Rumney Memorial School

Mission, Vision, and Statements of Responsibility
May, 2007

Mission Statement
We are here to challenge and engage ourselves academically and socially, help our community and the world, and become passionate and competent learners.

Vision Statement
  As we challenge and engage ourselves academically and socially, we will:
*educate our children in reading, writing, and mathematics so that they have the skills necessary to access knowledge, communicate effectively, and think critically.
*value the arts, the natural world, and the sciences; and integrate them into the curriculum.
*foster high expectations and achievement for all students regardless of gender, race, economic circumstances, or cultural background.
*provide students with numerous cross-grade and multiage learning opportunities.
*expand integrated and hands-on learning opportunities.
*honor diverse learning styles by addressing individual strengths, needs, and interests.
*use ongoing assessment to ensure a rigorous curriculum for each student.
*maintain and use current technology to enhance learning opportunities.
*encourage healthy behavior, good nutrition, balanced lifestyles, and physical activity.
*engage parents as active and informed partners in their child's education.
*ensure that everyone experiences a feeling of safety and a sense of belonging.
*treat each other with respect.
  As we help our community, we will:
*prepare the next generation of leaders, decision makers, and responsible citizens to be the stewards of democracy.
*capitalize on our rural location and assets academically and recreationally.
*offer our building, grounds, and resources to the community.
*seek opportunities to create partnerships with the greater community, such as local food vendors and service providers.
*foster opportunities for intergenerational interaction.
*engage in and encourage community service and volunteerism.
*maintain a clean, healthy, sustainable, and updated facility.
  As we help our world, we will:
*teach sustainability and environmental stewardship
*engage in environmentally responsible and sustainable practices.
*consider environmentally sustainable options when making improvements or changes to the physical plant.
*develop global awareness and foster respect and appreciation for other cultures.
*act with honesty and integrity.
  As we become passionate and competent learners, we will:
*ensure that students are well prepared for future academic and social experiences.
*approach change as an opportunity for improvement.
*make a commitment to the professional development of our employees.
*encourage collaboration and sustained school leadership.
*find frequent opportunities to celebrate learning.

Rumney Memorial School
Statements of Responsibility

Parents/Guardians:  As a parent/guardian I will...
*provide good nutrition and rest.
*help my child to be organized for the school day and to arrive at school on time and ready to learn.
*listen to and talk with my child about his or her school day.
*provide guidance and a quiet place for homework and school projects.
*acknowledge and appreciate my child's hard work and achievements.
*be available for consultation on my child's progress.
*volunteer at school or help my child's teacher at least once a year either during or outside school hours with requested activities.
*be understanding of ideas and values my child is exposed to that I may not share.
*encourage my child in his or her extracurricular activities, supporting the school's principles of sportsmanship and respect.
*be a respectful member of the school community. 

Students:  As a student I will...
*uphold Rumney C.A.R.E.S.
*respect the principal, teachers, substitute teachers, parent volunteers, staff members, bus drivers, and other adults who help at Rumney.
*be a good listener.
*try hard to show a positive attitude.
*be forgiving to others and give second chances.
*enjoy learning and have fun.
*feel free to ask questions if I don't understand.
*offer help to others.
*respect that other people do things in different ways and make different choices than I do.
*take care of Rumney: clean up from lunch, discard or recycle trash and papers, and help keep my classroom clean.
*treat others the way I want to be treated.
*find at least one thing at school that interests me.
*be polite and respectful when communicating with others.
Teachers:  As a teacher...
I will provide a positive, safe, caring environment by
*upholding Rumney CARES.
*creating a sense of belonging.
*being sensitive to the age and developmental characteristics of my students.
*maintaining classroom control and managing conflict quickly and fairly.
*reinforcing positive behaviors.
*being a respectful team member of the school community.
*treating fellow educators with the highest esteem.
I will have high expectations for each child by
*respecting and providing for diverse learning styles and needs.
*academically challenging each child.
*encouraging independence.
*following the Vermont Framework of Learning.
I will know and articulate content and curriculum by
*being flexible, enthusiastic, prepared, and organized.
*using varied and current teaching methods.
*routinely assessing and documenting my students'      progress and changing my instructional practice to accommodate learning.
*continuing to be aware of and use current educational best practices through professional development opportunities.
I will communicate with parents by
*inviting and encouraging parent involvement. 
*regularly providing information about what is being taught in the classroom.

Community:  As a community member I will...
*ensure that I am informed about the school budget before voting.
*read the Rumney column in the Middlesex Newspaper and/or visit the Rumney web site a few times each year.
*consider the school a community center.
*attend community events at the school.
*strive to volunteer at the school annually.

Administration:  As a member of the administration I will...
*be open in my communication with parents, faculty, staff, community, and board about students' academic and social progress, school events, professional development opportunities, and state and national educational issues.
*be a positive role model and support Rumney CARES.
*handle student and employee issues in a consistent, fair, and timely manner.
*support a rigorous curriculum and set high expectations for all students and teachers.
*protect the interests and access to education of all students.
*maintain school buildings and grounds and plan for their future.
*invite and encourage community involvement in school  activities, decisions, celebrations, and action planning.
*uphold, generate, and support school traditions and celebrations.
*prepare budgets and manage finances responsibly.
*stay current on research and educational innovations in curriculum, instruction, and assessment.
*communicate and coordinate with other district administrators.
*participate in a professional learning community with my peers.

School board:  As a school board member I will...
*assist in the development and presentation of an affordable school budget that is aligned with our mission and vision.
*manage the school's resources in a responsible manner that addresses the needs of the community, builds community support, and establishes community partnerships.
*develop and implement policies and procedures that support the achievement of our mission and vision.
*recognize and celebrate the efforts and achievements of members of the school community.
*understand and act in accordance with school board roles, responsibilities, and standards as outlined by the Vermont School Boards Association.
*participate in training and school board development opportunities.
*promote and engage in direct, effective communication.

Rumney CARES
Cooperation
Act responsibly
Respect yourself and others
Enjoy and encourage each other
Safety first