Mission Matters

If the Mission is the why we do what we do, the Educational Vision Statement written this fall is the what and how. Defining a vision for the student experience is a humbling task. How do you look forward, harnessing the current dynamic energy of education in a brief statement? From the beginning, it was clear we could not write for the future without being true to the past. The philosophy of Cornelia Connelly and the Goals of the Network Schools are part and parcel to any vision we hope to articulate because they provide both anchor and momentum. Our history here on Euclid Avenue was important to consider. And just as every moment contains the past, in every present is the promise of the future. What is currently working, as well as what needs to be improved. The evolution of programs, teaching and learning, tools and spaces. It all matters.

Perhaps most inspirational in the statement’s development was interpreting the environment, the learning context and accessibility, individual strengths, voice and choice, metacognitive or higher-level thinking with special notice to adaptability, and hard and soft skills. Then there is love of learning, joy in learning. When it comes down to it, no two students will have the same experience, but to provide that unique experience with care and opportunity - that is the goal.

The development of the statement initiated in a task force meeting- one that discussed the hope of a Mayfield education and what that looked like moving forward. Many voices were heard, including input from the entire faculty and staff to smaller groups reflecting on aspirations and core beliefs and finally choosing the right words. The result - a focused, inspirational vision with the success of each student at its core.