School system to focus on purpose statements

Mountain Brook City Schools mailed a new report, An Opportunity to Grow, to all Mountain Brook residents in January. 

In an effort to further clarify the school system’s purpose, the Mountain Brook Board of Education has discussed the question, “What 10 things would we like people to say about Mountain Brook Schools?” The community, students, teachers, staff and school leaders all participated in the discussion. Eleven themes emerged from the process. 

“Over the next five years, we will focus on these themes in order to provide an effective, challenging, and engaging education for every one of our students,” Superintendent Dicky Barlow wrote in a letter to parents. 

The themes are that Mountain Brook School System:

• makes decisions that are student-centered.
• is committed to every student and customizes learning experiences in order to help all students reach their full potential.
• seeks to communicate effectively with all stakeholders.
• encourages hiring the best, most talented associates and fosters their continuous growth.
• pursues a deep, rigorous, and relevant curriculum.
• provides and maintains safe, state of the art facilities that meet students’ needs.
• is a wise manager and steward of the system’s finances and other resources.
• embraces creativity, innovation, and technology.
• is a friendly, welcoming and respectful community that develops caring and well-rounded students.
• practices excellence in all areas/aspects.
• prepares students to flourish now, in college and in careers.
• The An Opportunity to Grow report can also be accessed at mtnbrook.k12.al.us.