Excellence with Humanity in an Interconnected World: The Rivers School Unveils New Strategic Plan, Mission, and Core Values
In a letter sent to the community on Friday, October 10, Board President Alan D. Rose, Jr. ’87 and Head of School Ryan S. Dahlem announced the official launch of The Rivers School’s new strategic plan, approved by the Board of Trustees in June and concluding an initiative that has been nearly two years in the making. Rooted in the school’s educational philosophy of Excellence with Humanity and anchored by a revised mission and a new set of core values, the plan will serve as Rivers’ guide as the school moves forward into a future full of opportunity.
The process of creating the foundational document was a deeply collaborative effort. “This plan is shaped by the voices of our students, professional community, parents and caregivers, and alumni,” wrote Dahlem and Trustee Alison Hall P’19, strategic planning co-chairs. “It is a vision that embraces our philosophy as key to preparing students for a life of impact and purpose in today’s interconnected world.”
They continued, “As part of the process, we crafted a new mission statement that reflects who we are as a school and who we aspire to be: ‘Rivers inspires every student to pursue excellence, thrive in a community of connection and belonging, and create their own path to a life of impact and purpose.’
“Supporting this revised mission is an expanded set of core values: Integrity, Perseverance, Empathy, Curiosity, and Joy.
“These values, guided by our educational philosophy of Excellence with Humanity, are more than just words on a page; they are the principles that will guide every action, from the classroom, labs, courts, stages, and playing fields to all community interactions. They are a continuous reminder that the pursuit of excellence is a journey of personal and collective growth.
“The strategic plan provides a road map for living out the mission and core values, and elevates three key priorities: Pursue Excellence through Innovation; Cultivate an Ecosystem of Connection, Well-Being, and Belonging; and Focus on Lives of Impact and Purpose.
“The Rivers School extends its profound thanks for the partnership in this vital work. It is an honor to serve this remarkable school community, and by working together, the school is confident it will continue to build on Rivers’ enduring legacy as it charts this exciting path forward.”
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