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Pacific Grove superintendent urges "culture of we" as district reports rise in student belonging
Summary
Superintendent Linda Adamson opened the school year urging a "culture of we," saying strong relationships enable learning and citing a 16% increase in students reporting they feel they belong on campus.
Linda Adamson, superintendent of Pacific Grove Unified School District, opened the new school year by saying that relationships are the foundation of learning and urging staff to nurture a "culture of we." "No significant learning can occur without the presence of a significant relationship," Adamson said.
Adamson tied belonging to student attendance and engagement, saying students who "don't wanna leave at the end of the day" are showing success. She reported, "We've seen an increase of 16 percent of our students who report feeling that they belong at their campuses," presenting that rise as evidence the district's work is having measurable effects.
Students and meeting participants supported the emphasis on relationships. One participant said, "I feel like I belong at PGMS," and another described feeling comfortable with teachers and supported by staff and friends. Larry Hagquist, the district's executive director of educational services, framed the district's approach to belonging as part of the Local Control Accountability Plan, saying the culture the district seeks "looks like smiles" and engagement.
Adamson closed by urging the community to "keep working at building and nurturing that culture of we," asking staff and families to continue daily practices that make students feel heard, valued and supported. The remarks were presented as opening-day priorities rather than changes to district policy.
