Northwest ISD Navigator Magazine Spring 2017-18 | Page 5

Teamwork | Pride | Excellence

Northwest

INDEPENDENT SCHOOL DISTRICT

Creating a Bright Future

By Dr . Ryder Warren Superintendent of Schools
During my talks over the last couple of years with both community groups and individuals living within the district , I have tried to make the point – as a parent in the community myself – regarding the “ specialness ” of Northwest ISD . My wife and I feel blessed to be a part of a community and school district that invests so much in the future of children . With us all working together for our children , the future looks very bright for Northwest ISD .
One shining example of community and school groups coming together to better our district is the current strategic planning process . We have been guided , for the last four years , by the NISD Strategic Plan . This is the final year of the district ’ s four-year plan , and with direction from our Board of Trustees , the district ’ s Strategic Summit was held in early March to gather feedback and ideas from district stakeholders to create the next long-range roadmap to success . We are still working on the final plan , but I look forward to presenting the 2018-22 Strategic Plan in April for our school board ’ s final review and approval .
During the Strategic Summit , I had the opportunity to hear the powerful hopes , dreams and goals of representatives across the district . I am very encouraged at the outpouring of support and the heartfelt desire to provide the best education possible for our students – our future . Education is key to a child ’ s future . In Northwest ISD , we strive to create a positive influence in students ’ futures , and this mindset can be seen across the district – from the strategic plan that guides our every decision , to the academic areas we focus upon and the programs and extra opportunities we provide our students .
Today ’ s classrooms and programs look very different from what we experienced as children – and as an NISD parent , I am so appreciative of that . The diverse learning opportunities , certifications , and practicums available are designed to fit the diverse needs and interests of our students . These opportunities would not be possible without our community ’ s support and our partners who allow us to extend the classroom to the workplace .
I hope you enjoy reading Eaton High School student Taylor Glissman ’ s account of her school ’ s EMT program . We value that education in NISD is much more than learning facts and figures – it ’ s also about preparing students for the future . Taylor ’ s article serves as a shining example of how career pathways such as this and the other offerings in our Career and Technical Education program provide students with a competitive advantage by preparing them with real skills for a job or advanced education .
I ’ m also appreciative of the extra learning opportunities provided to students through the Northwest ISD Education Foundation . It was fun to help award the NEF teaching grants , but it ’ s even more exciting to see how our teachers utilize these grants to design innovative opportunities for our kids . A special thank you to all of the donors who helped make this possible .
There are so many different opportunities for district parents , caregivers and stakeholders to be involved . One of the district ’ s core beliefs from the 2014 Strategic Plan states , “ The success of each student is the shared responsibility of students , families , schools , and communities .” Thank you for supporting a bright future for our students and our community , and please continue being part of planning and creating that future !
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