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School Philosophy
Smith-Hale Junior High was established
in 1965 for the purpose of instructing the young people of the Smith-Hale
Junior High School community in the democratic principles of an evolving
society. As a public education facility, Smith-Hale Middle School follows
the standards of the community as expressed in the directives of the elected
representatives of the community.
The school shares with the home and
the community the task of preparing its young people for responsible citizenship
in the adult world. Education is both a right and a privilege and as such
carries responsibilities that must be borne by all involved in the education
process. Cooperation is based on mutual respect and understanding by the
community, educators, and students.
Through sound pedagogical practices
the school provides a firm foundation in broad general knowledge. Smith-Hale's
program is diversified to engage each student at the level of his interest
and ability in meaningful activities that bring him to a sense of his own
worth, thus providing for the full development of the individual's mental,
social, emotional, and physical potentials.
Education transmits cultural heritage.
It provides the student with an understanding of the past and an ability
to prepare for a better future.
We Believe...
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The building will be kept in a state of
cleanliness. The physical climate of a building affect's everyone's attitude.
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You must establish an academic climate.
This communicated by various adults. Academics are used to form leisure
time pursuits.
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Use academic skills to solve real problems,
such as, allowing math students to figure attendance percentages, or an
art student design your newsletter to parents.
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Have high expectations but have reasonable
acceptance of failure. Recognize the diversity of students and give awards/rewards
often.
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Use equity and judgement in remediating
behavior.
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That students can impact decisions about
their school.
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Information should be shared with teachers.
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School should be a secure place. It should
not ridicule or embarrass the student.
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School should be a civil place for students.
It should not accept students hassling students, etc.
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The school is a place where students work
on the obtainment of knowledge (learning).
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There must be positive interactions between
students and peers, and students and adults.
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Focusing on small successes by students.
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In building physical activity (hands on)
into classroom learning.
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In giving students structure and clear
limits.
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In giving attention to all levels of students
competence and achievement.
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The school should provide meaningful student
participation in the community and community activities.
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Students are given opportunities for finding
self-worth and self-definition.
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You cannot take children out of their
context and expect to teach them.
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If you do not know the character of the
student... If you do not understand the behavior of the student... If you
cannot accept the child, then how are you going to teach him/her?
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We do not propagate winners and losers,
rather, at our school, teachers will use win-win resolutions of conflicts.
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