MONARCH GROVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT

Monarch Grove School provides a well-balanced, academically sound educational experience for all students.  All students are performing on or above grade level in reading, writing and mathematics or are making reasonable growth toward that goal.  Students are active participants in all aspects of the school; including learning activities that require them to not only acquire and apply basic skills but to use inquiry, reasoning, critical thinking skills and to reflect on the learning process.  Monarch Grove students are actively involved in the dynamic interaction between thinking and doing.  Teachers work in teams to ensure that all curricular areas are carefully planned and articulated so that they are presented in ways that are meaningful to students.  A variety of assessments are utilized to inform instruction, measure student achievement and modify school programs.  Teachers place students in flexible groupings to better address individual student needs.  School schedules are designed so that student learning of core academic content is given priority.  Enrichment activities are an important part of the school curriculum and provide for a well-rounded educational experience.  Specialists in non ‘core academic’ areas provide high quality instruction such as in the arts and physical education.   The Library/Media Center reflects the school learning environment; is user friendly, accessible to students, teachers and parents, and supports and enhances the school curriculum.

The school is a supportive environment for children.  Development of students’ social and emotional growth is an emphasis of our program.  The school grounds and buildings are neat and well maintained.  Addressing the needs of the whole child enhances student learning.  Disciplinary Actions within the school are fair, organized, sequential and related to well defined rules.  Monarch Grove School encourages appropriate social behavior.  Children’s opinions are valued, their thinking is respected, and they have regular opportunities to communicate their thoughts and aspirations.  Students’ creativity and intellectual risk taking are encouraged and their accomplishments are recognized. There is a relaxed atmosphere—there is a sense that there is plenty of time to accomplish everything that needs to be done.  Class sizes are maintained at comfortable and reasonable levels.  There is an effective program for dealing with students with emotional needs that supports maintenance of an effective learning environment. All children are valued and their contributions are recognized.  The results are happy, confident children.

Educational technology is organized, useful and plays an important role in supporting the educational process at Monarch Grove School.   Technology resources provide the school community with connections to one another and to the outside world. Students will become technologically literate.  Students will regularly use technological resources as a tool to enhance learning. Teachers use technology to plan lessons, to instruct, to access information, to communicate and to maintain academic records.  Support staff utilizes technology to maintain records, and to communicate with teachers, students.

Interaction with the community is a major focal point of Monarch Grove School.  Adults are responsible for creating the “climate” of the school; they model the intellectual, emotional, and social behaviors that are expected of children.  Learning is extended to include all members of the Monarch Grove School community: students, staff, parents and community members.  Honest, direct and active communication by all members of the school community is a cornerstone of Monarch Grove School; sarcasm and cynical communications are non existent – people express themselves in a clear and honest manner and with integrity.    Parents are participants in the educational processes but at the same time exhibit a good deal of trust for the school faculty and recognize them as professionals.  All members of the school community demonstrate mutual respect, teamwork, and take responsibility for their behaviors and duties.  The result is an effective, supportive and healthy learning environment.

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