Let’s think about the absolute most important values we have regarding children and childhood. Reflect about learning, and what makes it meaningful, exciting, and relevant. Let’s wonder about this institution called “school” and all we have learned, especially during the pandemic, about the way schooling provides experiences that align or diverge from child-centered values. 

What do we MOST WANT for children from their time in school? As a professional learning community, we have asked ourselves this question, and share below some of our thinking and organizing towards making it happen. 

For this year, under the theme EVERYONE COUNTS (puns intended) we are naming and organizing Spectrum by the values of BELONGINGNESS, EMPATHETIC HEARTS, and UNHACKABLE BRAINS. 

Teachers are intentional, collaborative, and creative in how they are planning and implementing a program of learning that supports opportunities to experience and nurture these values in every child. We are publishing a library of short vlogs to explain each of these organizing values in detail. Bold blue words above are our first few videos, with more on the way. 

When one visits Spectrum you are able to see the age interaction between all of the students and their smiles. The atmosphere is one of learning but sharing that love among all. Their Compass program is one that reminds us of Bloom Academic Focus Program.  The staff demonstrate a care and desire for all to succeed which is a very important key for a child’s love of learning.