PHILOSOPHY

Laurel-Concord Public Schools are dedicated to the purpose of helping each student develop his/her potential. Dedication to this purpose created the responsibility of providing a program of education consistent with that purpose. A program of education to fulfill such broad responsibility must provide students with the opportunity of pursuing knowledge basic to all fields of learning. The pursuit of such knowledge must be undertaken in an atmosphere which will develop in the individual a sense of moral and civic responsibility for his/her own actions. To provide the optimum development of students, the program of education must provide for early identification of individual difference in terms of capabilities, needs, interests, and rate of maturation. It must also be recognized that these differences are subject to change in what appears to be almost a continuum from infancy through post-adolescence.

Purpose: To educate and challenge all students academically, socially, physically and emotionally by working with families and community to provide a safe, nurturing environment for learning. Students will experience a sense of community within the school and acquire a solid foundation essential for achieving individual success and making positive contributions to society

This foundation includes:

*being responsible, flexible and accountable for learning as a life-long skill

*acquiring skills in and an appreciation of the arts and sciences

*exploring and developing vocational and/or career opportunities

*displaying attitudes and actions that exhibit a sense of care, health and respect for self, others and the environment

*acquiring communication skills and recognizing differences in human relations and other cultures

*demonstrating responsible local and national citizenship and global responsibilities .