Cascade's New Direction - One day left for input!
Do the draft objectives align with the will of the community?
Dear Friend and Community Member,
The purpose of any school board is to ensure perfect alignment between the school and the collective will and expectations of its community, while maintaining compliance and a high level of transparency. Our strategic planning process is a massive effort to support and unite all three of those purposes. As you can imagine, translating feedback from hundreds of people you know into a plan of action risks a loss during translation. To ensure accuracy in our direction, the board needs your immediate feedback to ensure we are representing you well. The below vision, values, and objectives will become the foundation of the Long-Term Strategic Plan in the near future.
Please take about 15 minutes to review the below drafts, and provide your input to the board. This link will take you directly to the feedback page where you can submit your support or suggestions. If you prefer to work from the district’s official website, please click here now. Please don’t delay, as the feedback window closes tomorrow (May 8th)! Since these fundamentals originated with you - both as an individual and as a community member - I hope you take great interest in their accuracy.
Vision Statement: “Cascade School District is dedicated to structuring education so students are ready for the challenges of the future. We want to create learning experiences that foster curiosity, encourage problem-solving, and help students adapt to a fast-changing world. Our goal is to offer flexible and personalized learning pathways, hands-on projects, and real-world experiences that connect knowledge to action. By strengthening core academics, expanding career-based learning, and teaching essential life skills, we aim to give students the tools to think critically, create boldly, and shape the future in meaningful ways.”
Three Core Values:
“Respect – Ramblers treat others with dignity and kindness: By valuing each other's strengths and learning humbly from one another, we aspire to forge a robust and vibrant culture of respect that strengthens our district and enriches our collective experience. This journey begins with valuing ourselves and others, and extends to our board, administrators, teachers, students, parents, and the entire community. We commit to treating everyone with the dignity and kindness we wish to receive. Together, we will not just aspire to excellence; we will embody it.”
“Resilience – The ability to adapt and persevere: We need challenges to hone our abilities and to prove our own capabilities to ourselves. Whether we choose a challenge or the challenge chooses us, we crave the work necessary to grow through it. Strong communities are built on strong individuals coming together, and strength is the result of resilience. By practicing our core values together, we create the resources and support we need to not just survive – but THRIVE!”
“Responsible - Staying disciplined, working toward goals, and using strengths to grow: We are responsible to become who and what we are capable of becoming. Being responsible requires hard work, self-discipline, and achievement of our continually expanding potential. This results in us gaining the life we work for, but also the ability to give back to our community. We are responsible to know ourselves well enough to make decisions that honor our future selves. A Rambler is responsible.
Four Strategic Objectives:
“Objective 1 - Core Academics Goal: Ensure that all students achieve academic mastery and preparedness for post-secondary education or careers by enhancing curriculum alignment, expanding advanced learning opportunities, and strengthening literacy and numeracy skills.
“Supporting Logic: A strong foundation in reading, writing, math, and science is key to success in school and life. When students master core subjects, they are better prepared for college, jobs, and everyday problem-solving. By offering advanced courses, we challenge students who are ready for more, while also helping those who need extra support. Making sure our math and science lessons connect to real-world situations helps students see why learning is important. If we focus on improving literacy and communication, we can give students the tools they need to think clearly, explain their ideas, and work well with others.”
“Objective 2 - CTE & Vocational Pathways Goal: Develop a robust career and technical education (CTE) program that equips students with industry-relevant skills, hands-on experience, and direct pathways to high-demand careers through strengthened partnerships with businesses, apprenticeships, and certifications. Establish a local CTE center that supports local, state, and national industry needs by offering multiple vocational pathways, including but not limited to welding, mechanics, mining, and agriculture, ensuring students gain real-world training that prepares them for immediate employment or further specialized education.
Supporting Logic: Not every student plans to go to college, and that’s okay. Many great careers in welding, mechanics, mining, and agriculture offer good pay and long-term stability. By expanding hands-on learning, students can develop specialized skills that align with workforce demands. A dedicated CTE center will connect students with industry professionals, ensuring they receive high-quality training that leads to certifications and real-world experience. Welding and mechanics programs can prepare students for careers in manufacturing, transportation, and heavy equipment operation. Mining education will introduce students to resource management, safety, and cutting-edge technology used in the industry. Agriculture training will cover farming techniques, livestock management, and sustainable practices that support local and national food production. Partnering with local businesses and trade organizations gives students a chance to learn from experts and enter the workforce with confidence. When students see a clear pathway from education to employment, they are more engaged and motivated in their learning.”
“Objective 3 - Communication & Critical Thinking Goal: Foster a culture of strong communication and analytical thinking by integrating structured writing, debate, public speaking, and workplace readiness programs that prepare students to be confident and effective professionals.
Supporting Logic: Clear communication is a skill that everyone needs. Whether students are writing essays, speaking in public, or explaining ideas in a job interview, they need to be able to express themselves well. Teaching students how to build strong arguments and think critically helps them make smart decisions in life. Public speaking opportunities help students gain confidence, while workplace training—like resume writing and interview practice—makes them more prepared for their future careers. When students know how to speak, write, and think clearly, they can better advocate for themselves and succeed in any path they choose.”
“Objective 4 - Life Skills Goal: Prepare students for independent and responsible adulthood by implementing comprehensive life skills education, including financial literacy, wellness, time management, and essential practical skills needed for success beyond the classroom.
“Supporting Logic: School should prepare students for life, not just tests. Understanding how to manage money, cook a meal, fix a car, or take care of their health are skills every student needs. Many young adults struggle with budgeting, saving, and credit because they were never taught these skills in school. Learning how to balance school, work, and personal time helps students stay organized and reduces stress. By focusing on wellness, we help students build healthy habits that last a lifetime. Giving students real-world skills helps them feel confident and capable when they step out on their own.”
Click here to submit your suggestions or support.
Thank you for your continued interest in the future of our community and in the success of our youth.
Brad Howlett