Sterling High School 2009-2010

Mission Statement At Sterling High School we expect each student to achieve his or her individual potential. A healthy democracy requires a well-educated citizenry. Our standards are consistent, challenging, and attainable with effort. Our staff provides students with every opportunity to develop a love of learning.

Belief Statements Civic Responsibilities Challenging Standards As a comprehensive public high school, Sterling High School bears the responsibility to prepare its students for full participation in the democratic process including, in particular awareness of historic traditions, civil rights and obligations. Challenging Standards At Sterling High School we appreciate the diversity of culture and learning styles found in our community. We recognize our students’ individual talents and commit ourselves to helping them reach their highest potential.

Belief Statements Educational Programs Values Sterling High School instills in our students problem solving strategies which result in lifelong learning. Techniques of cooperative learning and the ability to organize and evaluate data prepare our students to be flexible, continuous learners in a rapidly changing world. Values We believe that every individual has an intrinsic worth with a potential contribution to make to society. We demand that each student’s worth must be universally respected.

Sterling High School Board/ Administrative Leadership Team Collective Commitments The Board of Education and the Administrative Leadership Team of Sterling High School is committed to the well being of each student. As a team we will acknowledge and address behaviors that are inconsistent with the District’s mission and belief statements.

Sterling High School Board/ Administrative Leadership Team Collective Commitments We will model and advance the behaviors established in the Sterling High School Mission Statement to all members of the Sterling community. These behaviors include: Active promotion of the District’s vision, values and goals. High standards and expectations for student success

Sterling High School Board/ Administrative Leadership Team Collective Commitments A commitment to life-long learning through ongoing professional development and growth A commitment to collective inquiry and reflection on the results of student achievement in order to improve student learning A commitment to a high level of mutual support and trust between all members of the school community

Sterling High School Board/ Administrative Leadership Team Collective Commitments We will facilitate the development of curricular and co-curricular programs which result in high levels of student engagement, address student needs and interests, integrate technology when appropriate for achieving program goals, and enable students to understand and appreciate diversity. We will model, monitor, and enforce student and adult behaviors that contribute to a safe and orderly environment while respecting the rights of others within a diverse community.

Sterling High School Board/ Administrative Leadership Team Collective Commitments We will recruit and retain individuals who are best suited to advance the mission and beliefs of the district, and we will create conditions which support their ongoing professional growth. We will facilitate the development of curricular and co-curricular programs which result in high levels of student engagement, address student needs and interests, integrate technology when appropriate for achieving program goals, and enable students to understand and appreciate diversity. We will model, monitor, and enforce student and adult behaviors that contribute to a safe and orderly environment while respecting the rights of others within a diverse community.

Sterling High School Board/ Administrative Leadership Team Collective Commitments We will develop and implement policies, programs, and procedures to monitor and support collective achievement and individual student success. We will recognize and celebrate the individual and collective efforts and achievements of the Sterling High School community. We will fulfill our responsibilities for good stewardship by managing the district’s resources in a manner that addresses the needs of the community, establishes community partnerships, and builds community support.

Sterling High School Faculty Collective Commitments We have established these guiding principles as a basis for our values as teachers and professionals at Sterling High School. They are intended as a means for informal personal reflection and are not intended to be used in the formal evaluation process. They represent our shared purpose and will continue to guide us as educators. We will develop curriculum and instructional strategies that promote active involvement for students, provide for their varied experiences and individual abilities, and utilize technology and other tools where appropriate We will help each student’s transition through high school by providing appropriate instruction, monitoring his/her progress, and offering guidance and support services tailored to individual needs.

Sterling High School Faculty Collective Commitments We will model the importance of life-long learning through our on-going personal and professional development. We will collaborate with one another to create conditions that promote student success and a rewarding professional experience. We will act in a professional manner with integrity and honesty and will develop relationships characterized by caring and respect. We will provide a supportive school atmosphere where everyone feels emotionally, physically, and intellectually safe.

Sterling High School Faculty Collective Commitments We will hold high expectations for student achievement and character, and will encourage students to take responsibility for their lives and the learning process. We will care for our physical environment and school property and will require the same of students. We will communicate with parents about their student’s progress in school and will encourage parents to be involved in their children’s education.

Sterling High School Support Staff Collective Commitments As members of the Sterling High School support staff, we affirm our active participation in helping Sterling achieve its mission to become an exemplary learning community. In fulfilling our respective responsibilities, we share common commitments. We will support the collective effort to create the school described in Sterling High School’s mission and belief statements. We will foster a safe, nurturing, responsible, and positive environment that is conducive to the academic, ethical, and social growth of each individual student

Sterling High School Support Staff Collective Commitments We will continue to develop and support positive relationships with our colleagues, students and community. We will show appreciation for cultural diversity and be sensitive to the thoughts and opinions of others.

Sterling High School Support Staff Collective Commitments We will participate in effective and open communication throughout the school and community. We will pursue a commitment to continuous improvement in our performance. We will honor our commitment to life-long learning. We will demonstrate pride and ownership in the school taking responsibility for informed decision making. We will develop a sense of responsibility and mutual respect in each student. We will celebrate school accomplishments and promote school spirit.

Collective Commitments for Sterling Students Sterling High School has been building a tradition of excellence. As a student of Sterling, you are asked to help contribute to that tradition. By maintaining high personal expectations for success, utilizing open communication with staff and fellow students, and following the guidelines listed below, you both increase your opportunities for success and help make Sterling an excellent school.

Collective Commitments for Sterling Students To ensure success we will: Take responsibility for our education, decisions and actions. Act in a manner that best represents us, the school and the community. Maintain a balance between academics, co-curricular activities, and other endeavors; continually giving our best efforts to each. Respect our fellow students and their activities. Respect cultural diversity, individuality, and the choices and rights of others. Promote a safe and healthy learning environment.

Collective Commitments for Sterling Parents We, as parents, must first become familiar with the established mission statement of Sterling High School. We can contribute to the pursuit of that mission and the success of our children when we: Become informed and knowledgeable about the curricular, co-curricular, and student support programs available to students by: Carefully reviewing school publications such as the Program Planning Guide and Student Handbook. Attending and participating in parent information programs sponsored by the school. Reading/using the Sterling High School website.

Collective Commitments for Sterling Parents Assist our children in making important educational decisions by: Participating in the course selection process Encouraging involvement in school activities Reading/using the Sterling High School website. Engage in open and timely communication with the school by: Responding to the school’s feedback about our children’s academic progress and behavior Advising school personnel of any special circumstances or needs of our children Being proactive in asking questions, expressing concerns, and seeking information.

Collective Commitments for Sterling Parents Becoming actively involved in the life of the school by: Participating in parent groups such as Booster Clubs, Task Forces, etc. Volunteering at the school Acting as an advocate for quality education within the community Utilizing the resources of the school through adult education and community access programs. Help our children become responsible, self-reliant members of the school community by: Teaching them to accept responsibility for their own learning, decisions and behavior Insisting they observe the rules of the school Demonstrating respect, consideration, and cooperation in dealing with others and expecting out children to do the same.

Collective Commitments for Sterling Parents Create a supportive environment for learning in our homes by: Modeling the importance of life-long learning Providing quiet time and a place for study Helping our students make connections between their learning experiences and their everyday lives Expecting achievement and offering encouragement and praise. Promote healthy lifestyles by: Modeling and supporting responsible lifestyle choices Monitoring the activities of our children and responding to behavior which jeopardizes their health and well being Becoming informed of the risks associated with teenage use of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs.

Mission As A Guiding Principle All students at Sterling High School will learn and achieve a high level of academic achievement that exceeds the state and national standards. We commit to a comprehensive system of support to assure this outcome.

Learning Mission Learning is the primary purpose of Sterling High School. Attention will be given to the following questions: What do we expect students to learn? How will we know that students have learned? How will we, individually and as a school, respond to students who are not learning?

Collaboration Teachers should collaboratively determine if any practices are hindering student academic success.

You’ve got to be smart enough to get out of the saddle when your horse has died!

Examples of What Hinders Learning Averaging grades Thoughtlessness in giving of zero’s Grading students’ first attempt Grading projects that are heavily dependent on parental help Not allowing students to re-do or make-up work Excessive use of pop quizzes Assigning students numerous problems to do (worksheets) when the student does not know how to do one problem correctly.

Structure Culture Day-to-day policies and procedures Long term beliefs, expectations and habits

Keys to Professional Learning Communities Continuous Improvement What are we trying to accomplish? What evidence demonstrates our current effectiveness? What are our strategies for getting better? What criteria will we use to assess our improvement efforts?

Results Orientation What data can be provided to teachers to help improve their practice? How will we learn if we are becoming effective as a school? What evidence is important to us?

Collaborative Teams Engage Overcome isolation Have articulated goals and objectives when they meet Purpose of collaborative time is made clear.

Collective Inquiry and Action Research Seeking out best practices in teaching and learning Integrated into the routine operation of the school. Action Research How well do our instructional practices and methods improve student learning?

Assumptions If Sterling High School is to improve, then we must develop the capacity to function as a PLC. If SHS is to function as a PLC, we must develop a collaborative culture. If SHS is to develop a collaborative culture, we must overcome a tradition of teacher isolation. If SHS is to overcome our tradition of teacher isolation, we must learn to work in effective high performance teams. The key question is not, “Should we collaborate?” But, rather, “What should be the focus of our collaborative efforts?”

For Everyone’s Benefit.” “Everyone is Learning For Everyone’s Benefit.”

Thank You