The Vision:  

Success for Every Student, Every Day

That's the vision of Appleton Area School District.  My #1 priority is ensuring every student receives a quality education.  Learning the core subjects is critical to their success.  Our kids must become proficient in Reading, Math, Science, and Social Studies.  And don't forget the arts. Cultivating creativity is so important.  

We've Got This!

As School Board Member, here are just a few ways that I plan to make this vision a reality: 

 

Mental Health Matters

Can we talk about mental health? We all know someone who's struggled with stress, anxiety, or feeling overwhelmed.  The pandemic has amplified mental health problems among students and the stakes are high when suicide is the number 2 cause of death among youth ages 10 and up and 1 in every 6 students have a mental health concern.  Studies show that teaching is one of the most stressful jobs in the country and many teachers report feeling overwhelmed and unequipped to support students with more complex mental health needs.  Youth and teachers are not the only ones feeling stressed.  Recently the US Surgeon General issued the first advisory on parent mental health.   These are just some of the reasons that mental health will be my #1 priority. 

Student Mental Health Matters

 Let's prioritize student emotional wellbeing, because studies show that happy minds tend to lead to better academic outcomes.   This means continuing to invest in school-based mental health services and after-school programs.  I also support increased restriction on personal smartphones and devices on school grounds to protect student mental health.    

Teacher Support Squad

When teachers have positive emotional wellbeing, our students will too.   We must address teacher burnout, turnover, and substitute staffing shortages. We need to appreciate and reward teachers' and paraprofessionals' efforts amidst increasing demands.

Let's Not Forget Parents!

Parents play a crucial role in supporting their child's mental health.  Schools can help guide and support parents through increased engagement and by keeping them informed about school policies  and resources related to mental health.  

Open Minds, Open Hearts

Our students will have the best chance of success when  fairness, cultural acceptance and inclusivity are made the heart of school policy.   By focusing on reducing disparities in achievement and ensuring equal access to resources, we can make AASD's vision; Success for Every Student, Every Day. a reality.

Everyone's Welcome Here

Here are just a few of the ways I will work to ensure that all of our students feel welcome in the AASD.

Improving Academic Achievement 

We'll collaborates with community stakeholders to reduce achievement gaps, finding creative ways for quality education for all students

Creating Safe Classrooms 

We'll provide teachers with resources for safe, inclusive learning and promote anti-bullying policies promoting understanding, empathy, and respect among students.  This includes providing for policies that provide more oversight of cell phone usage in schools to decrease cyberbullying.

Keeping Divisive Politics Out of Schools 

We'll fight to preserve cultural respect, unity, and independence in the face of divisive politics.

 

Collaboration Nation

If we're going to preserve our public schools and provide quality education to students, we're going to need all hands on deck.  We'll be listening to and valuing all voices because everyone has a stake in our future.    

Listening: A Two-Way Street

School Boards shouldn't be listening silently when a member of the public speaks during Public Input at meetings.  There should be a response and exchange of information between the listener  AND speaker.   In order for a person to feel heard, they must also feel understood.  

Parents are Partners

Let's work on finding more effective ways in involving parents in decision-making processing. and ensure they feel like their voices matter.  Collaboration, not just engagement, is key.    

The Real Experts

Too often School Boards may trust and rely too much on administration to inform their decisions.  Members of the public  are a valuable source of insight and knowledge that comes from their own lived experiences.   We must prioritize collaboration with the public in decision-making processes.

Innovation

Let's find more innovative ways to engage and inform the public and increase opportunities for participation in public meetings.