FILE: AD (2)

WATERVILLE PUBLIC SCHOOLS PHILOSOPHY

The Waterville Public Schools system believes formal education plays a major role in the lives of youth, perhaps second only to the role of parent. Therefore, the relatively brief time allocated to schooling must be dedicated to developing our youth to be able to learn beyond the boundaries of school walls and the time con-straints of a regular school day. Students of today must gain physical, emotional and intellectual understanding to translate masses of information into useful knowledge. Growth, expansion and creativity are now the privilege of all who are interested, from early childhood through adulthood - comprehensively spanning the range from theory to application, and general to exceptional needs. Ultimately, education's purpose is to develop responsible citizens cognizant of their membership in both local and worldwide communities. Learning shall be approached as an oppor-tunity to access lifelong joy. Toward these ends, the Waterville Public School sys-tem will aspire to create the most inviting schools possible for students, staff and community.

Albert S. Hall School
Grades 4-5 Philosophy

Education at the intermediate school level is concerned with providing opportunities for continuing intellectual, physical, emotional, moral and social growth. The realization of these goals depends to a large extent upon cooperation and com-munication among school personnel, parents and students.

I. Academic Growth

A. Education at the intermediate level builds upon prior experiences and prepares each individual for the challenges which lie ahead.

B. The primary focus in the classroom is on student-centered learning.

C. Evaluation of, attention to, and expectations of students are appropriately individualized to be consistent with student centered learning.

D. Classrooms manifest an atmosphere conducive to learning.

E. All students are contributors to the learning process.

F. The intermediate school cultivates enthusiasm for learning.

G. Instruction will focus on problem solving and decision-making.

H. Our school provides a safe environment where learning from mistakes is valued equally with initial success.

II. Community Involvement

A. The intermediate school encourages parental involvement and teacher-parent communications.

B. The community represents a valuable resource and its members are utilized.

C. Our school values and welcomes community input.

III. Individual and Social Growth

A. All students are encouraged and assisted in developing a strong sense of responsibility - to themselves and to others.

B. Our school strives to provide every student with successful experiences.

C. Each student is regarded as a unique individual.

D. Mutual respect and courtesy are cultivated and practiced through demonstration and example.

E. Experiences are provided for all students to develop a positive self-concept, an awareness of potential and an appreciation of striving to fulfill that potential.

F. A concern for the development of good health habits and attitudes leading to physical well-being is essential to the total positive self-image of the child.

G. Our classrooms provide an atmosphere conducive to appropriate expression of feelings and opinions.

H. The school's personnel will continue to develop student citizenship and common standards of moral and ethical behavior.

ADOPTED: 9-22-80; Revised: 12-05-88
LEGAL REFERENCE:
SOURCE: Board Policy