Statement of Beliefs
Core Beliefs:
· The school’s priority is student learning.
· Because all students can learn, teachers should provide a variety of instructional methods to accommodate multiple learning styles.
· Students should be actively engaged in the learning process.
· Mutual respect between students and faculty enhances students’ self-esteem.
· A safe, comfortable environment supports student learning.
· All stakeholders are responsible for achieving the mission of the school.
· The school must be committed to continuous improvement in order to meet the
students’ needs.
Vision Statements
The faculty and staff envision the school as
- a work in progress that continues to expand and enhance programs to increase student achievement
- a place that values and promotes excellence in student learning
- an impetus that encourages life-long learning and civic responsibility
- a setting that exhibits a caring, nurturing environment
- a growth-oriented environment where high expectations are the norm
- an example of innovative, research-based teaching strategies that engage students in complex levels of problem-solving
- a facility where staff members grow professionally as they participate in professional development activities
- a conduit that expands the Mathematics, Science and Technology program to all core classes
- a technological resource that fosters creativity, collaboration, and higher-order thinking skills
- a source that offers online learning and dual-credit classes
- a community that nurtures respect and trust
- a melting pot that develops camaraderie among all stakeholders
- a student-centered environment that evidences safety, cleanliness, and order
- a learning center that strives for improvement.
Teachers as Educational
Advisors and Mentors
(TEAM)
Preparing
today’s minds to meet tomorrow’s challenges
Southwood High School’s primary goal is offering all students a quality education that will prepare them for the future. To assist with this endeavor, the school implemented the Teachers as Educational Advisors and Mentors program. Each student is assigned an advisor/mentor. The objective is for students to remain with the same advisor/mentor until graduation from high school. The Teachers as Educational Advisors and Mentors program is characterized by the following:
- Encourages students to set educational and career goals and to develop a plan to meet those goals
- Career-advising and mentoring system designed to help students experience a more challenging curriculum
- Applications to careers and current and future life experiences
- Establishes connections between what students are learning in school and their goals beyond high school
- Helps students maximize their career potential by broadening their knowledge base for career decisions
- Helps
students choose a major career path and focuses the selection of elective
courses
- Assists
students in making a smooth transition from high school to post-secondary
education
Theme:
No One Rises To Low Expectations!