As school leaders, we understand the critical importance of building meaningful connections with every student who walks through our doors. As the lead learner guiding a learning organization, you must model and embed this mindset in all that you do. MASSP believes that every student deserves to be known, valued, and supported, and that creating a culture rooted in the “School of One” philosophy is essential for achieving this. When every learner feels seen and cared for, we build school communities where belonging is not optional—it is expected, cultivated, and lived out daily through our actions, relationships, and systems.

Too often, we speak about the students we serve in large numbers: a school of 1,000 students, 250 per grade level, or 32 in a classroom. While these numbers help us organize, they can unintentionally pull us away from the individual stories of the young people before us. MASSP believes that a true School of One reframes this mindset. Instead of focusing on totals, we adopt a belief system that every student matters deeply and that each student deserves the best possible daily experience. When we ask ourselves, Are we truly operating as a School of One?, we challenge our staff, our structures, and ourselves to ensure that our practices embody high-quality equitable instruction, uphold dignity, and demonstrate intentional care for every learner.

Our students need us more than ever. MASSP believes in advocating for every student who walks through our doors and in empowering school leaders to build cultures where safety, connection, and belonging are foundational to learning. As the principal, continue shaping your school so that each student experiences it as their School of One—a place where they are seen, supported, and empowered to thrive. When we hold firm to these beliefs, we not only strengthen our schools but also honor our shared mission to serve Minnesota’s students with purpose and heart.