The “Desired Daily Experience” (DDE) statements for students, families and staff influence the initiatives on our operational plan and will be measured via our progress monitoring report.

These statements summarize our findings from focus groups with Johnston Community School District students, staff, family and community members in fall 2024. See all statements below. They can also be found on the last three pages of the JCSD Draft Strategic Roadmap.

STUDENTS
Support & Well-Being

  • I have access to adults and friends who support me when I need help and stand by me when I need them.
  • My school is a safe and welcoming place.
  • I have time in my school day to eat, hang out with my friends, meet new people, and connect with adults.

Student Voice & Engagement

  • I have a voice in school decisions, so my ideas and needs are heard and valued.
  • I can make a positive impact on my school and community.

Learning & Opportunities

  • I experience interactive and fun ways to learn.
  • I have resources and opportunities to learn in ways that meet my individual needs.

Exploration & Interests

  • When offered, I can make choices about classes and activities to focus on my interests.
  • I have access to after-school activities and clubs that let me explore my interests.

School Culture

  • My school acknowledges and celebrates differences.

FAMILIES
Student Well-Being & Relationships

  • My child feels safe, included, and valued as part of their school community.
  • My child has trusted adults at school with whom they’ve built meaningful relationships.

Student Growth & Learning Opportunities

  • I want my child to have access to engaging and personalized learning opportunities that match their unique abilities and needs.
  • My child is empowered with developmentally appropriate leadership opportunities.
  • I feel it’s important for the school to provide resources to support my child’s post-secondary goals.

Family Communication & Engagement

  • I feel communication from the school is clear, relevant, timely, and easy to understand.
  • I understand my student’s growth when progress reports and grading systems are clearly defined districtwide.
  • I feel it’s important for the school to provide resources to me in support of my child’s academic and emotional growth.
  • I feel involved when I have the chance to volunteer, attend school events, and collaborate with staff on ways to support my child’s education.

School & Community Culture

  • I feel our district embraces diversity and creates inclusive opportunities for all students.

STAFF
Workplace Well-Being & Support

  • I feel physically and emotionally safe in my work environment.
  • I feel valued and supported in my role knowing that my concerns and ideas are heard and acted upon.
  • My workload and planning time are balanced and equitable, I can effectively manage my professional responsibilities.
  • I value a schedule that meets the demands of all educational roles and the needs of our students.

Collaboration & Professional Growth

  • I benefit from a collaborative culture, with protected time for PLCs, planning, and problem-solving with colleagues.
  • I am encouraged and financially supported to continue my professional growth through opportunities like education reimbursement and professional development.

Student Support & Equity

  • My students are supported to meet their needs and ensure equitable access to instruction.
  • I appreciate the support of a robust Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) framework that includes clear action steps for addressing academic and behavioral needs district-wide.
  • I feel clear and actionable steps are provided to address educational equity and foster a positive, inclusive school environment.

Resources & Relationships

  • I have access to high-quality materials and technology to enhance my job.
  • I value the strong relationships I have with students, families, and coworkers.