The thing is, every school refers to itself as a community. It’s embedded into our vernacular as educators – especially for those of us in marketing and communications. Some go as far as using the word family to describe themselves, suggesting a sense of relational closeness among members. While these words will easily attract prospective families and promote our school, have we thought about whether they truly describe the experience of our students, their families, and our employees?
Each year, Dawson selects a throughline that serves as a lens for the student experience. A throughline is a powerful mantra that helps learners synthesize new content tethered to our School Mission, Vision, Core Values, and Diversity Statement. It also takes thoughtful planning and integration. The throughline serves as the guiding principle that informs the design of our instructional strategies and learning initiatives, an alignment that strengthens the credibility and authenticity of the message when delivered to students. It enhances their ability to connect their sense of self to their academic experiences. The clarity and focus brought forth by this interconnectedness tie all elements of a student’s journey together, providing a unifying thread throughout the entire school year and making the learning memorable, engaging, and motivating.
The Alexander Dawson School at Rainbow Mountain, an independent school located on 33-acres in the community of Summerlin, is Nevada’s first Stanford University Challenge Success partner school for students in early childhood through grade eight. Utilizing the unique Challenge Success framework, Dawson uses research-based strategies and programs that emphasize student academics, wellbeing, and a healthy school-life balance to create more engaged, motivated, and resilient learners and leaders. At Dawson, students achieve their individual potential while savoring life and meeting the challenges of the world.