JACKSON SCHOOL COMMENTARY

Tuesday, Jan. 30 -- I had two tasks on my agenda Monday. One was to provide a few written thoughts regarding happenings in the Jackson R-2 School District, and the second was to finalize some materials for the Board of Education planning meeting scheduled for Tuesday evening.

George Washington said that "reason, too late perhaps, may convince you of the folly of misspending time." Celebrating the great things happening in our fine education systems and planning for the future never will be "misspent time."

In previous articles, I have noted some of the outstanding student achievements of the year. In addition to the recognition our students have gained, several teachers have been duly honored by their colleagues across the state.

Earlier this year, Martha Short, a fifth-grade teacher at North Elementary, was named the Outstanding Math Teacher for Missouri, and I just learned that Nick Leist, band director at Jackson High School, was named Outstanding Music Teacher for the state. Good students don't happen by accident. They are the beneficiaries of dedicated parents and excellent teachers. Jackson School District is fortunate to have an abundance of all three.

An important part of our planning retreat tonight at the middle school will be the review of the "School Philosophy and Objectives," which are included in the district's official policy manual. This discussion is important, as this statement provides the foundation for the development of our annual goals, budget and staffing. It reminds us of our priorities. Please join in a review of this statement as follows:

General Statement

It is our belief that the philosophy of education should constitute the underlying foundation on which our school system functions. The major concern and purpose of education in America is preparation for the democratic way of life, in which the worth and happiness of the individual is paramount. Therefore, it is the opportunity and responsibility of the school to provide for the intellectual, physical, social and vocational needs of its students.

We further believe that each child, regardless of his background, should have sufficient opportunity to develop the above-stated attributes commensurate with his ability.

Specific Objectives.

1. We believe that we owe each individual the opportunity to develop his intellect to the limit of his capabilities. The total of all the subject matter areas represented in our school curriculum shall provide a foundation of knowledge deemed necessary by society, to insure the perpetuation of learning.

Included in this learning, we believe that each individual shall have the opportunity to develop proficiency in, and a positive attitude toward: communicative skills, mathematical reasoning, man and his relationship with others, scientific explorations and aesthetic appreciation.

2. We believe that every student must have the opportunity to develop his physical well-being to the maximum. This would include the skills necessary to aid physical growth and afford healthful and worthwhile recreation throughout life. The development of a wholesome attitude toward functions of the body and mind includes nutrition, hygiene and safety.

3. We believe that each individual must have every opportunity to develop socially, morally, culturally and ethically in order to help perpetuate the best features of the American way of life.

The process of taking an active and responsible part in the social interplay of family, community and country -- awareness and acceptance of one's self as a worthy part of society -- shall be reinforced in classroom activities. Extracurricular pursuits and activities condoned by home, school and community shall be fostered.

4. We believe that each individual must have the opportunity to survey a wide range of career and vocational opportunities commensurate with the student's aptitudes and abilities -- and the chance to acquire the basis of knowledge and particular skills, prerequisite to entrance into his or her chosen field of endeavor. Adequate professional guidance shall be provided to the student to explore possible career areas of his or her interest and assist him or her in making wise choices for the future.

Two things strike me about this statement and the accompanying goals; the first is the emphasis on the importance of the individual, and the second is the underlying belief that we have a responsibility to educate the whole child. The intellect may appear first, but it is also clear that the authors of this statement believed in the importance of physical, social, moral, cultural, ethical and vocational development.

If you have opinions regarding this fundamental part of our policy, please feel free to drop me a note at the Board of Education office.

Dr. Howard Jones is superintendent of Jackson Public Schools.