TABLE OF CONTENTS

Page

I. PRINCIPAL’S STATEMENT........................................................................ 1

II. SCHOOL COMMITTEE GOALS.................................................................. 2

III. SCHOOL DISTRICT MISSION STATEMENT............................................. 3

IV. HIGH SCHOOL VISION STATEMENT....................................................... 4

V. HIGH SCHOOL CORE VALUES.................................................................. 5

VI. STRATEGIC GOALS................................................................................ 6-9

VII. APPENDICES............................................................................................. 10

April 1997

PRINCIPAL’S STATEMENT

It is my pleasure to present this year’s Lunenburg High School Improvement Plan. This plan represents all of the hard work rendered by a group of dedicated individuals. Over the past eight months we have had the opportunity to review and consider a number of issues related to the goals and objectives for Lunenburg High School.

The plan we submit to you is a thoughtful, comprehensive, and genuine effort to describe our hopes and aspirations for the future of our school. We believe our plan will, in part, fulfill the mission of our schools to develop responsible, self-motivated, well educated students through a learning environment that is exciting, challenging and innovative.

My deep appreciation is extended to the members of the Lunenburg High School Council: . These individuals have developed a plan which will result in improvements to our educational programs here at Lunenburg High School.

Respectfully submitted,

Principal

Vision Statement

Our mission is to develop responsible, self-motivated students by creating a learning environment that is exciting, challenging and innovative. To this end, the Lunenburg community strives to provide its young citizens with a comprehensive education that reflects in its broad scope, the following beliefs and values:

We believe that each student

¨ has unique talents, abilities and learning styles

¨ has potential to grow

¨ deserves respect as an individual

¨ has the desire to learn

¨ is striving to become independent

¨ should have an equal opportunity to succeed and excel

¨ should be challenged to attain his or her highest potential

We believe that education

¨ is our highest priority

¨ guides the development of responsible decision making skills

¨ provides people with the ability to adapt to and initiate change

We believe

¨ that free individuals accept responsibility for their own actions

We value

¨ tolerance and mutual respect

¨ diversity of views, lifestyles and cultural backgrounds

¨ interdependence and cooperation

¨ open and honest communication among parents, students and the educational community

¨ perseverance in the pursuit of excellence

¨ education for its own sake, for self improvement and for the betterment of society

¨ life long learning

Core Values

Academic Expectations: Upon graduation, students will be able to:

¨ read, write, articulate thoughts clearly

¨ listen, comprehend, and compute effectively

¨ use critical and creative thinking skills to solve problems

¨ gather information, evaluate it, and apply it on their own

¨ use a computer and associated technologies

¨ understand and participate in the democratic process

Social Expectations: Upon graduation, students will demonstrate

¨ tolerance for people of different cultural and philosophical backgrounds

¨ mutual respect towards peers and adults

¨ respect for personal and community rights and property

¨ appropriate social behavior

¨ ability to work productively, both individually and in groups

¨ responsibility

¨ an ability to think for themselves and to form their own beliefs

¨ community service and involvement

¨ an ability to function independently and appropriately in society

In order to meet academic and social expectation, the school will provide

¨ a safe, supportive environment that promotes emotional and physical well being

¨ fair and consistent enforcement of school rules and policies

¨ a comprehensive program and diverse curriculum

¨ exposure to artistic and cultural diversity

¨ support services and alternative programs designed to meet the needs of individual students

¨ a variety of methods to assess mastery of educational goals

¨ adequate, up to date, educationally appropriate materials and equipment to carry out educational goals

¨ class sizes based on student needs and educational objectives

¨ ongoing training and professional development for staff

¨ extracurricular activities, both athletic and non-athletic, and the materials necessary to carry them out

¨ opportunities to express a broad variety of interests

¨ encouragement and opportunities for student leadership, participation in activities, and in

decision making

¨ a model for the democratic ideals and high expectations it requires of students

¨ opportunities and structure that encourage parents, community members, students, administrators and teachers to work together to achieve common goals

¨ opportunities that promote interaction between the school and the community

¨ encouragement of use of the school facilities by the community

I. CURRICULUM

GOAL: To improve student’s performance in the areas of critical thinking, questioning, and problem solving across subject areas as measured by standardized instruments and authentic/context bound procedures.

RATIONALE:

(c) An obligation imposed by NEASC Report and reiterated by LHS faculty and administration.

(d) To be consistent with revised school frameworks.

GOALS: To utilize technology as a teaching/learning tool integrated within the curriculum.

To increase teachers' training in technology: specifically in the areas undergoing curriculum revision, upgrading, and updating.

To expand the integration of technology into the curriculum through the use of the computer labs.

To integrate guided study with technological applications as part of the state requirements to increase on-task core educational time.

RATIONALE:

(a) To increase teachers' knowledge of technology will help ensure the most effective and current education of students.

(b) Additional funding will ensure that the high school's goals are being met with current needs and future technology changes.

GOAL: To provide educational facilities that maximize the range of learning opportunities through the provision and maintenance of adequate space and facilities: to continue working with the Director of Buildings and Grounds and the Superintendent to identify and prioritize the major capital improvements needed for the High School to meet all NEASC obligations.

RATIONALE:

(a) Foreign language curriculum will be in the process of review 1998-99 and it will be needed to meet the new curriculum requirements.

(b) A requirement which is necessary for our students to remain current with the job market.

(c) Requirement of Science Curriculum revision. NEASC obligation.

(d) NEASC obligation. Safety and vandalism issues also require it.

(e) Part 2 of a 4 part plan of replacement.

(f) Tables are wearing out. They need to be replaced.

GOAL: To build open lines of communication between Lunenburg High School and all segments of the community.

RATIONALE:

(a) To communicate with parents and students regularly to provide them with helpful information about our school.

(b) To encourage organizations, groups, and individuals within the community to utilize, enjoy, and/or participate in school events, programs, athletic contests, and facilities; communicating a positive school image and message to the community.

APPENDICES

LUNENBURG HIGH SCHOOL

SCHOOL ADVISORY COUNCIL

The Lunenburg School Committee believes that the school is the key unit for educational improvement and change. Successful school improvement is best accomplished through a school-centered, decision-making process. The Educational Reform Act of 1993 requires the formation of "School Councils". These councils are to be broadly representative of the school population and community at large. Membership consists of the principal, parents of students attending school who will be selected in an election held by the Lunenburg PTO, teachers, representatives from the community at large and at the high school, student representation. The School Council meets regularly throughout the year and works with the principal in the identification of student academic needs, review of the annual school budget and overall school improvement.

1996-1997 School Council Meeting Dates

September 24, 1996 February 4, 1997

October 15, 1996 March 6, 1997

November 5, 1996 April 8, 1997

December 3, 1996 May 20, 1997

January 7, 1997 June 3, 1997

All meetings will begin at 3:30 p.m. and are held in the high school conference room.

POSTING

MEETING SCHEDULE

 September 24, 1996

June 3, 1997

All meetings will begin at 3:30 p.m. and are held in the high school conference room.

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