Annual Administrative Conference Focuses on Moving Rockwood 'Forward Together'

More than 150 Rockwood School District administrators and Board of Education directors gathered for the district’s annual Administrative Conference on July 22-24 at Rockwood Summit High.

The theme for this year’s conference was "Rooted in the Promise, Forward Together," centered on the district's new five-year strategic plan -- "Forward Together" -- and one of its main tenets, "The Rockwood Promise."

“Our why - and now how - is our Promise. Our students are why we are all here, why we continue to show up, why we continue to be needed," Superintendent Dr. Curtis Cain shared with attendees on Day 3 of the conference. "You are respected, valued and admired more than you will ever know. We will continue to keep doing great things as a school district and, in so many ways, it will be because of your efforts. This team will keep moving Forward Together. I am excited about getting this school year up and going. Thank you for being a part of it.”

On the first day, administrators engaged in Dignity and Belonging training with John Krownapple. All Rockwood school cohorts have implemented Dignity and Beloning training and, this fall, they will be moving into the "Teaching with Dignity" phase of the program.

On the second day, school administrator teams and representatives from the Rockwood Curriculum Department met to review the progress of school improvement plans, as well as discussions of professional learning community and classroom teaching goals aligned around the concept of "Belonging, Consistency and Coherence" across Rockwood schools.

On the final day, after hearing opening remarks from Dr. Cain and Board of Education President Lynne Midyett, administrators engaged in sessions centered on student services, technology, communications and finance/operations.

Student groups from Rockwood Summit helped welcome the administrators and get the day off on an energetic note on Tuesday and Thursday morning, with the school's cheerleading team performing in front of the school Tuesday and the band, color guard and dance team performing Thursday.

"As we step into this new year, bolstered by the Promise and our new strategic plan, 'Forward Together,' I want to express the Board’s gratitude to you and your staff for providing a nurturing, safe environment for our students," Midyett shared with attendees. "We can have the best plan on paper but, without the work you and your team do every day, the Promise will not be fulfilled. Together, we will overcome challenges and celebrate the achievements that lie ahead. Let’s embrace the joy of learning as we kickstart this incredible school year and move Forward Together.”