It’s common for schools to have mission statements explicitly outlining their values, beliefs and goals for the community. Some schools use these statements as guideposts for in and out of classroom behavior, curriculum, communication, decision making, and design strategies. When mission statements are at their best, they function as the center of support. When the internal and external pressure is high, it is often mission statements that stay steady, bringing a grounded point of reference for school leaders, educators, staff, and students. Sometimes, despite our best intentions, mission statements don’t live out loud in the way that we’d like. Sometimes they are forgotten, sidelined, or a challenge to keep front and center as one school year blends into the next. Revisiting and assessing our values and mission statements feels imperative in this particular moment in education.
One way we can do this is by including some of our most important stakeholders — parents, caregivers, and families — to develop their own at home. Family mission statements are just as important as professional and educational ones. They help to bring intentionality and mindfulness to the family system. They support family decision making and outline expectations. They are conversation starters and…
