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Philosophy of education |
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Public education is a joint responsibility
of the profession, the public and their representatives. We realize that the Board of Education,
Administrators and Classroom Teachers have a common goal; the best possible
education for the students that attend the Newtown-Harris R-III Elementary
and Secondary School. We must recognize that the American Public
School System is peculiarly our own; that it was developed to fit our
needs. We believe that it must be a
flexible system, adaptable to the needs of various localities and able to
meet changing conditions. We must
recognize that education is not static; that we must keep abreast of changing
times, constantly recognizing new needs, constantly seeking new methods of
achieving our goals, yet not rushing blindly out on untried pathways. Due to the increasing mobility of the
American people, we must realize that we no longer prepare our children to
become citizens of the area in which they grow up. Therefore, we must be prepared to meet at
least certain minimum standards on state and national levels. At the same time, we believe that the state
and federal governments have a growing responsibility in the support of a
school system that will meet our state and national requirements. We must recognize that the child is the
product of his or her home, his or her community and his or her school. All must contribute to his or her
development. When one fails, the
others must move in to fill the gap.
It is the responsibility of the home to see that each child has an
upbringing that is healthy, happy and morally and mentally well
balanced. It is a responsibility of
the community to contribute the means for a child’s education, to set high
standards for his or her health, safety and moral and civic development. If the school is to fulfill its function,
we as teachers and members of the Board of Education in a public school, must
pledge ourselves to recognize and abide by the goals of our education system;
to do the very best we can with the means at our command. We must recognize that no two individuals
are alike; that each child represents a different problem. We must demand that each student develop to
his or her fullest capacity.
Consequently, we must set high standards of achievement and resist all
pressures to lower them, recognizing of course that all children cannot
attain the same level of achievement.
We must create an environment that will enable each child to develop
their capabilities to the fullest extent possible. School spirit and school success is determined by you,
the students. We live in a time when
many people would like to see an end of the small school. I think you will agree that the hope of
this country rests with rural schools and its most important product – the
student. Within this
handbook are rules, guidelines and information that will enable us to make
the school function effectively. Your
help is asked to make our school a success with a minimum amount of problems. Only you, the individual student, can determine your
future. Do the best you can and have
faith in your own ability. Maintain
good study habits and discipline. Your
Principal, Teachers and Superintendent will be questioned by future employers
as to individual promptness, academic ability, and relationships with
others. Work at the school as you
would a job. Finally,
the taxpayers of the District support you with free education. You will be tax payers within a short
period of time, and concerned with getting the most out of your tax dollars. Quality education will be a concern of
yours in the future. Take advantage of
Free Education now. Non-Discrimination Statement Newtown-Harris
R-III School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed,
religion or sex in services or opportunities provided to its students. |
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A Philosophy of Education for the Newtown-Harris R-III School
District |