Principal Statement of Philosophy
Information
The process of learning must match the children's natural curiosity and motivation to become knowledgeable and competent for the 21st century. Active, hands-on learning where children interact with other children, adults, and various materials is fundamental in supporting youngsters develop themselves to their fullest capacity.
Learning must be an interactive approach between the teacher and the children. The teacher must constantly construct the curriculum with the children to ensure that the curriculum is rich in meaning. Combining the goals for learning created for the district with the developmental abilities of the classroom is paramount. This constructivist approach to child-centered learning is guided by the development principals know through Education of young Children in their position statement on Developmentally Appropriate Practice in Early Childhood Programs.
Affective development is key to children's success in school and in life. School must be an exciting, welcoming, and nurturing place where all children are valued for who they are and what they bring in terms of interest, skills, and challenges to the classroom and school community. Children must be regarded positively as they are guided to self-regulation in a class and school culture. Teaching must be geared towards children's strengths and the cultivation of children's ability to promote successful learning.
All children and families bring a variety of values, experiences, and expectations to the classroom. The classroom and school environment must respect the diversity reflected among groups of children and families. Children learn best when home-school partnerships are established and supported through ongoing communication and parent-teacher collaboration.
Cultivating and nurturing the connection of teachers, administration, and school community is the aim of our educational future. There must be a culture of achievement and facilitation of those goals for the school community. Children and teacher's are stakeholders in the educational future. Elementary School is a special time for children to learn more about themselves and others as they develop skills in a safe, nurturing, stimulating and fun place called school.
Susan M. Magoveny, M.S., C.A.G.S.