Parents
According to Dr. Heidi Mills (2000), one must study oneself in order to outgrow oneself. In an effort to progress, the stakeholders of Davis Elementary consistently reflect upon, monitor, and evaluate the effectiveness of the various academic and social initiatives the school has in place. Furthermore, as a part of the enhancement process, Davis parents and community members are encouraged to evaluate and comment on school policies, practices, and governances through surveys, questionnaires, discussion panels, emails, open forums, active involvement in school and district committees, PTO and SIC councils, and conferences with school personnel. The school uses the state student, teacher, and parent survey system to gather specific data concerning all aspects of our school. Davis Elementary uses the past year’s results to set new goals for the upcoming school year. For example, in 2006-2007, our parent survey indicated a concern in the area of positive communication being sent home on a consistent basis. Our s chool and its parent and community support groups worked together on the “Make My Monday” program. Each week teachers send good notes about students to the office. On Monday evening, school administrators call the homes of these students, sharing with the parents the positive events from the week. Each call is ended by saying, “We hope we made your Monday.” Each year, the state survey is used to drive the changes within the school to help better serve the school and community. In addition to the state survey, the school used a focus group consisting of parent and community leaders to gain feedback concerning the effectiveness of the school. Our PTO and SIC elect a leadership board that drives the decision making process for the parents and community members. This board meets with the school staff monthly to discuss all aspects of the school’s plan and to give feedback from their point of view. This group then communicates with the larger group, both parents and community members, getting comments and feedback throughout the school year. When all of this data is collected, this group, along with the School Leadership team prepares for the new school year through budget planning, goal setting, and program planning. The aforementioned group divides itself into subcommittees to work on strategic parts of the new school year plan. Each committee creates a report outlining the status of their respective commission. Once the numerous committees have presented information, all members of the governing body work together and brainstorm ways to tie these plans into one master plan. If additional information is needed, a school needs assessment is created and sent to the parents and community members to gain further understanding of the need before a final decision is made. Clearly Davis Elementary is truly the “master of its own destiny” and continues to study in an ongoing effort to grow.