Mission and Beliefs
The following mission statement was revisited and revised on a regular basis by Guilford teachers, community members and students over the nine years between 1991 and 1999. We have also worked through a series of reflective group activities spanning several years to define our core values as a learning community. Most recently, in 2008, we have begun a process which will revisit and redefine our mission and values; proceedings from these meetings can be viewed with the link at the bottom of this page. Our beliefs will guide programs, practices and decisions at Guilford Central School.
GCS Mission: The central role of the school community is to help each person become a compassionate, independent and contributing member of an ever changing world.
Our Core Values
- Respect: The willingness to show consideration or appreciation; to feel or show deferential regard for self or others
- Responsibility: To make moral or rational decisions on one's own and be answerable for one's behavior
- Tolerance: The practice of recognizing and respecting the beliefs, differences and/or practices of others
- Compassion: Deep awareness of the suffering of another, coupled with the wish to relieve it
- Trust: Firm reliance on the integrity, ability or character of a person or thing
- Honesty: Truthfulness, sincerity
- Courtesy: Polite behavior
- Equal Opportunity: Each person gets what he or she needs for success
Statement of Beliefs
The Guilford Central School community, including students, educators, families and community members is committed to developing instructional programs and practices which support the following beliefs:
- The education of the whole person, intellectual, social, emotional and physical is a shared responsibility.
- Individuals will develop responsibility for their learning and conduct.
- The school community will recognize and respect the uniqueness of each individual.
- Learning thrives in an atmosphere of mutual understanding, respect, tolerance and trust.
- Learning is a lifelong process that knows no boundaries.
- Learning happens everywhere.
- Learning can be a messy process which involves trying new things, taking qualified risks, and challenging preconceived notions and limitations.
- The school community values and celebrates individual educational achievement.
Parent & Student Handbook
2008 Vision, Mission, Values Proceedings
