Message from Superintendent Matthews

In the Rockford Public Schools, we work hard to ensure that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and respected. In an increasingly diverse world it is important for us to learn and reflect on how we create an inclusive community.

Students learn best when they feel safe. Staff work more effectively when they feel safe. Part of feeling safe is not having to worry about whether or not you are accepted. In our district we are striving to create that environment where our students and staff believe that they can be who they are without fear of being bullied or harassed or excluded. Our district wants to be a place where people are respected, safe, and valued.

The resources on this page provide some insight into how we view the work of diversity, equity, and inclusion. It is an important topic. It is a difficult topic. It is a topic that can, at times, create controversy. Our goal is to create a space where everyone can speak, can listen, and where we can work to create common ground to support all students and staff.

Our goal is to build that community where everyone believes and everyone acts in a way that supports and respects all students and staff.

 

Dr. Steve Matthews

Superintendent
Rockford Public Schools

Rockford Public Schools

CORE VALUES

We all live by these core values…

  • Student-Centered Action
  • Respect
  • Collaboration
  • Transparency

COLLECTIVE COMMITMENTS

  • We will take collective responsibility for the success of EVERY student.

  • We will model the behaviors we expect of our students; including respect, positive interactions and lifelong learning.

  • We will hold ourselves accountable to a collaborative process that develops each student’s potential using evidence-based strategies.

  • We will act with integrity and transparency in our communications with all stakeholders.

  • We recognize that productive discourse which may include competing ideas is an essential byproduct of a successful commitment to student learning.