As progressive educators preparing for the start of another year, I think we need to renew our joy in learning and our confidence in possibilities. This is when we reconnect with our school community as a dynamic, creative, and caring place.
Ours are spirited, happy, and hard-working learning communities where imaginative play and disciplined inquiry are an integral part of every student's experience. We are committed to a strong academic program that engages students cognitively, physically, and creatively in meaningful learning experiences, while also engaging their emotions as they learn about themselves, their individual learning styles, and how to relate to others. Our students are empowered to make choices, to work hard to overcome challenges, and to engage deeply and meaningfully in curriculum in multi-aged classrooms.
Our student-centered mission is founded on the idea that mutual respect should inform our relationships, and that students are empowered by making decisions and exercising developmentally appropriate degrees of responsibility for their own learning and self-direction. This leads to students who are confident and compassionate, with an ability to advocate and lead. Such skills emerge from being able to think critically, to solve problems and to work both independently and collaboratively in multi-age groups. We not only prepare students with skills and knowledge, but also intentionally encourage stewards of our world, who can live happy, fulfilling lives. Our students learn about the complexity of a world where our interdependencies demand sensitivity to culture.
As school picnics and class pot lucks unfold, we also renew our commitment to our school-home partnership as a vital component in helping children to build a strong understanding of themselves as learners. This partnership also helps instill in students a sense of responsibility to themselves and to their community. Our aim is that children emerge from their educational experience seeing and valuing both the common threads which connect us to others and the breadth of differences in our larger world, through service with projects on campus, as well as local and global organizations. Our students will acquire the advocacy skills that contribute to a more peaceful world, respecting diversity and the environment.
So I renew my passion for our mission and philosophy and most important, collaborating with fellow educators and colleagues - the promise of being connected and sharing in education and life paths.
