a Messaging SequenceConsider when, where, how, and who

Keep Marketing!“Find Your Story” activitiesMemorization challengesVideos and photosOngoing via blogs, HOS letters, eventsExternal: Mottos, print/radio ads

Make It VisibleDirectory, handbooks, etcMeeting agendas and documentsLobby and classroom signageEmail signaturesWebsite and social media

Begin Program ImplementationThe real work has just begun! It’s time to begin developing an action plan for what to do more of, less of, start and stop.

Questions?

Thank you!