Index
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History
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Community School Goals
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Statement of Purpose
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Community
School Operating Principals
History...
In the late 1960's and early 1970's people began to question and take a
critical look at the established institutions, education being one of them.
Writers and educators, such as John Holt (Why Children Fail) and A.S. Neill
(Summerhill), provided the impetus for educational reform. The Community
School was conceived during this period by a small group of parents looking
for an alternative to the traditional public school system. Theses parents
shared common educational beliefs that schools should be child centered
and embrace parent participation.
After a year of parent planning, the proposal for Community School was
approved in Spring 1971 by the L.W.S.D. In Fall of 1971 the school
opened its doors to 30 students
in grades K-4. An abandoned fire station in Houghton was its first home.
Within two years, Community School expanded to fifty students with two
staff and a big move to the former Kirkland Junior High school campus on
Waverly Way.
After eleven successful years on Waverly site, the school moved to its
present location in Houghton. Parents and teachers were instrumental in
planning and designing the new facility.
Over the years, the initial Summerhill model was modified by the staff
and parent community to provide students with more structure,
carefully blended with ample choice
and free time.
Community School Goals...
Though the daily operations of Community School have changed over the years,
the original goals of the founders continue to be realized:
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To help children develop a strong sense of self-worth
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To assist children in developing a desire to learn form their own individual
fulfillment
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To teach children to be independent and responsible for themselves
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To offer students a solid foundation in the basic skills
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To encourage parent involvement in all aspects of the school
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To have shared decision-making
Statement of Purpose...
We, the Community School Parent-Teacher Group, support and assist Community
School in its mission to provide a program which strives for excellence
and success in learning while providing opportunities for each child to
realize his or her own individual potential, by challenging the students
academically, physically, creatively, socially and emotionally in an atmosphere
of cooperation and trust.
Community School Operating
Principals..
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Staff, parents and others show respect for individual differences, feelings,
the physical person, property and privacy of others.
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Staff, parents and others appreciate and support the teaching staff's responsibility
to provide a quality program, which is, based on the academic, physical,
social and emotional needs of the students.