District Mission Statement & Educational Philosophy

District Mission Statement & Educational Philosophy

District Mission, Vision, & Values Statement

Mission
Ensure that every child achieves his or her maximum potential.
Vision
Become the premier elementary district in the nation.
Values
Model for others what we expect from others
Every child, every school, every day
Best practice, not first practice
Learning has no boundaries
Celebrate success

Educational Philosophy

The curricular and instructional programs in School District 96 are designed to support the mission statement. Furthermore, we believe that the curriculum should prepare students to think independently, achieve optimal levels of intellectual, emotional, social, and physical development, and become productive contributors to society. These beliefs serve as the foundation and give direction to the District's curriculum and instructional programs.

We believe the foundation of all learning is the development of an individual's reading, writing, speaking, and mathematical skills. A solid foundation in these skills is essential to an individual's ability to be a critical consumer of information in a technological society.

We believe that a well-rounded education involves more than the acquisition of basic skills–thus the curriculum also provides students with an understanding of the fine and applied arts, the natural and physical sciences, and the governmental and cultural foundations of our nation and the world.

We believe a student's school experience should develop an excitement for learning and the realization that learning is a continuous, lifelong process. Students will be encouraged to develop the work habits and study skills that enable them to function in an independent and self-disciplined manner. The District's curriculum will also strive to develop the skills of cooperation and collaboration necessary for success in our society.

We believe the District should encourage ongoing and continuous communication with the community and the meaningful involvement of parents so that the educational goals of our schools are consistent with the expectations of the community.

We believe the professional expertise of the staff and administration should be considered as the District seeks to improve the curriculum and instructional program continually. The staff will be encouraged to participate in the decision-making process and to share in the completion of goals leading to improved teaching and learning.

Finally, we believe the Board of Education is responsible for balancing the expectations of the community with appropriate professional expertise of the staff. The Board must set policy, implement goals, and monitor results within the framework of its educational philosophy and available financial resources.

Equal Education Opportunities

Equal educational and extracurricular opportunities shall be available for all students without regard to color, race, nationality, religion, sex, sexual orientation, ancestry, age, physical or mental disability, gender identity, status of being homeless, order of protection status, actual or potential marital or parental status, including pregnancy. Any student who believes he or she has been subject to discrimination and not afforded equal opportunities may file a complaint with his/her building principal or assistant principal or file a grievance under the Board of Education's Uniform Grievance Procedure described in Board Policy 2:260.