CV Community from Oct. 08, 2024
Community Engagement Session
CEW #2 - People, Places & Programs
Dear South Sioux City Community Stakeholders,
I want to take a moment to update you on our progress regarding two crucial priorities for our district this year: Engaging Community and District Facilities. These priorities not only shape the future of our schools but also play a pivotal role in the success and vitality of our entire community.
On Tuesday, October 8th, we held the second Cardinal Vision Community Engagement Workshop at the SSC Middle School Gym, with around 150 attendees, including community members, parents, and staff.
Session Overview
Cardinal Vision Chair, Stacey Selk, welcomed the crowd and explained the format of the meeting. She emphasized that our district, like many others, faces both challenges and opportunities as we plan for the future. The purpose of Cardinal Vision is to come together as a community to identify these challenges and opportunities, seek solutions, and collaboratively develop a plan that best serves our schools, our community, and our children.
People, Places, and Programs
South Sioux City School District Superintendent, Dr. Rony Ortega, gave a presentation focusing on three critical areas: People, Places, and Programs. He connected these themes to our mission statement:
"The South Sioux City Community School District, in partnership with families and the community, provides a safe and supportive learning environment where each student is uniquely prepared and thrives academically, socially, and personally."
People
Dr. Ortega highlighted the importance of creating people-centered schools—educational environments that focus on the needs of students, staff, and families. He stressed four key goals for our district's people:
- Safe and Secure Environments: Our schools must have secure entrances that direct all visitors through the main office. Safety is our top priority.
- Comfortable and Inspiring Spaces: We aim to make our schools comfortable and conducive to learning for all.
- Accessibility for All: Many of our schools were built before accessibility standards were established. Dr. Ortega emphasized the need for inclusive facilities that allow everyone to navigate our schools easily.
- Fulfilling Our Mission: Our schools must embody our mission of uniquely preparing each student for success.
Places
The discussion then moved to the importance of adapting our learning spaces to support 21st-century education. Dr. Ortega pointed out four key attributes for modern educational places:
- Flexible
- Individualized
- Visible
- Welcoming
Today's students engage more in hands-on activities, collaborative work, and independent learning than they do in traditional lecture-based instruction. Our schools must evolve to support these modern teaching methods.
Programs
Dr. Ortega stressed the significance of preparing students with skills for jobs that don’t yet exist. He shared that 71% of jobs in 2020 were in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) fields, highlighting the need to teach 21st-century skills alongside traditional subjects like English, Math, and Science.
To meet these goals, our high school is transitioning into a College and Career Academy model. This year, we have implemented the Freshman Academy, designed to set students up for high school success. Next year, we will introduce three additional academies, allowing students to choose their pathway to high-demand careers in Northeast Nebraska.
Table Discussions and Hands-On Activity
Following the presentation, attendees participated in table discussions and a hands-on activity. This interactive segment allowed everyone to share their thoughts and ideas. Cardinal Vision chairs Stacey Selk and Pat Wojcik facilitated these discussions, ensuring that all voices were heard.
Looking Ahead
We strongly encourage you to attend the next Community Engagement Session, where we will take a deeper dive into School Finance 101. All sessions will be held at the Middle School Gym at 6 PM on the following dates:
- October 29, 2024
- December 10, 2024
- January 14, 2025
We can’t do this without you. Your involvement ensures that we make informed decisions that benefit every student, family, and resident of South Sioux City.
Together, let’s build a community that attracts families, fosters growth, and provides a bright future for all of us.
Thank you for your continued support of our schools and our community.
Sincerely,
LAnce
