May 16, 2025
Hello Cleveland Families!
Thank you for taking the time to complete the principal feedback survey. Your insights help us prioritize for the next school year and better support your students’ needs. I have read every comment shared and am pleased to report that the feedback was overwhelmingly positive. Many families encouraged us to continue our current efforts and emphasized the importance of maintaining academic rigor in our classrooms.
In responding to your feedback, I am mindful of the larger context we live in and our need to “meet the moment.” The rapid advancements in Artificial Intelligence (AI) are compelling us to rethink lesson plans and the purpose of public education in preparing students for a quickly evolving world and workforce. Many of us are experiencing fear and anxiety due to the local, national, and global political climate.
In light of these challenges, we must consider the kind of community we want to be and the work we must do to prepare students for an uncertain future.
Cleveland’s own history offers a powerful path forward that I believe will help us meet the moment: our focus will be on three interconnected and mutually reinforcing pillars: Project-Based Learning (PBL), Ethnic Studies, and Restorative Practices.
- Project-Based Learning (PBL). PBL is central to our instructional strategy. It encourages students to work collaboratively, think in interdisciplinary ways, and tackle real-world problems. This approach is rigorous and engaging, providing students with the experiences they need to thrive in post-secondary life. Through PBL, students will better retain and apply the knowledge they gain from their dual credit courses and STEM classes.
- Ethnic Studies. We are increasing the number of Ethnic Studies courses offered. This discipline centers the histories, experiences, and epistemologies of communities of color, empowering students to critically engage with history to create a better future. By understanding the experiences of particular communities, our students will be better equipped to contribute to a more inclusive and equitable society.
- Restorative Practices. Restorative Practices are fundamental to fostering a sense of community and belonging within our school. This “way of being” challenges cultures of exclusion and punishment, promoting a supportive environment where every student feels valued and heard, enabling them to achieve their fullest potential.
Together, these priorities will guide us as we prepare our students for the future. We are excited to continue this journey with you and look forward to the incredible achievements our students will accomplish.
Jeff Lam, Principal
Jackie Cable, Assistant Principal
Laura Roesener, Assistant Principal
Joseph Mingo, Administrative Intern
