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Instructional Program

The Iron Horse mission statement, to know, to care, to excel, has significant implications for our instructional program. The following statements summarize these implications for the to know portion of our mission:

  • We are committed to continuous learning and professional growth.
  • We see ourselves as readers, writers and problem solvers.
  • Students, parents and teachers share responsibility in preparing all students to meet or exceed the District Standards.
  • Multiple assessments drive decision making and instruction.*
  • Teachers understand the elements of a balanced literacy program, cueing systems and reading strategies to help students become proficient readers.
  • Teachers understand the need for a common language and approach, and commit to a common program in numeracy and literacy.
  • Teachers understand math content standards, NCTM recommendations, problem solving strategies and the role of math communication.
  • Teachers team and share the responsibility to meet the needs of all children.
  • Teachers integrate curricula to help children see connections and maintain the focus on literacy and numeracy.
  • P.E., Art and Music instruction is connected to all standards.
  • We use technology as a tool and to support learning.

Implications for the to care portion of our mission are:

  • We form partnerships with parents to help children learn cognitively, socially and emotionally.
  • We build a sense of community and responsibility in our classrooms, our school, our neighborhood and ultimately for the world around us.
  • We work in K-6 vertical teams and grade level teams to meet the needs of all children and to support our learning and growth.
  • Peers support each other's learning within their own classroom and across grade levels.
  • We create a safe, nurturing environment for children in which behavior expectations are systematically taught and reinforced.
  • A problem solving, logical consequences model is used to manage student behavior.
  • We adhere to the norms of collaborative work. (effective meeting agreements, pausing, paraphrasing, probing/inquiring, putting ideas on or off table, paying attention to self and others, positive intentionally)
  • Teachers thoughtfully use a variety of flexible grouping structures.
  • We provide an appropriate inclusive environment for children with special needs.

Implications for the to excel portion of our mission are:

  • We plan and teach with the end in mind, knowing that we have a tremendous responsibility to prepare children for the future.
  • We realize that teaching requires hard work, dedication, risk taking, and commitment.
  • We are committed to continuous improvement utilizing data to guide our efforts.
  • Staff exhibit a strong sense of community and efficacy in contributing to the goals of the school.
  • We are dedicated to forming partnerships with each other, our children, and parents.
  • Providing leadership is a responsibility of the principal and is shared with the staff. Team leaders facilitate the decision-making process for continuous improvement.
  • School Accountability Governance Council is a collaborative effort of staff, parents, and community to help our school continually achieve excellence.
  • PTO builds a sense of community and belonging and supports the goals of the school.
  • Volunteers are an integral part of the school and serve to support students, staff and community efforts.
  • Our students are motivated to learn and demonstrate their knowledge on a variety of assessments.

* Iron Horse teachers use a wide variety of assessments to gather data on student achievement . One of the assessments given to Iron Horse students in grades 3 through 6 is the State Assessment or CSAP. To gain more information on this statewide assessment click here.