Stonington Public Schools

Welcoming Schools

Stonington Public Schools Welcoming Schools Initiative

At Stonington Public Schools, we know that strong family partnerships help students thrive. That’s why in the spring of 2022, the district began taking part in the Welcoming Schools initiative—an effort to ensure every family feels respected, included, and connected to their child’s school. At that time, staff and community members came together to learn more about how families experience our schools. This process sparked many conversations about what it really means to be a welcoming district and school for all.

Each Welcoming School team conducted a “Welcoming Walkthrough” and gathered honest feedback from families and staff related to four major categories: physical environment of the school, school practices and policies, school culture and climate, and home-school communication. The goal was to understand what was working and where we can do better when it comes to making all families feel seen, heard, and valued. With support from trained facilitators, schools received a summary of findings and worked with their teams to take meaningful next steps. The walkthrough exercises at each building resulted in a plan for improvement.

This fall marks the beginning of the fourth year of our schools hosting their Welcoming Schools teams.  Whether it’s clearer communication, more inclusive spaces, or better ways to welcome new families, these teams guide continuous improvement to school climate, resulting in lasting changes in our schools. Most importantly, this process gives families a real voice in shaping the school community—and that’s something we care deeply about.

To learn more about our schools' individual Welcoming Schools Teams or how you may join a team at your child’s school, visit their websites.