Vision and Mission
Mission, Vision & Commitment
“We are growing students who are curious and engaged, who practice empathy and integrity, and who are resilient, creative and mindful.”
Central Park Staff
Mission
We nurture the development of the whole child who is then inspired to continually expand all aspects of his/her being (mind, body, heart) and is empowered to improve the world for others. We build habits of mind and ways of being that are caring, curious, reflective and visionary.
Vision
We use innovative systems and structures that provide a highly engaging learning environment. These include: * S.T.E.A.M. (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math) * Project/Problem Based Learning * Blended Learning * Personalized Learning * Active, Flexible Learning Environments
Central Park Elementary Collective Commitments
- We will plan and collaborate within and across grade levels to ensure equity of access to the curriculum.
- We will seek to be present in our practice and daily interactions.
- We will strive to keep our practice student-centered by offering personal choice, empowering students to take responsibility in their learning, and making their voices heard.
- We will know students' names, needs, strengths, interests, and families, so they feel valued and have a sense of belonging.
- We will... Let go of the old... Learn new... Commit to use.
Starting a School Day with "Joy"
Imagine a school where arriving in the morning is a joyful and festive atmosphere. Where music, dancing and social connections are celebrated interactively. Where learning is about connections.
Check out our morning walk and see Central Park teacher Ms. Jennifer Gray dancing and inspiring students and parents with a vibrant way to start the school day!
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Motivation
"We have an innate need to direct our own lives, to learn to create things and to do better by ourselves and the world."
Drive: The Surprising Truth about Motivation, Daniel Pink
Emotional Climate for Learning: Joy
"How to Create a Positive School Environment" - by the Greater Good Science Center
How We Maximize Positive Emotion
- Build strong relationships with students.
- Connect students emotionally with learning.
- The infusion of visual and performing arts taps into the emotional response.
Learn More About Positive Emotion
"The Neuroscience Behind Stress and Learning" - on Edutopia
Guiding Principles
Emotional Climate for Learning: Joy!
"Happiness and wellbeing are not an option if we want our kids to thrive..."
Christine Carter PhD, UC Berkeley's creator of "The Greater Good Science Center" and author of The Sweet Spot.
Videos
- Central Park Teachers Rock!
- Central Park STEAM at the Young Writers' Exposition
- TedTalk: "Do Schools Kill Creativity?"
- How to Get Students Ready for Learning
- A Breakthrough in Social and Emotional Learning
- Five-Year-Olds Pilot Their Own Project Learning
- Inquiry-Based Learning: Developing Student-Driven Questions
- Inquiry-Based Learning in the Science Classroom
- RSA: "How to Help Every Child Fulfill Their Potential"
- Carol Dweck: "The Growth Mindset"
- TedTalk: Dan Pink on Motivation Video
- Teaching Grade School Students How to Make Global Impact