Strategic Priorities

ETHS is dedicated to creating an inclusive learning environment where every student has the opportunity to achieve at the highest levels. We believe that excellence for all students requires equity. Our goal is to ensure every student has access to rigorous learning experiences, an innovative and engaging curriculum, high expectations, opportunities to support their growth, and the resources and support they need to succeed. Our focus includes:

• Offering a rigorous and comprehensive curriculum that challenges students to think critically and creatively
• Fostering high expectations for all students
• Developing an inclusive, culturally responsive curriculum that reflects and values diverse perspectives
• Designing and delivering curriculum that reflects innovation, relevance, and real-world application
• Providing a wide range of Advanced Placement and elective courses to support diverse interests and goals
• Facilitating cross-disciplinary learning through innovative programs
• Expanding access to advanced coursework and academic enrichment opportunities for all students
• Using data strategically to inform instruction and identify and close opportunity gaps
• Providing targeted academic supports to ensure every student has the opportunity to succeed
• Investing in professional learning for staff to advance equity-focused teaching practices and support instructional excellence

Literacy is foundational to learning and critical thinking. ETHS is committed to ensuring that every student develops the reading, writing, and communication skills necessary for lifelong learning, ensuring they can engage thoughtfully with the world around them. Our approach to literacy goes beyond English classes—it is a shared responsibility across all content areas and an essential part of preparing students for life after high school. Our work in this area includes:

• Integrating reading, writing, speaking, and listening skills across all disciplines
• Providing targeted literacy interventions and supports to ensure all students develop strong foundational literacy skills
• Offering cross-disciplinary courses to help students make connections between content areas and strengthen literacy as a core academic skill
• Providing individualized support through our Literacy Lab for students with demonstrated needs
• Providing multilingual education to ensure students who are not native English speakers can access grade-level content while building English language proficiency
• Offering diverse texts and authors that reflect a wide range of identities, perspectives, and lived experiences
• Encouraging student voice through writing, discussion, and presentation opportunities
• Building vocabulary for academic language needed for college, career, and civic engagement
• Promoting critical literacy skills so students can evaluate sources, understand bias, and think deeply about issues in society
• Using data and assessments to monitor growth and adjust instruction
• Equipping educators with tools and strategies through ongoing professional learning that supports literacy across all content areas

ETHS prepares students not just for graduation, but for life beyond high school. We know that success after high school looks different for every student. That’s why we focus on helping students explore a wide range of options and make informed decisions about their future. Through guidance, college and career planning, and other opportunities, we help students explore their passions and build meaningful post-high school pathways. Our goal is to ensure that every student graduates with a plan—and the confidence, skills, and support to carry it out. Our approach includes:

• Individualized counseling and advising that supports each student’s unique interests and goals
• SchooLinks: A digital platform used by all students to develop, manage, and update their personalized post-high school plans
• College and career exploration opportunities, including fairs and campus visits
• Dual credit, AP, and career and technical education (CTE) courses that provide a head start on post-high school plans
• Work-based learning programs, internships, and job shadowing experiences
• Resources for students pursuing trade programs, military service, or entrepreneurship
• Support for college-bound student-athletes through our partnership with Honest Game, helping them track NCAA academic eligibility
• Support for college applications, scholarships, and financial aid
• Family engagement and workshops to help parents/guardians support students through the planning process

We recognize that student wellbeing is essential to learning and academic success. Our commitment to Social Emotional Learning (SEL) is an important part of our commitment to educating the whole student. ETHS provides resources, programs, and support to help students build resilience, develop healthy relationships, manage emotions, make responsible decisions, and navigate challenges at school and beyond. We work to create a school climate where students feel safe, seen, and supported—because a strong SEL foundation supports student wellbeing, academic engagement, school connectedness, and long-term success. Our work in this area includes:

• Integration of SEL competencies into classroom instruction and schoolwide practices
• Advisory and mentoring opportunities that foster belonging and connection
• Opportunities for students to explore and affirm their identities through affinity groups, identity-based clubs, and student-led summits that center identity
• Peer support and leadership programs that strengthen student voice and collaboration
• Restorative practices to support conflict resolution, relationship repair, and a positive school climate
• Access to mental health and wellness resources, including school social workers, counselors, and psychologists
• ReferralGPS
• FASH/SASH
• Staff training and professional development focused on trauma-informed practices, deescalation, relationship-building, and restorative practices
• Collaborative partnerships with families and community organizations to support student wellness
• A school culture that values empathy, respect, inclusion, and care for the whole student
• Practicing and promoting Acknowledge, Care, Tell