VERGENNES — The Addison Northwest School District last week officially announced a new vision statement that an ANWSD press release described as the product of a nine-month collaborative community effort under the guidance of the district’s Community Engagement Committee.
The vision statement reads:
“We envision a kind, collaborative, and creative community for all, that nurtures a diverse and accessible learning environment. Students will flourish as critical thinkers and productive citizens, cultivating resilience in an ever changing world.”
Creation of that vision statement relied on input from multiple stakeholders in the community and the district schools. The committee reached out to senior citizens at a luncheon, held a neighborhood focus group, attended school open houses, communicated through Front Porch Forum and school newsletters, and attended classroom morning meetings and faculty meetings.
An online questionnaire was also used; it was developed with questions that were tailored to each group.
Community members were asked what role they saw themselves playing in their schools, and what role they saw their schools playing in their community?
Parents were asked, “What are your hopes and dreams for your student(s) here and beyond?”
Students, faculty and staff were asked, “What makes you feel proud and engaged within the school and community? If school/education could look different, what types of educational opportunities could prepare you (or your students) for a different future?” 
The committee was comprised of ANWSD board members Chris Cousineau, Finn Yarbrough, Laurie Gutkowski, Kristina MacKulin and Diana Raphael; high school students Megan Tarte and Kathryn Wyckoff; Addison Central School Principal Travis Park; teachers Judy Elson and Kaci Pierce; and IT staff member Scott Grant. Raphael served as chairwoman.
The committee met monthly at the Bixby Library and spent many hours sorting through all the feedback and distilling it to create the vision statement that will guide the school district as it moves ahead.
On Aug. 24, at the convocation for all ANWSD faculty and staff, Kathryn Wyckoff had the honor of sharing the statement with those assembled. The committee will continue to work to draw awareness to the new vision within the district schools and the community at large.
The Community Engagement Committee’s work continues. Members are discussing what the ANWSD press release called “authentic community engagement.”
An article published by the Nellie Mae Foundation describes that as “more inclusive conversations between schools and their community, stronger and more trusting relationships between educators and families, more energized and welcoming school cultures, greater support in the community for equity-driven educational innovation, and — most importantly improved educational results and outcomes for all students.”
The Addison Northwest School District officially replaced the Addison Northwest Supervisory Union on July 1, 2017, as a result of a positive unification vote in March 2016 by the five towns of Ferrisburgh, Vergennes, Waltham, Addison and Panton.