EAWR Finishes Strong in 2025-26 and Sets New Goals for the Future
Building on Success. Preparing for What's Next.
At East Alton Wood River High School, we believe every student deserves opportunities to learn, grow, get involved, and prepare for life after graduation.
Recently, our Strategic Planning Team met to review the goals we set for the 2025-2026 school year and establish new priorities for 2026-2027. The purpose was simple: identify what is working, determine what still needs improvement, and create a clear plan for the future.
What Did We Accomplish This Year?
Helping Students Grow Academically
This year, we placed a greater focus on helping students understand their academic progress and set goals for improvement.
Students participated in growth assessments throughout the year and received incentives for meeting participation and growth goals. Teachers used this information to have meaningful conversations with students about their strengths, areas for improvement, and future goals.
We also expanded academic support programs for students who needed additional help and continued building systems to identify struggling students earlier so interventions can happen sooner.
Creating More Opportunities for Students
One of our goals was to increase student involvement and leadership opportunities.
This year we expanded student leadership programs, hosted multiple Student Voice meetings with district leaders, strengthened peer mentoring opportunities, and continued supporting clubs and activities that help students feel connected to school.
Our belief is simple: students who feel connected to school are more likely to be successful both academically and personally.
Supporting Our Teachers
Strong schools require strong teachers.
Throughout the year, teachers participated in regular collaboration and professional development focused on improving instruction and sharing successful classroom practices. Staff also participated in training designed to better understand the challenges many students face outside of school and how those challenges impact learning.
Keeping the Community Informed
We continued sharing district updates, financial information, student success stories, facility improvements, and academic achievements through social media, newsletters, and community reports.
OilerNation is strongest when our families and community understand what is happening inside our schools.
What Are Our Goals for 2026-2027?
After reviewing this year's progress, the Strategic Planning Team identified six major priorities for the coming year.
1. Improve Student Achievement
We will continue helping students understand their academic progress, set goals, and take ownership of their learning.
We also want families to better understand how student growth is measured and how schools use that information to support student success.
2. Strengthen Student Services
Next year we will continue improving the services available to students and families.
This includes academic support, social-emotional support, college and career planning, and helping students successfully navigate high school and prepare for life after graduation.
3. Expand Student Opportunities
We want every student to feel connected to school.
The district will continue expanding leadership opportunities, clubs, activities, mentoring programs, and other experiences that help students find their place within OilerNation.
A major focus next year will be developing a comprehensive Student Life Experience Framework designed to increase involvement, belonging, leadership, wellness, and student engagement.
4. Invest in Our Staff
Teachers and staff will continue receiving support and professional development to strengthen classroom instruction and improve student outcomes.
We will focus on continuous improvement, collaboration, and providing employees with opportunities to grow professionally.
5. Maintain Financial Stability
The district remains in a strong financial position.
Next year we will continue our financial stabilization efforts by maintaining healthy reserves, carefully managing spending, and protecting the district's long-term financial future while continuing to invest in students and programs.
6. Plan for the Future of Our Facilities and Technology
We will continue updating our long-range facilities plan and develop a new three-year technology plan to ensure students and staff have safe, modern, and effective learning environments.
Moving OilerNation Forward
Strategic planning is not about creating a document that sits on a shelf.
It is about creating a roadmap that guides decisions and keeps us focused on what matters most: student success.
As we begin the 2026-2027 school year, our mission remains unchanged - An inclusive environment
that empowers our school community with opportunities to achieve personal success.
The future of EAWR is bright, and we are excited about what comes next.
Together, we are OilerNation.