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June 2008
Vol 5 No 6
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Teachers.Net Gazette Vol.5 No.6 June 2008

Cover Story by Alfie Kohn
Atrocious Advice from "Supernanny"
Behaviorism is as American as rewarding children with apple pie… but for how long does it work, and at what cost?


Harry & Rosemary Wong: Effective Teaching
Eight Year Summary of Articles, 2000 to 2008

Columns
»VisualizationMarvin Marshall
»Textmapping: Where Old Becomes NewCheryl Sigmon
»Administrative BroadwayTodd R. Nelson
»The Busy Educator's Monthly FiveMarjan Glavac
»Easy Ideas to Wrap up the YearSue Gruber
»Committees: Make Them More ProductiveHal Portner
»Helping Children Cope After DisasterLeah Davies

Articles
»The Dance of the Honeybee
»June 2008 Writing Prompts
»Your School's Mission in a Sound Bite
»The Medicalizing of Education
»I Used to Educate Students; Now I Prepare Them… for The Test
»A Great Model Of Differentiation
»Live Chat with Adora Svitak
»Making the Most of Summer To Prepare for the New School Year

Features
»Printable Worksheets & Teaching Aids
»Candles of Inspiration: June 2008
»Teachers.Net Craft Favorite: Father's Day Project
»Featured Lessons, Resources and Theme Activities: June 2008
»Video Bytes: The human cost of war, in song, Literacy centers and more...
»Today Is... Daily Commemoration for June 2008
»Live on Teachers.Net: June 2008
»The Lighter Side of Teaching
»Apple Seeds: Inspiring Quotes for Teachers
»What are some things you absolutely DO NOT miss about teaching?
»How Many Years Did It Take You to Get It Together?
»Newsdesk: Events & Opportunities for Teachers


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Mission Statements

Discussion

A school's mission statement should be succinct but scintillating, reflecting what the staff will do together to make the school what they want it to be for students. The process of developing the mission statement is as important as the product. Here's help, including examples of statements gathered from schools across the globe.

Your School's Mission in a Sound Bite

By Kathleen Alape Carpenter
June 1, 2008

A school's mission statement could be described as a philosophical road map developed to guide and inspire those who share the responsibility for making the school what they agree it should be for students. Arrived at by consensus among those who are responsible for the education and general welfare of students, this road map serves to keep all stakeholders moving toward a single destination: the most effective school possible for their students. Developed properly, the mission statement reflects the shared goals of the school and community.

The school's sound bite

In the case of a school mission statement, less is more; it should be concise - a sound bite representing your school's goals. Because slogans have more "punch" than long and convoluted dissertations, brevity - though challenging to achieve - is most efficient. Another consideration regarding length is that the mission statement will be shared with parents and the community in newsletters and school handbooks, on the school web site, and perhaps displayed on signboards at the entrance to the school, so the most economical use of words is wise.

One statement does not fit all

As important as the completed mission statement is, the process of creating it is equally valuable because the effort forces reflection, collaboration and agreement in order to define and come together to identify, state, then work together to achieve the school's goals. So, one school's mission statement is just that: one school's mission statement… stating goals that are unique to its school and community. It cannot be borrowed or bought. The articulation and examination of collective goals are integral to the development of a meaningful mission statement.

What others have done

To inspire you as you embark upon the creation of a school mission statement, we've collected some statements created for schools in many locations. These examples, submitted by members of the Teachers.Net community reflect the goals, aspirations, dedication and commitment to excellence among those who guide students along the path to success. While not meant to replace the process of developing your own mission statement, perhaps this collection will help place your school on the road to success as your school community works to put intoits own words your school's reason for being.

After reading the mission statements below, please go to
teachers.net/gazette/discussions/JUN08/mission/submit.html to post your comments and respond to one or all of the following questions:

  1. What is your school's mission statement?
  2. How long ago was your mission statement created?
  3. What groups of school personnel were represented in the group that composed the mission statement? (Did any non-certified staff participate?)
  4. In your opinion, how important is a school mission statement to the success of the school?
  5. How often and in what ways does your staff review and revisit your mission statement?

School mission statements

Using an American-based curriculum in a co-educational setting, the mission of ACS Abu Dhabi is to provide an extensive range of learning opportunities that enable students

~to realize exciting and challenging academic, athletic, artistic and other goals
~to become effective communicators
~to contribute to others through sharing their resources, talents and skills so that in turn, they can enter a college of their choice and
define and shape their future lives

American Community School of Abu Dhabi
Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates
Submitted by Sara Turansky, Middle and High School teacher

We are a caring community committed to provide students with a quality, wholistic education that instills a Biblical worldview, a love and respect for all cultures, a zeal for lifelong learning and a passion for personal excellence.

International Community School, Singapore
Submitted by Denise Jarman

The mission of The Montessori School of Camden [SC] is to engage students to become peaceful citizens of the global community using the Montessori approach to nurture in them an enthusiasm for learning, resourcefulness, a sense of responsibility for their actions, and respect for themselves, others, and their environment.

Montessori School of Camden, SC
Submitted by John Moncure, Ph.D., Former Headmaster, (now Director of Operations, The Montessori Foundation, International Montessori Council, Beijing, China)

To provide all students the opportunity for academic and social success through a positive environment of learning and encouragement.

Our Second Grade Mission Statement is:

To create independent, successful learners and good citizens by engaging students in meaningful, hands on experiences in a positive environment.

Old Town Elementary, Pre-K -- 5th grade
Round Rock, TX 78681
Submitted by Marie Eddins, Teacher, Second Grade

To provide a foundation, with an emphasis on math and literacy, for all students to achieve their maximum potential in order to become independent life-long learners and positive contributing members of society.

Submitted by Name Withheld

Our mission is to provide a quality education for all students by teaching them the skills, strategies, and values they need and by developing partnerships between the school, parents, and the community in order to enable all students to meet their potential as life long learners and responsible citizens.

Grange Elementary School Dundalk, (Baltimore County) Maryland
Submitted by Pamela Aigner

The mission of Concordia Christian Academy is to build a new generation of Christian leaders prepared to thrive in a rapidly changing world.

Concordia Christian Academy
McKinney, TX

Submitted by Lisa Mull

The Mission of Lincoln Elementary Magnet School with family and community support, is to provide an appropriate learning environment in order for students to succeed in academics, and develop patriotism, citizenship, and self-esteem.

Lincoln Elementary Magnet School
Albany, GA
Submitted by Sandra Yerby

We commit ourselves in love to train parents and children to obey God, instructing them through academic excellence to be salt and light in the world.

Grace Brethren Christian School
Waldorf, MD
Submitted by Wayne Knode, Director of Operations

Our school will create a secure community that will instill in all students a desire for academic excellence, fostering the development of caring, productive citizens.

South Woods Elementary School, PK - 5th Elementary School Elkton, Florida
Submitted by Joyce Luker, VE Teacher

Parish Hill fosters academic and personal excellence, develops the ideals of respect, integrity and fairness, and embraces community participation within a safe school environment.

Parish Hill Middle & Senior High School
Chaplin, CT

Additional Mission Statements collected from the Internet:

The mission of the Cotton Boll Elementary School (Peoria, AZ) staff is to work cooperatively with parents, students and community members to help students become productive and responsible citizens in the 21st century. Students will be taught to communicate effectively through the mastery of problem solving, critical thinking, life management, and communication skills. Students will be taught skills, which will enable them to function effectively in, and contribute to, a technological society and global economy. Students will be provided with opportunities to grow academically, emotionally, socially, physically, and culturally, with recognition of individual differences. In a non-threatening and supportive environment, students will be encouraged to achieve goals, objectives, and exit outcomes set forth by the Peoria Unified School District.

Our mission at North Augusta Elementary is to work cooperatively with parents and the community to promote academic success and critical thinking in a safe, challenging environment with high expectations in order to develop lifelong learners.

The goal of New Bedford (Massachusetts) High School is to prepare well-read, productive young adults who are effective problem solvers and decision makers. They will be confident lifelong learners able to thrive in a global technological society. To this end, the administration, faculty, and staff provide a safe and secure environment in which all students can learn. Because all students are valued individuals with unique personal and academic needs, the school offers a balance of traditional and innovative programs and strategies to help them develop their strengths and self-esteem. All students benefit from a climate of cultural diversity that increases their appreciation of different peoples. The school staff, parents, and the community share the mission of helping students become responsible and well rounded citizens.

The mission of Booker T. Washington High School (Norfolk, VA), in partnership with the community, is to provide meaningful and challenging learning experiences in a safe environment, fostering students' individual strengths and self-discipline, promoting unity among diversity, expanding academic horizons, developing marketable skills, and encouraging all students to achieve high personal goals.

We prepare our students for a complex and ever changing world in a safe, healthy and nurturing environment.

Moosup Elementary School
Moosup, CT

 

*Reminder: Please take a moment to post your comments: Discussion



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