Introduction
Rockwood Moves Forward Together with the Promise of a New Year
Monday, Aug, 18, was the first day of the 2025-2026 school year in the Rockwood School District. We are so excited to welcome our entire community back for another outstanding year of learning and fun! This year, as we embark on our new Forward Together strategic plan, we will keep one of its main features, "The Rockwood Promise", at the forefront of everything we do: We Cultivate Belonging; We Empower All; We Honor Dignity; and We Embrace Innovation. The Rockwood Promise is more than just an idea; it's the embodiment of who we are and how we operate. In this video, Rockwood South Middle student Isla Turner takes us through the Promise and what it means for all of the students, staff members and families in our caring educational community.
Watch the accompanying video at https://youtu.be/c6npkbU2wmw.
We do whatever it takes to ensure all students realize their potential.
In an era defined by both unprecedented opportunities and complex challenges, our highly regarded school district remains steadfast in its commitment to academic excellence. The classroom is the reason we have a school district. Our north star is our students, guiding everything we do. They are our future, and they are at the heart of this strategic plan. We recognize that staff, families, residents, business owners, faith leaders, first responders—everyone—plays a role in our success. That was at the heart of developing the Rockwood Promise as a foundation for our five-year plan.
The Rockwood Promise is more than just an idea; it's the embodiment of who we are and how we operate. By articulating our community's pledge to every student, it provides the framework for bringing our new strategic plan to life. This Promise acts as a shared foundation or starting point that addresses every child, empowering us to collectively achieve our district and community aspirations. It also speaks to who we want to be as adults and as a community; modeling the tenets of the Promise as an example for our students in how we treat them and each other.
We recognize that maintaining the Rockwood standard of excellence requires a proactive and forward-thinking approach. Forward Together outlines our vision for the future, embracing innovation and addressing the evolving needs of our learners to ensure they are not only academically prepared but also equipped with the critical skills and mindsets necessary to excel in a rapidly changing world.
Forward Together will take us well into the next five years. While this is a long-term process, we are keenly aware that we don't have all the answers today for how to design every support for every child. We are committed to aligning everything we do to this plan but also having the flexibility to adjust as we learn, monitor and grow.
The future strength of our community and region is inextricably linked to the education our students receive today. Recognizing the universal impact of public education, we deeply appreciate serving and partnering with a community that actively prioritizes learning, isn't afraid to ask challenging questions and consistently supports our pursuit of continuous improvement.
Join us on this journey as we work together to make Rockwood schools even better. This is Rockwood—inspiring each student, shaping every future.