Tell me and I forget, show me and I remember,
involve me and I understand.
involve me and I understand.
The Harborside Difference
In traditional schools, students learn not to ask too many questions, instead to repeat rote answers. Memorizing facts and information is not the most important skill in today's world. Facts change, and information is readily available -- what's needed is an understanding of how to get and make sense of the increasing mass of information. Our students learn not only new information and knowledge, they learn how to learn, how to process information effectively and therefore how to interact, react and respond in the modern world.
Our Philosophy
• We encourage children to become lifelong learners through an emphasis on critical thinking and problem-solving and we do this by incorporating an educational philosophy that includes Inquiry-Based and Constructivist theories.
• We are dedicated to providing each student with an instructional experience designed to target a full spectrum of learning styles and the various dimensions of his or her critical and creative thinking.
• We hold the academic, social, emotional, physical and creative growth of each child as equal in value and importance.
• We value the interrelationship and importance of all the disciplines: language, mathematics, science and health, social studies, visual and performing arts, and physical education.
• We believe in grounding learning activities in a real-world context and particularly in our own urban environment to further stimulate, challenge and engage students.
Our Academic Program
• We operate as a parent participation school. Each family assists with some aspect of the classroom or school throughout the year.
• We provide a learning environment where children are encouraged to observe, research and problem-solve academic and social topics that are student-relevant both independently and cooperatively.
• We utilize innovative hands-on teaching methods as well as emphasize language and reading through daily journal writing, literature circles, word study, guided reading, independent reading, and writer's workshop.
• We incorporate field trips to enrich the learning experience as well as fully utilize the resources of the community to further enhance instruction.
• We provide the children with opportunities to exercise choice within planned learning activities.
• We feature classroom environments that emphasize a collaboration and an exchange of ideas.
• We integrate subject areas around selected themes or units.
• As a public school, we are able to utilize the full resources of the San Diego Unified School District.
Our Teachers
• Our Teachers are enthusiastic and experienced in the inquiry-based methods of teaching.
• Our Teachers are dedicated to inquiry-based philosophy and continually strive to expand their professional knowledge.
• Our Teachers serve as guides, resources, facilitators and leaders to our children.
• Our Teachers are recognized for their gifts in the fields of science, math, language, art, drama and music.
• Our Teachers work with our parents to enrich the academic and emotional growth of the whole child.
Our Students
• Our Students are encouraged to challenge themselves so as to develop their personal strengths.
• Our Students participate in decisions that affect their academic well-being.
• Our Students feel respected, capable and motivated.
• Students learn to give and receive respect in their immediate and broader community.
• Our Students learn to work cooperatively.
• Our Students become astute observers, critical thinkers and able problem solvers.
• Our Students are prepared to compete in the larger local, state, national, and international arenas and to excel in our global society.
• Our Students are actively involved in their own education and thus they take responsibility and ownership of it.
Our Families
• Our Families know their children attend a school where teachers and families share similar values and expectations.
• Our Families have the opportunity to contribute to the classroom experience by sharing their skills and interests.
• Our Families feel welcome in the classroom and a part of their child's experience.
• Our Families support each other and make a difference to the community.
• Our Families help in many ways by planning events, fundraisers, and field trips.
• Our Families learn and grow with the teachers and children.
2 comments:
Couldn't have said it any better!! Karen
This overview inspires and encourages me. The last two months have been long and stresful but when I read this I am reminded of what we have worked for and what we can rebuild together, as a community of teachers and parents. We CAN build something wonderful again.
Stacy
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