Policies » Section A: Foundations & Basic Commitments » AD: Educational Philosophy

Policy Date: 06/16/2015

HSD FILE: AD
HOOKSETT SCHOOL DISTRICT
EDUCATIONAL PHILOSOPHY

The mission of the HSD is to develop a community of learners who are intellectually curious,
resourceful, creative and respectful of self and others. Individual growth and academic achievement,
through constantly improving standards, is the District’s highest priority.

Additionally, the Board expects each school in the District to collaborate in preparing a written
philosophy and a statement of goals and expectations that meet or exceed the state’s Board of
Education rules and the following philosophical statements, which are viewed as integral to the
teaching/learning process:

1. Each child is unique and important, therefore educators should strive to personalize education
and develop appropriate performance assessments which will hold students accountable by requiring
them to demonstrate mastery of course competencies using varied and sometimes creative techniques.
2. All children can be successful learners and education must raise the level of student learning
skills by requiring personal engagement in learning plan development and evaluation applied to real
world situations.
3. Children learn by example, but need to know how to learn and be required to show what they
know.
4. Learning occurs primarily through faculty and student interaction and the utilization and
development of information and communication technologies literacy.
5. Children learn best when community, schools, families and students work together as a
supportive and respectful group.
6. Schools must be safe, ethical places where risk taking, failure and successes are all important
parts of the learning process.
7. The purpose of education is to teach students to think and develop strategies to learn, memorize
and solve real problems.
8. Today’s education intends to prepare students for a lifelong learning process that will enable
them to reach their full potential as human beings while becoming contributing citizens.
9. All people deserve to live and learn in an environment free of emotional, mental and physical
harm.
10. It is essential to recognize the importance of individual achievement as well as teamwork to
compete successfully in our complex, interdependent world.
11. Problem solving, communicating and adaptability are essential to success and survival in our
changing world. It should also be clear to students that they must achieve and demonstrate specific
competencies before moving on to the next level and/or graduation.
12. Acceptance of individuality must be acknowledged, valued and respected. Thus, credit should be
awarded for open electives, dual enrollment in high school courses, etc.
13. An environment must be provided that allows the development of the basic skills needed by
students to reach their full academic and creative potential.
The Board, working with the Superintendent, will review the philosophy, goals, and objectives at least
every five (5) years.

Legal References: NH Ed Rules 306.5

Adopted: February 9, 1989
Adopted: July, 12, 1999
Revised: May 2, 2006
Revised: March 3, 2015
Revised: June 16, 2015

SAU #15: Auburn, Candia, Hooksett
Core Values
Our Schools, Our Students, Our Charge

Core Value # 1
Schools are for students. All interactions with them must nurture their social, emotional, and academic
growth. It is our responsibility to accept all students and treat them with kindness and respect; we are
tolerant and non-judgmental. Our decisions are based on what is best for them. We take responsibility for
ensuring the success of our students despite the challenges they may face.
It is our responsibility to foster an environment of respect through interactions with each other, parents,
and our educational community. Parents are partners in the educational development of their children and
are deserving of our acceptance and support. Additionally, all members of our staff are committed to
working professionally with each other.

Core Value # 2
Students meet and exceed high academic standards. Our high expectations demand varied and rigorous
learning experiences that enable students to think critically, work collaboratively, communicate
effectively, and act with integrity. Every student is unique and has different abilities, needs, and learning
styles that require varying instructional techniques and strategies. Student success is ensured through the
use of purposeful, research based, data informed instruction. We continuously build and maintain the
knowledge base and collaborative culture required for high levels of performance for all members of the
learning community.

Core Value # 3
We each have the responsibility to ensure the success of all students. The needs of all learners are met
when outcome based learning occurs and when students, teachers, and policy makers are empowered by
data. All students learn when their passions and talents are coupled with high expectations and academic
rigor in a safe and caring environment.

Core Value # 4
Twenty-first century instruction is necessary for twenty-first century learning. All members of our
learning community hold the responsibility to value technology and achieve technological proficiency to
prepare our students for future jobs, which currently may not exist. Customizable learning tools are used
to access information and leverage each individual’s learning style. With these technological skills, our
students will be prepared to participate in the global community and compete in the global marketplace.

Core Value #5
We believe that it does, in fact, “take a village to raise a child”. We have a unique opportunity and an
obligation in our homes, our community, our businesses and our schools to influence the learning
outcomes of our children. These collaborative partnerships within the community foster thoughtful and
relevant learning, promoting the growth of each child.