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Creating
a successful school means finding a team of individuals who
share a common belief that all children can learn and succeed.
As a teacher at an under-resourced public school in Washington
DC, I felt pride and exhilaration as my students reached
new levels of academic achievement. I also experienced the
disappointment and frustration of working alongside colleagues
who had long given up on the idea that every child deserves
academic success. Moving to a high-performing neighboring
charter school, I was reinvigorated by a community of “learners” (both
students and teachers) who shared an unwavering commitment
to high expectations and translated these expectations into
daily exemplary teacher practice, parent involvement, and
improved student conduct and achievement. At KIPP TECH VALLEYCharter
School, we understand that all
children can and will learn as part of a community that shares
the
following values:
1)
High Expectations: We will do whatever it takes to ensure
every one of our students has the knowledge, skills and character
to succeed in high school, college and beyond.
2)
Choice and Commitment: As a public charter school, every
student, parent and staff member makes the choice to be part
of our community. Nobody is assigned to our school. This
means that everybody involved with our school shares the
same values and commitment to student achievement.
3)
Power to Lead: Each of us is responsible for the success
of our students. This means assuming control and responsibility
over the curriculum and pedagogy we choose, observing the
best practices of our colleagues and working every day to
make sure our community is a little bit better than it was
the day before.
4)
More Time: (No Shortcuts. No Excuses.) At KIPP TECH VALLEY,
nobody is alone in putting forth extra effort. As a team,
we work until the job is done: whether it is staying late
to provide extra help, working with fellow teachers to improve
instruction or making an extra call home every day. As professionals,
each of us share a willingness to do whatever it takes for
our students to learn and all extra efforts are recognized
and rewarded.
5)
Focus on Results: At the end of the day, we are the ones
responsible for delivering on the promise of measurable achievement
gains for our students. At KIPP TECH VALLEY, we give our
word that every one of our students will learn and assume
responsibility for demonstrating proof of success.
Thank
you for your commitment to the children of Albany. I look
forward to sharing this
journey with you.
Sincerely,
Dan Ceaser
School Director
dceaser@kipptechvalley.org
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