You Shared, We Listened, and Here’s What We Heard
As we begin a new school year, we want to thank all parents, guardians and family members who took the time to complete our 2025–26 End-of-Year Parent Survey. Your feedback, the celebrations, honest reflections and suggestions for improvement, helps us understand what is working well in RISD and where we can continue to grow, and make RISD even better this year. Most importantly, your voice helps guide our work toward our North Star Goal: Every student, teacher and leader will meet or exceed their academic growth goals. Our parent engagement focus is closely connected to that goal, with a long-term commitment to ensuring every parent knows their child’s individual growth goal, understands their progress and has the tools and resources to support their child’s learning and growth at home.
As we look at what you told us, one message came through loud and clear: Our teachers and campus staff make a difference!
Families shared countless stories about educators who go above and beyond to support students academically, socially and emotionally. Parents recognized the dedication of our classroom teachers, dyslexia therapists, bilingual educators and special education teams and the welcoming environments they create where students feel known, supported and valued.
You also celebrated the many opportunities RISD provides for students to discover their passions and talents. Our fine arts, athletics, JROTC, student clubs and extracurricular programs were highlighted for giving students opportunities to discover their passions, develop their talents and build confidence, leadership and teamwork. We are committed to making RISD the ONE place where every student can find opportunities to grow, lead, create and thrive. We are grateful for the dedicated staff who make these experiences possible and inspire our students to shine.
Families also shared where we have opportunities to do better, and we are listening.
Here are four areas we are focusing on based on your feedback:
- Clearer, more consistent communication: We will continue working toward consistent expectations for gradebook updates in Focus, Schoology communication and campus calendars so families have the information they need when they need it.
- Strong learning environments at every campus: As we make facility improvements and invest bond resources, we will continue focusing on high-quality learning environments across all of our learning communities.
- Technology with Purpose: We heard your concerns about screen time and the desire for more opportunities for students to learn through hands-on experiences, writing, reading and other ways that do not rely on a device. Our focus remains on using technology when it enhances learning, not simply because it is available.
- Stronger college and career guidance: We will continue strengthening our high school counseling practices so students and families receive more personalized college and career guidance early in the high school experience.
Your feedback is more than a survey response. It is an important part of how we make decisions, set priorities and continue improving RISD.
Your input, questions and concerns are always welcome and help us better understand the experiences of our students and families, strengthen our schools and continue growing as a district. Open and transparent communication with our entire RISD community is a priority, and we welcome your thoughts throughout the school year. You can share your feedback, ask a question or raise a concern anytime through Let’s Talk. Your voice helps us listen, learn and work together to make RISD the best it can be for every student.
Thank you for partnering with us, celebrating what is working and challenging us to keep getting better. Together, we can use what we learn from our families to strengthen the experiences, opportunities and support that ensure every student is known, supported and empowered to reach their full potential.
