Mission Statement and Learning Expectations

In the spring of 2011, a committee of students, parents, teachers, and administrators convened to reevaluate our Mission Statement and Student Expectations. The committee, named below, collaborated well, drafting a rough version in three meetings. The final version was both staff and school committee approved. Though many values and ideas stayed the same—after all, our general mission shouldn’t vary considerably—there were updates and reconsiderations. Most notably would be the hallmark of excellence to open the piece, the honoring of Newburyport High School’s many traditions, and the embracing of a changing, 21^st century world. The expectations were more concretely stated and values (academic, social, civic) specifically delineated. Following is a list of committee members, the new/current Mission Statement and Student Expectations, and the old Mission Statement and Student Expectations, copies of which adorn every classroom at Newburyport High School.

Committee Members

Kerry Johnson, Class of 2012
Adam Creamer, Class of 2012
Gretchen Cyros, Class of 2012
Alex Bradley, Class of 2012
Jillian Ouellette, Class of 2013
Meri Adsit, Class of 2013
Ryan Short , Class of 2013
Pamela Kipp, parent
Ned Pierce, parent
Janine Brunell-Looker, parent
Steven Cole, parent/School Committee
Graciela Cummins, parent/teacher
Shannon Osgood, teacher
Lori Solazzo, teacher
Mike Parent - Principal

Newburyport High School Mission Statement and Learning Expectations

NHS Mission Statement

Newburyport High School strives for excellence. We believe that this quest for excellence is a partnership among all aspects of a student’s life: home, community, schools, educators, and peers. NHS values the student as an independent, creative learner, and provides diverse learning environments to nurture different abilities and aspirations. NHS honors its traditions while embracing change and progress to prepare its students to succeed in a globally competitive world. Our mission is to foster a sustained passion for learning that each student will carry throughout life.

Expectations for Student Learning

Students of NHS will demonstrate

Academic

• proficiency in a diverse collection of communication techniques by
• writing clearly, concisely, and persuasively,
• reading widely across subject areas,
• listening and speaking effectively, and
• using technology responsibly to enhance education.
• problem-solving and critical thinking by
• making informed decisions,
• working individually and/or collectively, and
• using time and learning resources efficiently.

Social

• recognition and respect for individual differences.
• behaviors and habits of a healthy lifestyle by
• making informed personal, life, and career decisions, and
• taking personal responsibility for the positive and negative effects of their decisions.

Civic

• awareness of their role in the community, country, and world by
• participating in the local community,
• acquiring knowledge of the diverse characteristics of the country and the world, and
• understanding their potential to influence local, national, and global developments.

The old mission statement, for point of comparison, appears below.

Newburyport High School

Mission Statement

The Newburyport High School learning community strives to meet the diverse educational and social needs of its students. Using a variety of teaching strategies and learning options to accommodate student differences, we work to create the challenging, safe, and supportive environment necessary for the development for every student. Our mission is to educate our students to their fullest potential, equipping them with the academic, social, and civic skills necessary for lifelong learning, understanding, and participation in an ever-changing global community.

Expectations for Student Learning
Students will develop and demonstrate
• proficiency in a diverse collection of writing, reading, and communication techniques;
• strategies and abilities in order to solve problems and make decisions;
• skills, knowledge, and understanding of the behaviors and habits necessary for a healthy lifestyle;
• the ability to recognize and use appropriate learning and information resources;
• the knowledge, skills, and experiences to participate in and contribute to the community, the United States, and the world.