I chose the slogan "Learning Matters Most" to reflect what I think matters the most as we are approaching the upcoming school year (and every year): that Pequannock students have the opportunity to learn in the most effective environment for their needs. We have heard from teachers and parents alike that this means students are in the classroom with their teacher, and I am committed to ensuring our schools are prepared for students to be physically, mentally and emotionally present.
But, if we consider Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs, learning can only occur when other needs are met, including the need to feel safe, loved and that you belong. If these more basic needs are not met, students are distracted by the drive to satisfy those needs and unable to concentrate on the lesson. Teachers know this intuitively (and have learned it through education and training) and know that they must provide opportunities for students to fill these other "buckets" of needs in addition to teaching their subject matter. School administrators know this too, which is why a wide variety of extra-curricular programs are planned throughout the school year: to build a sense of community in the building, to give students the chance to develop and sustain fulfilling relationships, to equip students with the social, mental, and emotional tools to have those needs satisfied. This kind of learning matters as much as the traditional school subjects. In fact, this kind of learning develops the skills that employers are most interested in their future employees gaining. A growth mindset. Teamwork and collaboration. Agility and flexibility.
In addition, learning the arts and physical activity matter. As a board member, I am proud of the fact that we did not sacrifice our specials in the past year and that our arts and physical education teachers found creative ways to keep the learning going. For some students, a music, art or PE class may be the only time in their school day when they feel like they are excelling. We cannot deprive those students of their opportunity to shine, their time to be "in the zone," creating and producing works that they are proud of. All students benefit from the arts and the mental break of these classes, PE, and other chosen electives. Learning that matters most to the individual student is that learning which makes them feel whole and connected, and we as a district need to respect and honor that.