Somerset Independent Schools�Opening Day �2026-2027

District Focal Points

1. Positive Culture
2. Individualized Student Success and Growth
3. Be a District of Vision and Growth

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Individualized Student Success and Growth

• Differentiation within classrooms (meet the needs of all students)

• Our main goal is to graduate successful, productive members of society

District of Vision and Growth

• Focus on all academic and extracurricular activities (offer the best and be the best)

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• Facility improvements and future plans (Meece Middle School and Multipurpose Facility)

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“In this world you’re either growing or you’re dying, so get in motion and grow.”

- Lou Holtz

“If there is no struggle, there is no progress.”

- Frederick Douglass

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Positive Culture

• Every individual is vital to the success of our students and district.

The chain is only as strong as its weakest link; if that link fails, the chain fails and the object it supports falls. – Thomas Reid

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• Control what you can control. (Don’t waste energy on gossip, issues of the past, negative thoughts, or things you can’t control.)

“A school culture built on relationships, respect, and high expectations is the foundation for learning.” – Todd Whitaker

• If you’re complaining, you’re not leading.

“The only difference between a good day and a bad day is your attitude. ”- Dennis Brown

• Before voicing a complaint, consider whether you’re making the problem bigger or helping create a solution.

Complaining without a solution is just griping. Presenting a concern with a solution is progress.

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Where do you lead people with your�“Waggle” dance?

https://youtube.com/shorts/6igm-gwm_O8?si=ywboHTaJHShU-PGc

https://www.tiktok.com/t/ZP8njC3vS/

Expectations

• Student FIRST attitude
• Professionalism and customer service (dress, attitude, actions)
• Performance (do your best every day and continue to improve)
• Communication (parents, colleagues, administration)
• Meet individual needs, be fair, be consistent, be kind
• Positive attitude (portray positive sentiments about SISD)

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Leadership

The best cultures that focus on positive leadership attract the best employees.

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“The challenge of leadership is to be strong, but not rude; be kind, but not weak; be bold, but not bully; be thoughtful, but not lazy; be humble, but not timid; be proud, but not arrogant; have humor, but without folly.”

- Jim Rohn

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You Make Somerset Schools Special!

Thank you for being:

• Selfless
• Kind
• Caring
• Focused on Students and Student Success
• Dedicated/Relentless
• Exemplary Educators and Professionals
• Flexible/Adaptable

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Final Thoughts

Control what you can control—your attitude, efforts, and actions.

Focus on “Get To” vs. “Have To." Each day focus on what you get to do, not what you have to do. Life is a gift, not an obligation.

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Create a complaint-free culture where gratitude is contagious, teamwork is expected, and every interaction leaves someone better than we found them.

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Every communication you have is like a “waggle” dance. What are you going to invite others to see when doing your “waggle” dance this year?

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“Every morning, educators walk into classrooms carrying something far greater than a lesson plan—they

carry hope, encouragement, and the power to change a life.”

For all you are and for all you do, thank you!

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Go Jumpers!