|
Gorham Schools
Core Documents
Commitment to Learning
"If anything can morally and ethically prepare a child for life, it is time spent in the presence of loving adults who are willing to share their wisdom and care enough to provide meaningful guidance."
- Center of the Advancement of Ethics & Character, Boston University
Commitment to Learning
 Climate and Conditions for Learning
Respect is at the core of Gorham's positive learning environment. Our culture of mutual respect among students, staff and parents recognizes and celebrates diversity. You see this in:
- Strong, interpersonal connections at all levels
- Open mindedness
- Appreciation and honoring of diverse opinions
- A sense of "social spirit"
- Consistency in expectation
- Appreciation of each person's unique gifts.
Our school climate is emotionally, intellectually, and physically safe. It embodies the common values of honesty, trust, responsibility and self-motivation.
Every student has an adult in the school who know him/her well. Teacher relationships with students make a difference. Teacher passion sparks student interest. Teacher enthusiasm, skill, caring, humor, and subject knowledge encourage all students to reach their full potential.
Classroom organization, innovative techniques, individualized instruction, and appropriate space create a sense of classroom community and connect the student to his/her teacher, peers, and learning.
Teaching and Learning
Our K-12 curriculum establishes expectations for students' habits, understandings, knowledge and skills in all content areas. There are high standards and clear expectations for student achievement. The curriculum requires application in real-world experiences and situations that students encounter. We provide engaging and hands-on learning opportunities for our diverse student body.
School is more than a physical space. Students have enrichment opportunities beyond the school walls and outside the school day. Students develop and demonstrate their unique skills and talents through local and global interactions. Adults and students learn from each other's lives and work.
Learning is supported with a rich variety of materials that meet the varied learning needs of all students. Technology facilitates learning. Students have easy access to information as they explore and research topics of interest.
Educators are supported as learners. They have time and support for, and are committed to, continuous professional growth. Their collegial development creates a climate that supports student learning. Systems are in place for attracting, rewarding, and retaining exceptional staff members. Systems are also in place to encourage improved performance when staff members are not meeting student needs.
School and Community Commitment to Learning
Gorham is a community whose citizens are committed to high quality education. Our schools are community centers of learning where children, educators, parents and citizens come together as learners.
Gorham school environments support the educational, recreational, and social needs of all citizens. Our facilities are modern, clean, functional, and safe.
The Gorham community respects and values students as contributing members. We seek and consider students' ideas and perspectives.
Students come to school ready to learn. A positive family-school connection results from parents feeling welcome at school and teachers caring about what is happening at home. Families actively participate in their student's educational experiences. Families and teachers support each other in developing each child's potential.
Adopted by the School Committee, June 2000
| 
District Home
|
