This appeared in the March 2018 DownTown Ramsey Magazine:
Glancing back, I think all of us in Ramsey should be thrilled with the progress we’ve made towards our goals during the current school year. As a reminder, our goals consist of: (1) developing a Profile of a Graduate, (2) teaching for understanding,(3) achieving excellence through equity, and (4) enhancing the student experience. These are ambitious and complex goals that involve innovative and different approaches to education. One specific area I would like to share is how we are enhancing the student experience by increasing attention to student wellness.
We believe that school should be a safe and supportive learning environment within a broader school community and should educate the whole child by focusing on issues such as character, wellness, and service to others. To help accomplish this, the Ramsey Child Study Team (CST) and Guidance members are providing professional development to our teachers to help them recognize the signs and symptoms of behavioral health issues with children and teens. This training will help staff develop the tools and support strategies that promote overall well-being. We have started the process of revising and updating curriculum to include mental health awareness/training, developing a distinct section on the District’s website of local, state and national resources as it relates to the different aspects of wellness, and developing a District-wide Mental Health Day in May with a coordinated set of activities.
This past summer we had teachers participating in summer curriculum writing, working with subject area supervisors, coaches, and staff. In Health and Physical Education, district staff rewrote the health curriculum units focused on Drugs, Alcohol, and Mental Health in Grades 6, 8, 9, and 12. The was done by an interdisciplinary group consisting of health teachers, school counselors, Director of Guidance, and the Physical Education Supervisor. Next year we plan on focusing on K-5.
We also recognize the need to provide assistance on what goes on outside the classroom. This year’s Parent Academies are focused on providing resources for parents to help assist their children at home. We have hosted the authors of What Made Maddy Run and Where You Go To School Is Not Who You Will Be, books that deal with challenges and complexities that students are facing. Upcoming Parent Academies include teen panels discussing the role social media plays in the lives. I strongly urge community members to attend. All information can be found on our website.
I’m also proud to write that the school district has been an active participant in the Ramsey Stigma Free Initiative. The response from our staff has been amazing. A district-wide tee-shirt day was held in December. Over 160 staff members wore “Ramsey Proud to be Stigma Free” shirts, and others wore green to spread awareness and support. Future events and activities are planned for our students and parents.
While there is still a lot of heavy lifting and work to be done, I know that we are on the right track. The goals we have set up for ourselves are purposely ambitious – Ramsey deserves the best and that is actually what our staff is delivering.
