VALLEY STREAM DISTRICT 30 | thefriendlyschools

2020-2027 STRATEGIC PLAN

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CORE SUBJECTS & 21ST CENTURY THEMES| Students receive a strong foundation in core subjects—English Language Arts, Arts, Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies aligned to New York State Learning Standards—while developing essential life civic readiness skills by integrating 21st-century themes such as Global Awareness, Financial Literacy, Civic Responsibility, Health, and Environmental Literacy, preparing them for future success.

• Students receive 90 minutes of daily English Language Arts curriculum centered on instructional practices and resources, building on the Science of Reading and Balanced Literacy Framework.
• Students receive 60 minutes of daily Math curriculum centered on instructional practices and resources, building conceptual understanding, using the National Science Foundation research.
• Students receive a Social Studies curriculum centered on inquiry-based learning instructional practices and experiences.
• Students receive a Science curriculum centered on inquiry-based learning instructional practices and experiences (i.e., labs, experiments).
• Students receive 45 minutes of targeted instruction and support daily through the Academic Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS).
• Students who are English Language Learners (ELLs) receive language arts and content-area instruction taught in English using specific English as a New Language (ENL) instructional strategies.

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LIFE & CAREER SKILLS| Students receive instruction that builds essential career readiness skills—such as flexibility, leadership, initiative, productivity, and social skills—empowering them to successfully navigate life and challenges.

• Social Emotional Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS) provides students with targeted instruction and support.
• Students develop Social and Emotional Learning through RULER, an evidence-based framework by the Yale Center for Emotional Intelligence.
• Students have access to Integrated Health Supports to include school psychologists, social workers, school nurses, and school counselor.

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LEARNING & INNOVATION SKILLS| Students receive instruction that fosters growth in critical thinking and problem-solving, creativity and innovation, communication, and collaboration.

• Students engage in Arts in Education through art and music classes, as well as Nassau BOCES Arts in Education programs such as assemblies, workshops, and other enriching experiences.
• Students in grades 4-6 can select to participate in the Band, Strings, and Chorus programs.
• Students have Intervention/Enrichment Periods, scheduled twice daily, for extra support in areas needing improvement and opportunities to explore advanced concepts beyond core subjects.

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INFORMATION, MEDIA & TECHNOLOGY SKILLS | Students utilize technology-driven learning to develop critical skills, including Information Literacy, Media Literacy, and Information Communication Technology (ICT) Literacy to collaborate and make individual contributions in meaningful ways.

• Students develop Computer Science and Digital Fluency aligned with NYSED learning standards.
• Students develop awareness of Cybersecurity risks, safeguards, and responses.
• Students develop Digital Literacy by using digital tools to create, revise, and publish digital artifacts, as well as communicate and collaborate with others.
• Students develop Digital Citizenship skills by learning how to navigate online environments safely, responsibly, and respectfully, evaluate information critically, build a positive digital footprint, amplify their voices, and contribute to improving communities.

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Enhance COMMUNICATION among all members of the Valley Stream #30 community.

FAMILIES

• Offered Virtual and In-Person Engagement Opportunities to participate in their child’s academic and social experiences.
• Invited to participate in the Annual Community Budget Survey to provide feedback on school improvement.
• Have access to Translation Documents/Services.
• Receive all district and school notifications through Parent Square.

COMMUNITY

• District partners with community-based organizations/businesses to offer families After-School Programs.
• District offers after-school clubs (i.e., robotics, drone) provided by district staff.
• District partners with Valley Stream Central High School District to ensure Curriculum Alignment in health, arts, social emotional learning, and the arts.
• District partners with Valley Stream Central High School District to assist students in grade 6 transition to middle school.

TEACHERS

• Receive differentiated Professional Learning Instructional Delivery Models to enhance teaching and learning practices.
• Engage in supportive school-wide professional learning communities, such as social-emotional learning and cultural competence, where they feel empowered, valued, and supported.
• Engage in teacher-led Professional Learning Communities- Teacher and Student Success.
• Engage in opportunities to Share Best Practices related to teaching and learning.
• Develop an understanding of District Priorities and Initiatives and participate in decision making opportunities.

STUDENTS

• Grades 5 and 6 participate in the Annual Community Budget Survey to provide feedback on school improvement.
• Provided Leadership Opportunities in their classroom., school and community to include their voice in decision making.
• Provided Self-Advocacy Opportunities to identify and communicate what they need socially, emotionally, and academically to be successful .

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CAPITAL| Enhance student learning opportunities through planning which includes prudent facilities and fiscal management.

PROVIDE A SAFE ENVIRONMENT CONDUCIVE TO LEARNING

• Conduct an Enrollment Study of the District.
• Complete a 5-Year Building Conditions Survey and conduct New York State Department of Education’s Visible Inspections.
• Monitor and update the Five Year Facilities Plan.
• Inspect and maintain existing property, equipment, and physical plant.
• Assess the physical environment of schools.
• Enhance the Information Technology setup for all learning and District operations.
• Adhere to new NYS Cybersecurity Education Law 2(d) to protect the district, staff and student’s Personal Identifiable Information (PII).

FISCALLY RESPONSIBLE BUDGETING

• Propose Annual Budget that balances the needs of students with fiscal certainty.
• Propose Department Budgets that include the attainment of strategic plan objectives.
• Comply with State and Federal Regulatory Reporting on budgets and expenditures.
• Monitor Fiscal Stress of the District.

STRONG COLLABORATION WITH ADVISORS TO THE DISTRICT

• Achieve positive Audit Results.
• Address Audit Recommendations in a timely manner.
• Review, update, and create District Policies and Procedures as needed.
• Issue Request for Proposals (RFP) and Bids for services as required or needed.

PERSONNEL

• Create a long term structure of District personnel to meet programmatic needs.