A new mission statement for Newcastle Public Schools was approved by the school board during their regular April meeting.
It states, “Newcastle Public Schools, as a caring community, guarantees high quality educational opportunities for the whole student every day and for the future.”
The statement defines how a Racer graduate should appear.
This includes possessing the tools to be a lifelong learner, communicating effectively, intelligently and responsibly, having the ability to use critical thinking and problem solving skills, be technology literate, appreciate and understand the arts, have respect for one’s self, peers, the global community, and the natural environment, a strong work ethic, a balanced healthy lifestyle, a productive and responsible citizen, the ability to assess the accuracy and appropriate use of information, and the ability to determine whether an action is morally right and whether it benefits or hurts others.
The mission statement defines the school system’s core beliefs in teaching and learning and they said it should include the following: relevant content, career readiness, ways to address students’ strengths and areas for growth, opportunities for collaboration, support services for students, families, and staff, innovated and authentic use of technology, opportunities for community support and partnerships, and opportunities for community service.
The mission statement says, “This type of teaching and learning, when paired with family support and parents as leaders, will create connections across content areas and opportunities for student leadership.”
Core values, as defined by the mission statement, which are necessary to ensure quality teaching and learning, are: support for every Racer, every day, investment in every student, investment in special populations, a high standard for relationships, a high standard for trust and transparence, and a mission to recruit and retain high quality staff.
The mission statement says, “By upholding these values and providing a rigorous curriculum with highquality instructional materials, Newcastle Public Schools will meet the diverse needs of students in a student-centered learning environment.”
