Hillside Elementary School

Vision

We envision a learning community that respects the diversity and uniqueness of all individuals, nurtures problem-solving, encourages risk-taking, and empowers all to acquire the knowledge, skills, attitudes, and behaviors necessary to function effectively in a changing society.

 Mission

At Hillside Elementary School, students are our greatest resource.  Hillside School shall establish an exemplary environment whereby all members of the learning community feel safe, appreciated, and inspired.  Moreover, Hillside School shall promote an exemplary environment for all students, both academically and socially, and will respect, honor, and celebrate differences in a nurturing environment.

The following comprehensive outline is intended to serve as both the blueprint for improvement and the benchmark by which we will evaluate our progress.

I. Climate - An Exemplary School:

              A. Provides a place where students from all backgrounds and learning abilities feel comfortable, safe, and accepted

              B. Promotes open communication between parents, teachers, and students which encourages a sense of teamwork and cooperation

              C. Acknowledges and celebrates the achievements of students and staff in learning and leadership

              D. Develops the concept of community through academic and extracurricular activities with a focus on character development

II. Staff - An Exemplary Staff:

              A. Focuses on increased student achievement with instructional methods that reflect current research and proven effective classroom practices

              B. Supports the school's mission, vision, values and goals in attitude and action

              C. Models the importance of lifelong learning through their commitment to ongoing professional development

              D. Works to create conditions that promote student success

              E. Encourages colleagues and students in an atmosphere of support and respect

              F. Models professionalism through personal integrity, commitment, and ethical behavior

              G. Collaborates to improve student learning (instructional strategies, methods, assessments, and data analysis)

III. Academic Excellence - In an Exemplary School:

              A. The curriculum promotes intellectual curiosity, creative thinking, and challenges all students to reach their full potential

              B. High levels of achievement are accomplished through measurable academic standards aligned with the major instructional goals

              C. Focus is placed on character development, which incorporates respect, social skills, and moral integrity into academic concepts

              D. The concept of teamwork through academic and extracurricular activities is developed

IV. Students - In an Exemplary School:

              A. Accept responsibility for their learning and their actions

              B. Set challenging goals and give their best effort to achieve high academic standards

              C. Behave toward other students and teachers in a manner consistent with good character

              D. Encourage each other in an atmosphere of support

              E. Become involved in school and community service

V. Parents and Community Support - In an Exemplary School the parents and/or community:

              A. Play an active role in the academic education and character development of the students

              B. Form partnerships with teachers to demonstrate the importance of education

              C. Monitor their student's academic progress

              D. Are involved with the school by volunteering their time and/or service

              E. Are supportive of the school's vision, goals, and mission