Willoughby-Eastlake Schools to host themed Coffee Talks during second semester

Dec. 12—Willoughby-Eastlake School District's first semester of hosting the Coffee Talks series recently concluded at the Willoughby Senior Center.

For the last three months, the district has hosted 15 separate engagements within the community, as well as 13 separate engagements internally with staff, said Superintendent Patrick Ward.

"The focus of these listen and learn tours center around three questions," he said. "Those were what do we do well, what are areas we need to focus on for improvement and what skills will our students need to be successful for college, career, military and life. I appreciate everyone who has taken time to engage around these three important questions for the future of our school system."

Ward said he is looking forward to the themed Coffee Talks the district will have during the second semester. The talks will be based on the information the district has learned up to this point.

Ward also extends his appreciation to the Parent Advisory group.

"Parents continue to show up each week and give their time, which is difficult, but more importantly, speak candidly about what they want for their children in Willoughby-Eastlake Schools," Ward said.

The chairs of the Community Advisory Committee recently met to put together an official organizational structure, which will turn the committee over to the community, Ward said.

"They're going to explore communicating and more effectively reaching all of our communities so we can continue to tell our story, and get feedback," he said.

Ward has also met regularly with the student advisory group throughout the semester.

"I have a group of 32 students from across all of our campuses," he said. "I've addressed the same questions and they didn't hold back. Students never do."