Beliefs and Mission
 
at

Collins Elementary School
  Scottsboro, Alabama    


In August 2001, Collins Elementary School opened its doors for the first time.  Faculty, staff, and students from Lewis Wendell Page Elementary were relocated to the recently renovated Collins facility.  In conjunction with this move, and as   partof the School Improvement Process, the faculty and staff embarked upon the task of examining its beliefs and mission.
Previously, a lengthy philosophy and set of objectives had guided our instructional decisions.  Upon review of the previous philosophy and objectives, the faculty and staff concluded that a revision should be written to create a new set of beliefs and mission statement to reflect the recent changes in our school community.

Utilizing information gathered from past self-studies, the school’s profile data, faculty beliefs survey, and major findings of educational research, the committee drafted a new set of beliefs and mission statement.  Drafts of the beliefs and mission statement were then distributed to all faculty and staff and to a representative sample of other stakeholders for review and comments.  Modifications were then made to reflect feedback the committee had received.  The final draft of the beliefs and the mission statement was distributed for approval.  The response received from the various stakeholders indicated that the mission statement and beliefs adequately reflected the needs, goals, and desired outcomes of the school.


Our Beliefs:

        Every child has the ability to learn and succeed, because success is the maximum utilization of each                  individual’s ability.

        In order for a child to succeed and become a life-long learner, school and home environments must be               mutually  reinforcing and consistent.

        To have a meaningful life in a free society, a foundation must be laid for transmitting moral values.

         It is a shared responsibility among the child, home, school, and community for students to become                      independent  learners.
     
         Every child should show respect for self, others, and the environment in their decisions and should
         accept the responsibility and consequences for their actions.

         In order to ensure effective teaching practices, our faculty should have open communication, continuing              education, collaboration among members, and a trusting, supportive relationship with all levels of                         administration.


     The mission of Collins Elementary School is to promote self-directed,     independent learning in a safe, supportive environment.  Our goal is     to develop the whole child in partnership with parents and community     into a responsible citizen that can succeed in a global community.