WAKEFIELD — School Committee Chairman Stephen Ingalls said at a meeting Tuesday that some people are nervous about the current climate in Washington and want to feel safe in Wakefield schools. So Ingalls believed it was time to re-state the system’s core values.
According to guidance from the state’s Department of Elementary and Secondary Education, “It is essential that schools should continue their support for marginalized students — including LGBTQ students — to reinforce that they belong in their school communities. Research consistently demonstrates that when schools take proactive steps to foster inclusivity — through strong policies, affirming practices, and supportive educators — students experience improved mental health, academic success, and overall well-being.
“School and district leaders are strongly encouraged by DESE to continue implementing policies and practices that protect all students, including transgender and nonbinary students.”
Following are the Wakefield Public Schools’ mission, vision and core set of values:
The vision of the Wakefield Public Schools is to graduate students who are confident, lifelong learners who are respectful and caring members of their community. Our mission is to prepare students for college, career, and community by providing a rich and challenging curriculum, high quality instruction, and educational experiences that meet their individual needs and interests.
The Massachusetts Department of Elementary and Secondary Education recently released an advisory addressing the need to support all students, including LGBTQ students. We wanted to take some time tonight to share our alignment to this advisory and restate our commitment to all our students and families in the Wakefield Public Schools. We, along with our teachers, administrators and staff, work hard every day to ensure that our students feel a sense of belonging, support and respect for them as individuals. We have established our Core Values to reflect this. Our Clarity of Purpose is to Inspire the Love of Learning and Our Culture of Practice is to be Respectful and Caring.
Our Core Values are reflected in our mission statement at every level of our district:
- At Doyle Early Childhood Center: We hold the firm belief that “children learn best when they are in an environment where they feel safe, secure, and respected.” This foundational principle is the bedrock of our early education programs, ensuring that our youngest learners feel valued and supported.
- In our Elementary Schools: We teach the principles of mutual respect, kindness, and compassion. We celebrate our differences, fostering an inclusive environment where every child feels seen and heard.
- At The Galvin Middle School: We work diligently to instill values of integrity, community, and acceptance. We emphasize the importance of relationships, helping students understand the value of connecting with others and building a supportive community.
- At Wakefield Memorial High School: We have a “commitment to excellence in teaching and learning” and foster “a respectful learning community that promotes personal responsibility and acceptance of individual differences.” These values guide our high school students as they prepare for their future endeavors, encouraging them to embrace diversity and act with integrity.
Our schools continue to uphold these values with unwavering commitment. We recognize that fostering an inclusive environment is about nurturing a community where every student feels empowered to succeed. We are dedicated to fostering mutual understanding of all cultures, backgrounds, identities, ideas, beliefs, learning styles, and abilities that differ from our own. We understand that everyone brings unique skills, perspectives, and experiences. Together, we will continue to create a safe and supportive learning environment where everyone is honored and respected.