We Believe

• At Green Gables we believe students take charge of their learning through a project-based approach that prepares students for the 21^st century. At Green Gables this looks like:

  • Integrated Problem-Based Projects that allow students to decide how to use their learning time toward achieving individual and group goals and solutions.
  • Extended inquiry processes structured around complex, authentic student posed questions and carefully designed products.
  • Rigorous learning tasks designed to increase integration, engagement, academic achievement and real world connections.
  • A focus on 21^st Century Thinking through emphasis on the 4Cs: Communication, Collaboration, Creativity and Critical Thinking
  • Development of Habitudes, disciplined habits for successful learners, that include: Imagination, Curiosity, Self-awareness, Courage, Adaptability, Perseverance, and Passion.
  • Content driven integration of art and technology into curricular units of study to support multiple learning styles, effectively communicate ideas, and increase retention of learning.

   

  At Green Gables we believe that students’ best learning comes from a brain friendly environment that promotes a child-centered classroom community and supports individual academic, emotional, and social needs. At Green Gables this looks like:

  • soft lighting and color schemes to sustain attention and increase work productivity
  • comfortable and flexible seating options to increase collaboration and limit distractions
  • meaningful and defined work spaces that promote student ownership of learning and increase engagement

   

   At Green Gables we ensure an equitable system for supporting student behavior that values and respects the development of the whole child. At Green Gables this looks like:

  • Consistent building-wide structures to set, communicate, and maintain high expectations for student behavior.
  • Culturally responsive teaching practices that use the cultural knowledge, prior experiences, and performance styles of diverse students to make learning more appropriate and effective for them; thus teaching to and through the strengths of these students and reducing disengaged behaviors.
  • Implementation of Capturing Kids Hearts to increase empathy, trust, and emotional intelligence into classroom interactions and intentionally build relationships with and between students.
  • A restorative justice approach to peer mediation and student discipline that empowers students to resolve conflicts on their own in order to create safe and respectful learning spaces.

   

  At Green Gables we believe passionate educators connect with the hearts and the minds of all learners by maximizing individual potential in order to cultivate a cohesive school community. At Green Gables this looks like educators who:

  • Value multiple year relationships with students in order to develop deep, long-term connections that increase knowledge of and improve student performance
  • Implement a whole child approach that ensures each student is healthy, safe, engaged, supported and challenged.
  • Model growth mindset through continuous development in and application of best practices
  • Actively take risks and are open to progressive ideas in order to improve student outcomes
  • Appreciate and support colleagues in respectful collaboration that guarantees equitable access to education for all students
  • Implement the backwards design process in order to adapt curriculum to standards and create a cohesive yearlong theme for increased student retention
  • Believe in all students ability to learn and provide an inclusive classroom environment that positively impacts the trajectory of learning success
  • Radiate positivity and exhibit a balanced attitude toward school and home life for both students and staff.