Greenfield High School
Core Values, Beliefs, and 21st Century Learning Expectations
Values
Greenfield High School is committed to creating a learning environment where all members work independently and collaboratively to prepare for success in the 21st century. The program of studies builds confidence, encourages curiosity, and enhances students’ perseverance in achieving their goals. The school community promotes integrity, nurtures compassion, and develops respect for diversity.
Beliefs
· All students can learn, succeed, and create.
· A safe and supportive environment is necessary for students to take academic risks.
· Meaningful connections to students’ lives create effective learning.
· Varied instructional methods and assessments engage the greatest number of students.
· Families and the larger community can contribute to the enrichment and well-being of students.
· Informed members of society are grounded in knowledge of the past and the ideals of democracy.
21st Century Learning Expectations
The students of Greenfield High School will be expected to:
Academic
1. Communicate effectively (write, speak, create, read, listen, and view).
2. Think critically and creatively to solve problems.
3. Use effective research methods.
4. Appropriately use relevant technology.
5. Utilize efficient techniques for organization and study.
Social
1. Act with respect, integrity, and compassion.
2. Exhibit positive decision making and accountability for actions.
3. Demonstrate teamwork and cooperation.
Civic
1. Understand their rights and responsibilities as citizens, be engaged as active participants in the democratic process, and contribute positively to the common good of society.
2. Be culturally sensitive, appreciate diversity, and formulate viewpoints that reflect a global perspective.
Jessica Pollock has been the Greenfield High School librarian since 2010. Prior to that she worked at the Greenfield Public Library for ten years before becoming the school librarian for GHS. She earned her Masters in Library Science and Information Technology from Simmons College and is a certified school librarian in the state of Massachusetts.
Winner of the 2015 Excellence in Teaching Award from the Harold Grinspoon Foundation
Winner of the 2015 MA Super Librarian Accolade from the Massachusetts School Library Associtaion
The American Library Association affirms that all libraries are forums for information and ideas, and that the following basic policies should guide their services.
I. Books and other library resources should be provided for the interest, information, and enlightenment of all people of the community the library serves. Materials should not be excluded because of the origin, background, or views of those contributing to their creation.
II. Libraries should provide materials and information presenting all points of view on current and historical issues. Materials should not be proscribed or removed because of partisan or doctrinal disapproval.
III. Libraries should challenge censorship in the fulfillment of their responsibility to provide information and enlightenment.
IV. Libraries should cooperate with all persons and groups concerned with resisting abridgment of free expression and free access to ideas.
V. A person’s right to use a library should not be denied or abridged because of origin, age, background, or views.
VI. Libraries which make exhibit spaces and meeting rooms available to the public they serve should make such facilities available on an equitable basis, regardless of the beliefs or affiliations of individuals or groups requesting their use.
Adopted June 19, 1939. Amended October 14, 1944; June 18, 1948; February 2, 1961; June 27, 1967; and January 23, 1980; inclusion of “age” reaffirmed January 23, 1996, by the ALA Council.
