June 8, 2020
Dear Parents and Community Members,
In the words of Martin Luther King, "We will remember not the words of our enemies but the silence of our friends."
I write to you to address events taking place in our country and their implications for our schools. As a community leader I cannot help but reflect on what this means for our community. This is a time for all educators and school systems to reflect upon and act regarding issues of equity and racism.
I am proud of the work of the Medinah School District over the last several years regarding social and emotional learning. I believe that our focus on Medinah Chooses Kind has had a positive impact on our students and families. Our district motto is "Every Student, Every Day" and we do our best to live up to that challenge. The District has adopted the following Mission Statement and Core Beliefs:
MISSION STATEMENT
Sharing responsibility with families and community, we will develop lifelong learners by providing a high quality education for every student, every day.
CORE BELIEFS
1. Children are inherently curious
2. All children can learn.
3. The motivation to learn is discouraged by failure.
4. Children learn in a variety of ways.
5. Children demonstrate what they know in a variety of ways.
6. Students learn from their peers.
7. Learning empowers people.
8. Learning is a lifelong process for staff and students.
9. Each individual deserves respect and has dignity.
10. All children have the right to be educated in a safe and healthy environment.
11. It is important to recognize the emotional and physical needs of students.
12. Education is a shared responsibility among student, family, school, and community.
13. Education of the child is our highest priority.
Current events challenge us on these issues. We need to reflect to ensure that our actions match our words.
The Medinah School District must stand as a beacon of hope, anti-racism and educational opportunity for all of our students and their families. We must commit to ensuring that our schools are a haven for all where they find safety, tolerance and inclusion. We must commit to holding each other accountable for the learning environment and experiences we provide our students. We must reflect on our past practice and focus on how we can address these issues going forward.
You have my commitment that this work will be a priority over the next few weeks and months, and will be part of our plans for moving forward.
Respectfully,
John K. Butts, Superintendent
2019-2020 ART SLIDESHOW
Artwork from our Medinah students 2019-2020