Sharing Our Updated Mission, Vision, and Values

I am writing today, on behalf of our teacher-led Visioning Committee and Board of Trustees, to share the magic that transpired last week as we introduced our visioning work, including our updated mission and values.

I don’t get nervous very often, but as I drove to the RMPA Parent Social last Thursday evening, I could feel a few butterflies in my stomach. Was I nervous? I wondered. That’s unusual. 

That evening, our Visioning Committee and Board of Trustees would be rolling out a year’s worth of collaborative, invigorating, challenging, and inspiring work. When I arrived, I mentioned my nervousness to one of our trustees, and he asked why. As I looked around the room, I saw many of the people who had poured themselves into this work and responded, “Because I care deeply about this school, our teachers, and everyone in it.”

What transpired next was a true reflection of our community: 

• Misha, RMPA (Richmond Montessori Parents Association) President, kicked off the presentation with her typical gorgeous enthusiasm. 
• Rocco, Board Vice-President, shared the immense challenge and complexity of describing the RMS experience in a few words. 
• Marshie, Lower Elementary Teacher, led us through an incredibly moving visualization of the RMS toddler-to-adulthood journey (many tears were shed at her poignant words). 
• Emily, Primary Teacher, beautifully connected Marshie’s visualization with the concrete language that encapsulates the essence of our school. 
• Matt, Board Member and PFCI (Physical Facilities and Campus Infrastructure) Chair, described his belief in Montessori and then shared our updated mission and the pillars that support that mission. 
• Lisa, Upper Elementary Teacher, reflected on our updated values as the foundation of the work we do all day, every day with our students. 
• Courtney, RMPA Treasurer, engaged everyone in an insightful exercise. 

And, as I held the microphone at the end, all I could do was try to hold it together and find the words to express my immense gratitude for every person in that room, because each voice had been included, whether through office hours, one-on-one meetings, conversations during carpool, survey responses, or committee work.

I am so proud of what we have created together and am excited to share it with our entire RMS community. Please to take a closer look at our updated mission, RMS Pillars, and values, and see how they reflect the school we know and love, as well as the school we aspire to become.

Explore Our Updated Mission, Pillars, and Values

In the spirit of the Latin classes we offer to our eighth-graders, the word community traces its roots to the Latin communitas, reflecting a sense of fellowship and shared purpose. October 22 was the finest example of community that I know, and for that, I am exceptionally grateful. 

Thank you for being a part of it.