Shaping Our Path: Pittsford Schools Refines its Mission, Vision and Values

Pittsford Central School District recently updated its Mission, Vision, and Values in order to align with the development of its new Strategic Plan. The process began during a summer leadership workshop that brought together students, parents, teachers, administrators, support staff, community members, and the Board of Education. From this meeting, it was recommended that the district update some of the wording to better align with the new Strategic Plan that will be published and posted to the district website in October. Those recommendations were then reviewed and finalized by the District Planning Team.

While the edits are minor, they reflect the district’s focus on empowering students and encouraging them to persevere, adapt and thrive as they pursue their goals and encounter challenges that will help them learn, grow and acquire the skills necessary to reach their full potential. “Our shared goal as a school and community is to provide each student with the tools they need to be more resilient and better prepared for real-world pathways,” explained Superintendent Cutaia. “By sharpening our focus and refining Pittsford Schools’ Mission, Vision and Values, we are holding ourselves accountable to continuous improvement and making sure our Mission, Vision and Values are still relevant and in alignment with the district’s strategic vision for the future,” she said.

The changes made to Pittsford Schools’ Mission Statement, Core Values and Vision Statement are indicated below.

Mission Statement

In the Pittsford Schools’ Mission Statement, “empower” replaces “inspire.”

“The Pittsford Central School District community works collaboratively to prepare and empower our students to be their best, do their best and make a difference in the lives of others.”

Core Values

Under Core Values, “values” replaces “cherishes,” and the words “innovative and future focused” replace “progressive.”

What our District Values the Most:

• Student Centered
• Supportive Environment for All
• Continuous Improvement
• Innovative and Future Focused
• Collaborative

Vision Statement

Changes to the Vision Statement are indicated below:

Pittsford Central School District will be a leader in realizing the promise of public education. We will design a partnership among students, families, professionals, and community, based upon a broader definition of success for each student.

Our students will navigate a journey of self-discovery and growth, leading them to engage in productive struggle, pursue balance and wellness, and personalize their education. They will recognize challenges as opportunities for learning and accomplishment. They will have the skills necessary to understand, thrive, and adapt in a diverse, global society. During and after their time with us, they will be independent, healthy, connected, resilient, and compassionate contributors to our community and beyond.

Our staff will model the joy of learning. The environment of support and collegiality will make our district a magnet for passionate educators who will design systems that help students succeed.

Our families and community will be welcomed, informed, and engaged in educational experiences that dissolve the lines between business, society, and schools. Students will be recognized as resources to our community, matching their interests with opportunities to create solutions for real needs.

When this vision is realized, every Pittsford student will have access to personalized opportunities and real-world pathways to explore. They will acquire the skills necessary to reach their full potential.