Peter D. Forsgren, President Board of Education

38 W. Church Street, Fairport, New York 14450 585-421-2010 • FAX 585-421-3421

Fairport Central School District Board of Education Statement of Core Beliefs We believe in educating every child and the whole child. We will not compromise appropriate research-based and developmentally appropriate teaching for the sake of artificial performance on state mandated or other high stakes tests. We believe every child is inherently curious with a desire to learn. Each child can grow in her/his desire to learn, explore, create and solve problems. It is our responsibility as a BOE to provide the best environment for our children to learn, grow and recognize their potential, in whatever field it may be. We know a one-size fits all approach does not create the right learning environment to satisfy the needs of the diverse interests of our children. We support our educational professionals to educate our children in the best way possible. A rich and varied professional development program is necessary for their success. Each teacher should be given the latitude to practice the Art of Teaching in ways that maximizes her/his talents, skills and knowledge for the benefit of our children. We believe the classroom is more than just a room with chairs and desks. The classroom is the stage, the sports field, the clubs; any place that involves children exploring, experimenting, performing and interacting with adults; all which lead to learning and becoming educated. Tools of the classroom include paintbrushes, track hurdles, calculators, swimming pools, Bunsen burners, musical instruments, a wide variety of books and so forth. We will not pursue ranking and high average test scores as our primary objectives. By staying true to our core beliefs our children will be able to perform at high levels cognitively, creatively and physically. Their performance has been and will continue to be recognized. Each student will know and feel prepared for her/his next steps in life, whatever those may be. We need to offer them the widest breadth of opportunities so they may explore their potential, stimulate their desire to learn and grow, and find that in which they can pursue and excel throughout their lives. The BOE has a responsibility, with support from our district office leaders, to advocate for our children. We must push back against trendy yet unfounded standards that do not match wellresearched and developmentally appropriate objectives. We recognize the need to assess our students’ progress in order to make course corrections as appropriate. This can best be addressed by our local school district. We believe in the Fairport Family (including parents, children, teachers, staff, administrators, and all Fairport residents). The true "outcome" for a Fairport Education is success in life; taking civic responsibility, being caring and respectful individuals, becoming healthy contributors with a life long desire to learn. Our students have been and will continue to be prepared for their next phase of life. Adopted: May 12, 2014; Updated: January 20, 2018 SCHOOLS • Brooks Hill • Jefferson Avenue • Dudley • Northside Johanna Perrin Middle School • Martha Brown Middle School • Minerva DeLand • Fairport High School