Early Learning Center
Student Belonging Framework
Commitment
The New Albany-Plain Local School District (NAPLS) is committed to creating a positive and welcoming culture to create a deep sense of belonging for each student. We will work intentionally to build strong relationships with students so they feel welcomed, listened to, and respected at school. We are committed to inspiring our school community to be accepting and willing to learn from and to build connections with individuals with various backgrounds and viewpoints. We recognize this work is not a sprint, rather; it is a marathon. We embrace the ongoing commitment required to reach our vision. Our district motto “Students First” and our statement of purpose adopted in 2016 codify that each and every student matters: To create a culture of accountability that achieves the best academic and developmental outcomes for each student.
Vision
We will develop a culture of belonging that builds trusting relationships with all students and their families; encourages and supports awareness, knowledge, and skills; and creates opportunities for connectedness that lead to inspirational learning experiences that encourage and motivate all students and staff to achieve their best academic and developmental outcomes.
Definitions
Culture is what we believe, how we behave and the experience our behavior produces for others.
Belonging engages the full potential of the individual - where views, beliefs and values are respected.
Well-being is defined as being healthy both mentally and physically.
Student Belonging Framework
History
Since 2018, the R-Factor Program has been used by students, staff, parents and administrators in classroom lessons and activities, parent meetings and disciplinary issues to help all of us make good decisions. The “R” stands for “response”; how each of us responds to the “E” (events) in our daily lives, which produces an “O” (outcome).
Based upon information shared by current or former students during summer 2020, the administration developed a Culture and Climate Plan to present to the Board of Education and our learning community. The plan identified lead staff and measures of progress for each component in order to strengthen our efforts to meet the needs of all of our students. This plan became the foundation for the Building an Inclusive Campus Culture Framework in 2021, which was revised as the Student Belonging Framework in 2025.
View the Student Belonging Framework Action Plan here.
