Head of School's Message: August 28

John Finch
Chandler School’s mission is to provide each student with the highest quality and most academically challenging education in a nurturing, balanced, and diverse environment. 
We strive to have our students gain a love of learning, a means of thinking independently, and an ability to work collaboratively. A Chandler education seeks to develop good character, self-reliance, and a commitment to community in students as a foundation for academic and personal success.

In one of our back to school meetings last week Chandler faculty considered ways in which we want to see the mission operationalized by our students. Self-reliance is one of those qualities recognized more often by its absence that its presence. This year we want to teach students at all grade levels to become more self-reliant.

Over the years, in the name of expediency, I have been guilty of tying too many student shoelaces and not spending enough time teaching them to tie their laces. This year there will be times when expediency will govern my actions, but I intend to be more mindful of teaching long term solutions to problems like these rather than stepping in with quick fixes.

Faculty members generated a list of self-reliant attributes that we want to instill in all Chandler students by the time they graduate:
  • Advocate for themselves with teachers and peers
  • Know what they need to be successful and take control of their learning
  • Be responsible for property – their own and others’
  • Keep track of due dates and follow through accordingly
  • Solve a problem on their own
  • Be aware of how actions impact others
  • Know what makes them happy
  • Take responsibility for actions
  • Develop good study and organizational skills
  • Do not rely on parents to do their work
Graduation is for later. This week our minds are focused on beginnings: a new year, a fresh start, a blank slate, a new school for kindergarteners and new students entering grades 1-7. We’re looking forward to welcoming everyone back to school and beginning Chandler’s 68th year on Wednesday.
 
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