On a Mission for Statement

October 9, 2009  
Filed under News

During CAT on Monday, Sept. 28, a PowerPoint was shown in every class that introduced the change of OHS mission statement and the selecting of a new mantra. The old mission statement was, “The mission of Ottawa High School is to educate all students to become responsible, productive, life-long learners.” The new statement is, “The mission of Ottawa High School is to educate students through rigor and relevance while building relationships, resulting in life-long learners.”

“It was time to look at [the mission statement] again. We’ve become a High School that Works school.  This group gave recommendations like looking at the mission statement and having it promote getting kids ready for college or careers,” Principal Rick Johnson said.

The PowerPoint also included examples of mantras that the school came up with. Some examples include, “We’re on a mission to fulfill a vision,” and, “No ‘CLONING around: 100% Career-Bound!!!”

Since the staff and faculty came up with the mission statement, they encouraged the students to participate in the selection of the school mantra by coming up with their own ideas.

“We want them to be involved because they’re the recipients of the mission. They are the ones getting the education, and we wanted [the mantra] to be fun and catchy since it is for the students,” Johnson said.

The following Wednesday, suggestions and ideas were turned in to CAT teachers and were voted on during CAT on Thursday and Friday. The adopted mantra was announced on Oct. 5, during the homecoming assembly. The winner was, “No ‘CLONING around: 100% Career-Bound!!!”

However, the assembly will not be the last time you will hear about the mission statement and mantra. They will be used in the classrooms and will be printed on T-shirts to help students reach the goal of becoming life-long learners through rigor and relevance.

What should the school mantra be?

“Ottawa High School… We’re not in Canada, but we’re just as cool.”-  Dylan Moore, Senior

“The one Mrs. Jenkins made up.”- Morgan Foster, Sophomore

“Learning with Rigor, Relevance, and Relationships”- Jacob Fischer, Senior

“No ‘CLONING around: 100% Career-Bound!!!” – Kassidy Rowland, Sophomore

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Kali Hinman

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