STATEMENT OF CORE VALUES

[Governing Board Adopted November 16, 2005] 

The statement of core values establishes the essential and central beliefs which form the foundation for the delivery of educational services in the Tempe Elementary School District.  The stated values are those that must be protected, retained and supported as the basis for decision making for this district.

PURPOSE OF THE CORE VALUES

To make Tempe Elementary School District No. 3 the school system of choice for students and families within our boundaries, and for a sufficient number of families living outside the district lines to maintain financial stability.

PHILOSOPHICAL FOUNDATIONS OF THE CORE VALUES

Education is above all about success in learning in an atmosphere of high expectations.  In our district, respect is a paramount virtue.  Our schools, employees and students reflect the most desirable virtues of our society such as ethics, patriotism and civic responsibility.  A keystone of our operations is a passionate devotion to customer service.

THE CORE VALUES

CENTRAL ACADEMIC LEARNING AND TEACHING

• The school experience centers on educating the whole child, and provides for a specified balance between the various academic subjects and the fine arts disciplines.  All students will be inspired to meet or exceed their expected potential.
• The educational experience will include a solid foundation in the traditional academic subjects.
• Student engagement and student time spent on meaningful educational tasks are central to learning.
• Education includes character building, the practice of citizenship, and learning to live and work cooperatively.

THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

• There must be an unwavering belief in the students’ ability to learn.

• Learning will be joyful, fun and fulfilling.
• We embrace technology as a tool for teaching and learning across the curriculum.
• A safety net of support and interventions exists so that all students have the opportunity to succeed according to their personal abilities.
• Education empowers students to cultivate an attitude of lifelong learning.

TEACHING AND WORKING ENVIRONMENT

• All employees are treated as valued professionals and appreciated for their contribution to the education of children. 
• Leaders model, promote and encourage effective communications and lead by example.  Leaders are developed from within, whenever possible.
• There is a strong sense of community and family that make the district a place of choice to work.
• The environment for employees attracts, encourages, supports and retains an effective and experienced employee team committed to the education mission.

PARENTS, GUARDIANS AND FAMILIES

• Parents, guardians and families form a firm partnership with the schools and district to realize the best educational outcome for students.
• All children and families have equal access to educational opportunities and programs.  Extraordinary efforts are made to provide a level playing field for all students.
• Parents and guardians will have the opportunity to know and understand the mission and methods of education, and support the values of education in partnership with the school district.
• Diversity is recognized, respected and honored.

FACILITIES

• The district will have well-maintained facilities which are educationally appropriate and provide a warm and nurturing environment.
• Schools, programs and activities are safe and healthy environments that promote security, confidence and success.
• Schools should be as small as possible to maximize the personal approach to delivery of services.

POLICIES AND PROGRAMS

• Plans, decisions and actions are made in the best interest of all students.
• Decisions on programs, curriculum, teaching methodology and resources will be data driven and developmentally appropriate.
• Major decisions including the education of children should be made in consultation with those who will be affected by the change.

• Teaching, courses, programs, facilities and materials keep pace with the education state of the art.