Philosophy
Philosophy
Excellence & Success for All Students
Through a commitment to educational excellence and a deep understanding of early
adolescence, Island Trees Memorial Middle School will inspire students to develop a passion for learning, living and fulfilling themselves as concerned, responsible citizens.
On Grit
"When nothing seems to help, I go look at a stonecutter hammering away at his rock perhaps a hundred times without as much as a crack showing in it. Yet at the hundred and first blow it will split in two, and I know it was not that blow that did it, but all that had gone before."
Jacob Riis
The Stonecutters Credo
This quote serves as a strong reminder of the role of grit in the lives of our students and the professionals who support them each day. As a school community, it is critical that we set high expectations, while building scaffolds that allow students and staff to meet lofty standards. Equally important, however, is the promotion of skills which will allow students to persevere in the face of adversity; to accept challenges willingly; to reboot after perceived failure. In the words of Dr. Kevin Sheehan, our students need to learn to "fail well."
On Citizenship
Though there are learning standards which guide our educational practice, curricula to frame our assorted disciplines, and assessments which measure student growth and competence, we must never look past the critical importance of promoting the rights and responsibilities of our students as citizens.Through word and deed, our school community must promote the democratic principles which gave birth to public education and serve to strengthen our communities and nation.
On Community Engagement
What is our brand? While it is corporate language, what is it that we want the world to know about our school? Should they know that our school community raises thousands of dollars each year through school-based initiatives? Should they know that our students contributed nearly thousands of hours of service to our community? Should they know about our academic successes, evidenced by participation in regional and national competitions? Should they know that we have multiple programs which have garnered state and national recognition over the past few years? While this is the "bragging" part of the social media experience, shouldn't WE tell our story? It is a great story!
On Respecting & Celebrating Our Students
In her TED Talk "Every Kid Needs a Champion,” Rita Pierson implores educators to stand up for kids; to support our students even when they are pushing us away; to help students see the endless possibilities that exist outside our classroom doors. I am excited excited day to promote strong instruction and learning, but I am even more excited to help students to recognize the champions in themselves and in the teachers that walk the halls with them each and every day.