Educational Philosophy/Mission - AD

Educational Philosophy/Mission - AD

The mission of Marshwood School District is to provide a place where students, parents, staff and community members work together to foster a life-long passion for learning and engage all students in developing the skills and knowledge they need to be successful; live healthy lives; and become ethical, kind, compassionate, responsible citizens who thrive in an ever-changing world.

Our school community strives to:

● Advance sustainability practices and programs in district operations and

infrastructure, and encourage environmental stewardship.

● Empower students to become strong, independent, growth-minded, critical thinkers who

have the courage to act on their own beliefs.

● Create a districtwide culture of kindness in which students develop compassion for others

and a commitment to practicing good citizenship.

● Create a safe, inclusive, differentiated learning environment in which all students feel

safe, heard, and supported in the development of their whole selves - social, emotional,

physical and cognitive.

● Ensure all students are challenged, motivated and inspired by innovative learning

opportunities that meet or exceed standards.

As advocates for children, the Board recognizes that the thorough and efficient education of children is its primary statutory-based responsibility.  To this end, the Board considers proper and adequate support of schools to be a civic responsibility shared by all citizens.

The school unit will provide an educational environment designed to encourage each student to acquire the necessary skills and perspectives needed for a meaningful life and career.  All schools will strive to encourage students to form desirable habits that are necessary for them to become responsible, informed citizens.  In general, we aim to have students develop attitudes and practices necessary for satisfying, worthwhile lives.

We believe that all children must be provided equitable opportunities to allow them to achieve at levels commensurate with their abilities.  We believe that all students must learn in an environment that allows them to develop positive attitudes toward themselves and genuine respect for others.

The school unit will provide a rigorous core curriculum designed to achieve specific learning outcomes will be provided. The curriculum will be planned with the goal of creating and maintaining standards which will furnish students with the skills necessary for success in a global society while giving them a broad educational foundation compatible with their interests, aptitudes, and aspirations.  The curriculum and graduation requirements will be regularly evaluated to ensure their continued appropriateness.

In order to achieve our goals and to implement this philosophy, we believe that all schools must secure the involvement of the community, students, staff, parents, and citizens.  Educational responsibility must be shared with important community institutions.  We strongly believe that our school system’s success depends on good rapport and cooperation with our communities and its institutions.

The Board recognizes the professional staff as the body that is legally charged with the responsibility of providing education to all children.  In fulfilling this responsibility, the staff will seek to ensure the following.

A.  All children will master basic skills in the areas of language arts, mathematics, science, history, and technology.

B. Instruction will be provided which is appropriate to each individual with respect to goals, methodology and evaluation. 

C.  Students will be seen in their totality as physical, mental, social, and aesthetic beings, which requires knowledge of child growth and development.

D.  Staff members, in order to effectively execute their responsibilities, will establish goals for themselves consistent with the philosophy of the Board and individual schools.  Staff members will engage in a self-evaluation process for the purpose of self-improvement--the ultimate objective being an improved instructional program for all students.

E. The Board recognizes that this highly technological society demands that students learn how to cope with change and learn to accept that "learning" is a continuous process.

The Board fully accepts the responsibility of formulating policies and acquiring adequate funding to support the education process.  The Board will always consider the welfare of students as the single most important factor in making decisions relative to educational policy.  It will be the responsibility of the Board and administrators to promote sound educational practices and professional development. 

Legal Reference:         20-A MRSA, §§ 1001(1-A); 4511(3)(A)

Policy Adopted:          March 1, 2017

Cross References:        JICK - Bullying

Policy Revised: November 17, 2021