future focused
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legacy
CONTINUING THE
I am excited to introduce you to Elmwood Franklin
community members through planning sessions,
School's 2023-2027 strategic plan. This strategic plan
surveys, and focus groups led to the development of
has truly been an inclusive process of gathering
the shared commitments, mutual goals, and prioritized
feedback from faculty, staff, trustees, families, and the
action plans outlined here. I am proud to have worked
greater EFS community. This dynamic plan is the driving
with so many dedicated community members who care
force and road map that will shape Elmwood Franklin
deeply about our school.
School's future and strengthen the fundamental traditions of the school.
We will continue to be transparent in our communication around our new strategic plan, ensuring
Over the 2022-2023 school year, Strategic Planning
Elmwood Franklin School continues to be recognized as
Committee co-chairs and trustees Daniel Weinrieb '94
a vibrant community of high-quality educators with an
and Marina O'Donnell led a thoughtful and
unwavering commitment to its mission—to prepare
comprehensive process to develop Elmwood Franklin's
children to lead thriving lives. It is my pleasure to share
new strategic plan. Securing valuable input from
this overview with you.
Ryan Kimmet Ed.D. HEAD OF SCHOOL
MISSION
Elmwood Franklin School prepares children to lead thriving lives.
C O R E VA L U E S ACADEMIC RIGOR
CREATIVE INQUIRY
Elmwood Franklin continually challenges students to grow academically and intellectually so that they can achieve at increasingly higher levels.
Elmwood Franklin promotes a culture of learning in which curiosity is rewarded, risktaking is encouraged, and challenging assumptions is expected. Through these experiences, confident, resilient, independent thinkers are cultivated.
COMMUNITY Elmwood Franklin fosters a caring environment in which families, students, teachers, and professionals share ideas, value and incorporate differences, and work in partnership to create authentic experiences with lasting impact.
CHARACTER Elmwood Franklin strengthens socialemotional skills and demonstrates a commitment to the values of kindness, respect, integrity, teamwork, and perseverance. Students are encouraged to practice their roles as responsible citizens in a wider world.
INDIVIDUAL EXCELLENCE Elmwood Franklin is a journey—not a destination. Students are met at their personal stage of development and are given opportunities to discover their learning style, pursue their passions, and develop themselves.
goals
LEADING THE CHANGE:
OUR DEFINING
For generations, academic rigor, devoted faculty and staff, and expansive opportunities for intellectual and personal growth have been defining characteristics of an Elmwood Franklin School education. In the years to come, EFS will continue to be recognized as a vibrant community of highquality educators with an unwavering commitment to our school’s mission to prepare children to lead thriving lives. Four defining goals will shape Elmwood Franklin’s future and strengthen the fundamental traditions of the school.
F A C U LT Y Elmwood Franklin School will recruit and retain a FACULTY of the highest caliber, providing them the tools, resources, and support needed to excel at their profession and compensation that fully recognizes our teachers' commitment to our school and our children. We are committed to building a culturally proficient and diverse faculty and staff who support our community-wide stance on creating a culture of caring and belonging.
PROGRAM Elmwood Franklin School will consistently and rigorously evaluate and renew our PROGRAM, leveraging evidence-based curriculum and thoughtful, inclusive dialog among our faculty and between our faculty, community, and educational leaders. This programming approach will sustain and achieve genuine innovation that evolves over time, focusing on long-term excellence above short-term trends.
FA C I L I T I E S Elmwood Franklin School will maintain and enhance our school’s FACILITIES to ensure a safe and secure environment and to accommodate new and existing programs that align with our strategic goals and initiatives. Prioritized investments in our facilities will strengthen Elmwood Franklin School’s institutional identity and help support our school’s efforts to offer a variety of quality programs that allow students to excel and thrive during their time at EFS.
COMMUNITY Elmwood Franklin School will develop and nurture our internal and external COMMUNITY and partnerships to enable our students, faculty, staff, and families to experience and engage in a culture of mutual respect, acceptance, belonging, service, and learning. Real-world experiences and collaborations will enhance our students' understanding and contribute to their academic, social, and emotional preparedness.
FOCUS ON THE FUTURE:
THE FOUNDATIONAL
elements
There are three foundational elements that live at the core of our plan’s defining goals and are common themes across all focus areas.
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A C O M M I T M E N T TO F I N A N C I A L S T E WA R D S H I P Elmwood Franklin's financial health must always be prioritized, protecting our school's long-term assets through a commitment to ethical and prudent financial decision-making. Critical to this element is the engagement and pledge of supporters, near and far, legacy and new constituents, who are excited about our future and focused on the success of our school.
A T H O U G H T F U L A N D I N T E N T I O N A L A P P ROAC H TO C O M M U N I C AT I O N Communication is a crucial component of a successful strategic plan. We will dedicate time and resources to determine how, when, and why we communicate internally and externally to foster strong relationships, ensure student success, and build a strong sense of community.
A C O M M I T M E N T T O M A I N TA I N I N G A C O M M U N I T Y OF MUTUAL RESPECT AND BELONGING Elmwood Franklin School will continue to encourage meaningful conversations rooted in respect and understanding, helping us to create an inclusive community where students, faculty, staff, and families are heard, understood, and embraced. By establishing and fostering a safe and welcoming environment, Elmwood Franklin School will live its core values and ensure our students can thrive.
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faculty Building and sustaining a community of educators who are connected to each other, to our students and families, to the principles and practices of our curriculum, and to the mission of Elmwood Franklin School is essential to our success and future.
ACTION PLAN Recruit and Retain Top Talent Elmwood Franklin School will attract and retain the highest caliber teachers who are passionate about education and are committed to our school’s mission and values.
Growth and Professional Development Elmwood Franklin School will provide regular professional development opportunities for all faculty members to help them stay current with the latest teaching methodologies and best practices and grow in their profession.
Compensation Sustainable and competitive compensation will include appropriate growth over time and career stage, recognizing the importance of teaching as a profession, and inspiring longterm commitment and the highest level of performance by faculty and staff.
Set the Bar for Faculty Health, Well-Being, and Job Satisfaction Creating a community and culture of support, open communication, mutual respect, and belonging is essential for our faculty to enjoy their careers and to build deeper relationships with students and their families.
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facilities Facilities and grounds are an essential part of our school, and they play a critical role in the success of our students, faculty, and the strategic plan. First and foremost, the physical environment at Elmwood Franklin School has a significant impact on the learning experiences of the students and the teaching abilities of our faculty.
ACTION PLAN Safety and Security Continue to build on and invest in our comprehensive safety and security plans, outlining security measures, preparedness strategies, and procedures for responding to safety threats.
Roadmap for the Future Evaluate the current and future needs of the school, identifying priorities based on urgency, cost, and implementation timelines. Develop a comprehensive five-year plan for capital improvement and reserve replacements.
Room to Thrive Ensure our facilities and grounds have the necessary space for academic, athletic, and extracurricular activities while accommodating future school enrollment and strategic plan goals.
Funding Opportunities Identify additional funding opportunities through grants, state-funded programs, and other mechanisms outside of Elmwood Franklin School’s existing funding strategies.
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program At Elmwood Franklin School, enrichment and learning happen both in and beyond the classroom, practiced and applied in active engagement with faculty and peers, focusing on character and competence. Our programs and curriculum balance innovation and creativity with a foundational strength in academic disciplines and skills—remaining open to change while maintaining purpose and connecting to our mission and core values.
ACTION PLAN Beyond the Expected Our students and families seek curricular and extracurricular opportunities and educational approaches that challenge students and distinguish us from other schools. Through evidence-based curricula and programming, our school will continue to cultivate a love for learning in our students and prepare them to take on intellectual challenges with confidence, curiosity, and creativity.
Vision for the Future Over the next three to five years, Elmwood Franklin School will continue to build on the strength of our existing efforts and focus on program enhancement, development, and evaluation initiatives that prepare students to thrive during their time here, in high school, and beyond. Programs will be guided by the following tenants: • Academic Excellence • Whole-Child Development • Differentiated Instruction • Critical Thinking and Problem Solving • Technology Integration • Global and Cultural Competence
• Character Education • Communication and Collaboration • Parent and Community Engagement • Love of Learning • Creativity • Health and Wellness
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community At Elmwood Franklin School, we are committed to maintaining and nurturing our positive and supportive community of dedicated faculty and staff, engaged families, and a thriving student body. With an emphasis on teamwork, character development, leadership, and respect for others, our school understands that building a strong community requires time, resources, and partnerships—in and outside the school. ACTION PLAN Family Engagement Reevaluate our parent/guardian involvement opportunities, and with the help of our community, reinvent how families can engage with Elmwood Franklin School, reinforcing a strong, positive community for our students.
Alumni Engagement Continue to strengthen our alumni network via social media, communication strategies, networking events, and fundraising opportunities. Grow our alumni engagement by showcasing the talents of our graduates to inspire and support current students as they chart their paths through Elmwood Franklin School and beyond.
Collaborative Faculty and Staff By cultivating a collaborative and inclusive work environment that encourages professional development and teamwork, faculty and staff will feel valued, supported, and connected to their colleagues and community.
Positive School Culture Honor Elmwood Franklin’s long-standing history by continuing with successful school traditions and developing new traditions that reflect the growth and evolution of our current times and encourage school spirit, teamwork, and celebration.
Community Partnerships and Support Actively engage the wider community, including local businesses, organizations, experts, and other educational institutions, to provide our faculty with additional resources, expertise, and support while enhancing the educational experience for our students.
elmwood franklin school 104 New Amsterdam Avenue Buffalo, New York 14216-3399 phone 716.877.5035 fax 716.877.9680 www.elmwoodfranklin.org
elmwoodfranklin.org/future