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Growing up, I did not have the best childhood. My teachers were my role models in life. I was very fortunate to have many teachers that were not only amazing educators but also someone to just simply talk to. My teachers made me feel safe and gave me something to look forward to everyday. I knew that I was destined to become a teacher and help someone like my teachers helped me. Each child deserves the right to learn, feel safe, and be loved.

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I love a good underdog story, and will always root for the 'Rudy's' and 'Chris Gardeners' of the world.  Something almost every underdog story has in common is that someone came into their lives and took a chance on them.  They took an interest and believed. Sure, they had people around them who said they can't.  But they never gave up on themselves and those few that took that chance on them didn't either.  That's what a great coach/leader does.

I didn't have that when I was struggling in school and desperately needed it.  I just needed someone to say, "hey, how are you doing?"  A lot of time we're focusing so much on our high and low kids, those quiet middle average ones can fall through the cracks.  Instead of being inspired in real life, I was inspired by teachers and coaches I saw on TV and film.  The Mr. Feenys, Coach Taylors, and Tami Taylors of the world became who I inspire to be.

All of learning is understanding relationships.  My why has become to encourage students to want to be better.

I will always try my best to:
Celebrate small successes.  I believe that everyone's doing the best they can in the moment.  I want my students to know that they deserve the things they are working for.

I want to be someone who validates their feelings.  I will respond rather than react.

I want to help students strive to be the best they can be.
"Every day you need to try and be better.  That's what character is- it's in the trying." (FNL)

I want to show them that hatred is never the right choice.

I will use co-regulation and the 4 r's to help students get in control.
I will provide natural consequences to actions. I will focus on strengths.

I will bring them up when they are down.
"Every person at some point in their life is going to lose a battle.  They're gonna fight and they're gonna lose.  But what makes them better is that in the midst of the battle, they do not lose themselves." (FNL)

"Clear eyes, full hearts, can't lose."

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I believe that all students deserve the joy of Music. Therefore, I will always try to show and instill my love and passion for Music in those I come who come through my doors.

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I believe that all students should feel that there are people who care about them academically, socially, and emotionally.
Therefore I will....
Smile everyday, and take an interest in their lives and listen to what they have to say.  My students will get to know me and their peers through our conversations in class. Students will see that none of us are perfect and that we should embrace who we are and not focus on trying to be someone else.

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My Why is to be a part of the students' "light bulbs" turning on when they FINALLY get it!!  I love helping them realize the importance of never giving up and learning by their mistakes.
When given the opportunities, I will share true stories about famous people not giving up and learning from their mistakes and letting them know that I will always be in their corner cheering them on regardless how big their successes!

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Compassion, kindness, love, acknowledgment.  Those are some of my why's-----
My why was establishd at a very young age
Mr. Figge -The Custodian at Blooomsdale Elementary was my inspiration.  Mr. Figge was burned in an accident,  while I was attending elementary school. He was burned over most of his body, leaving him disfigured. Most children we afraid of him, or made comment that were unkind. I remember as a child telling my mom about what the other children were saying. My mom reminded me to always say hello. Always take the time. It may be the best moment of someones day. The joy in Mr. Figge's eyes when I would say hello, give him a hug or just smile in his direction. I beleive compassion comes from the experiences in our lives and the learning moments we are given.  I am so proud of who I have become because of the values my mom chose to teach us.

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My why is that every student deserves the right to learn in his/her own way and be successful.
When given the opportunity I will work with students to learn and belp them experience success.

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I believe everyone has strengths and weaknesses. Showing students how to work together and build on their strengths and recognize ways to work on their weaknesses is essential to great learning.

Therefore I will.....
- Provide a supportive environment academically, emotionally and socially.
- Show students it's okay to make mistakes.  The important part is that we learn from them and that makes us better.
- Teach students to be an active and supportive classroom family member.
- Always continue to learn something new every day - even as an adult.
- Teach and model to students how to accept everyone for who they are.  Enjoy the similarities and appreciate and accept the differences

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I believe all children have the right to an education and can learn if given the opportunity. They need the best encouragement and support to learn and accomplish things, whether big or small. I will try my best to help them in the best ways I can.

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All children have the potential to learn and they deserve to learn in a positive, caring, and engaging environment.

Therefore I will...
-greet students every morning with a hug, handshake, or high five
-continually let students know that I believe in them
-frequently reinforce positive behaviors
-provide a safe place for students to learn and grow
-build positive relationships with all students
-find ways to make learning relevant to students

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I believe everyone deserves to be encouraged to be their best. I do not believe in putting limitations on anyone. When my sister was born with spina bifida, my parents were told she would never walk and that she would most likely have troubles academically. My sister went on to prove them wrong. She not only walked, she went on to be a straight A student and graduate college with a recreational therapist degree. My sister has always been the person I look up to the most and she has been the most influential person in my life who has taught me to treat everyone equally and to encourage everyone to live up to their unique potential. When I work with students I not only want to help them achieve their goals, but I want to encourage them to surpass any limitations life has thrown their way.

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I believe that all students deserve the best education and as teachers and staff we need to provide them with the best support academically and emotionally to help them achieve theire goals in life.
I have always admired the people who make a big or small difference and leave a positive impact in others life , i hope one day i can be one of those amazing influences .

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I believe that I have and will continue to make a difference/impact, big or small, in my students' lives, at least while they are here with me. I have always wanted to be a teacher so that I could make a difference, and maybe even be someone's hero someday. : )

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I believe that every student in our building deserves a loving, safe, nurturing, environment in which to come to every day.

Therefore I will-
-Listen to them with my ears and eyes.
-Give them my undivided attention when interacting with them.
-Help them reach their goals.
-Treat them with respect.

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I believe all kids can learn. They just need a safe and comfortable place away from judgement to do so. They need to know they are not all the same and so won't all learn the same and that is ok. They need to be able to make mistakes and learn the lessons from those mistakes. Through it all, they are loved and nothing is going to change that.

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I've always had passion for working with children. I believe all the students deserve a safe learning environment and people who care and support them. I know it takes a village to raise a child and I want to be part of that village.

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I believe that all children deserve the chance to have a top notch education! I believe that we all have different talents and teaching skills and we can all help the children together. With our own different ways and strengths, I believe every child will leave from Crossroads with skills to help them lead a successful life.

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I believe that all children need to believe in themselves in order to learn and achieve their goals. Therefore, I will try my best to be a positive voice in their life--a cheerleader who helps them see their own strengths and believes that they will grow up to be kind, contributing members of society.

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I believe a caring and safe classroom community fosters learning. Therefore, I will promote creativity, helping and encouraging classmates, teaching others, and laughter.

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I believe that all students want to learn and WANT to be successful, some just don't know how to achieve that goal.

Therefore, I will work everyday to build relationships with every student I come in contact with. I will model appropriate behavior and support (and celebrate) their efforts no matter how small it appears.

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I enjoy working with kids and watching them grow... Who they are at the start of the year is not who they will become by the time they leave. Their growth is my why...

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If I do something  to upset my student/s I try to always go to them an say I sorry.  I feel that helps them to understand that we are all human and everyone does make mistakes.

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I believe all students deserve to be loved... I want to be a light in their lives. Education is a great opportunity that many kids around the world don't have, so I want to help my students get the most out of it.

Therefore I will:
- make sure to bring a positive attitude each and every day
- make my instruction exactly what MY kids need
- take the time to develop personal relationships with my students
- learn and grow alongside them, not from the other side of the table
- be willing to try new things, make mistakes, and ask for help
- not be the voice constantly reprimanding, but be the voice to redirect and encourage

I can't control their life outside, but I CAN control what happens in my classroom.

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I feel that children have power when they learn to problem solve, I want to encourage this in them.

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I had always wanted to be a teacher ever since I met my first grade teacher, Mrs. Brown. She always made learning fun and exciting! She was always positive and uplifting...although life got in the way, I am finally realizing my dream of being a teacher and helping other students enjoy learning in a fun and exciting way!

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I was born to nurture!!!

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I love working with children, they make me laugh!!! I love coming to work everyday seeing the kids smiling faces and some of the adults too!!!

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I believe that all students deserve an safe and caring learning environment. They deserve an adult that sees them as a person who can reach their goals with support and guidance.
Therefore I will:
Support my students in their goals. Provide them with the opportunity to show their knowledge. Encourage them to take risks, and bee their cheerleader.

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Believe that all students can learn and celebrating every single thing that we can in my class. No matter how small.

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The reason I do what I do is to reach kids who need a positive and supportive influence and to help students feel empowered to take risks and grow.

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I believe all children deserve a safe environment to learn and grow.  Growing up I was lucky enough to have a supportive and loving environment to learn and grow.  Unfortunately not all children have that, so I look at teaching as a way I can give back and be a small part of helping students feel loved and supported.  I want to help students become the best they be.

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I am very good at managing behaviors and I love working with the children to help them thrive in their world.

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I believe all student have the capability to be creative.  They just need the right opportunity to express that.  And I hope that my room can be that place.

~I want my student to know they my room is a safe place for everyone.
~Everyone make mistakes and That is OK.
~Take Risk

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If a student leaves my class knowing that he or she is loved and accepted, I've reached my goal.

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I believe all students deserve a safe place to learn, be themselves and grow. I want to build confidence and individualism in students.

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Every child can learn and deserves a positive and loving environment to do so.

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From a very early age, all that I ever wanted to do was teach.  Miss Wilson, way back in third grade was my inspiration. She cared, she hugged, she believed in each and every one of her 32 students. All the way back in 1973, she individualized her approaches to fit each of her students' needs. She was accepting, encouraging, and enlightening. My why is to reach children and to give them a love for learning the way Miss Wilson blessed me.

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I believe all students deserve a safe and loving environment to learn. I want to encourage students to set goals, make mistakes, and work hard to achieve those goals.

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I believe all children should feel loved. I think kids and adults can get so caught up in so much of what is going on around them and that we lose connection with each other. Therefore I will provide my students with a safe and loving environment where they can be open and honest about how they feel as well as feel comfortable enough to make mistakes and share their own feelings. I will continue to make children feel special and know that someone genuinely cares for them.

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I teach to serve others and to show love to kids.  So many of our kids come to school not feeling loved and supported at home and my hope and prayer everyday is that my students see how much I love and appreciate them.  I want them to feel that they are safe in my classroom, can ask any question and feel like I am going to give 110% to them as learners and children.  This is my mission field!!

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I think all children should think of school as a safe place. They should feel at ease and worry-free. No matter what is going on in their home, they should know nothing bad will happen to them at school.

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My why is to teach kids that effort and confidence/faith in themselves can take them anywhere they want to be.
Therefore I will: Create opportunities that provide challenges and allow them to be successful so that they can see if they work hard, they can achieve anything they desire. They can dream and make it happen!

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My why is to make sure every child feels safe, supported and cared for throughout their school day.
Therefore I will: show them that I am there to listen to their concerns, I will provide them a safe place to go when upset, I will make sure their basic needs will be met while they are at school, and show them that I will always do my best to keep my word

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I believe my why is to help every child feel love and support. To help them know they are special and unique. To teach them that they are smart and can learn no matter what their circumstances are.
Therefore I will: show them love and support each day. I will foster a love for learning and a love for our class family. I will challenge each child to grow and learn in a way that best fits their needs. I will teach them to never give up even when its hard. I will help them feel successful. I will foster a love for learning that will help them reach their full potential.

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Everyone, students and adults, should be encouraged to do their best, and when they do, they should feel successful.

Therefore I will:
-Meet adults/students where they are academically, socially and emotionally by checking in with everyone regularly.
-Provide whatever tools necessary to adults/students to be successful.
-Create an atmosphere where mistakes are consider "great" learning events.
-Adjust my teaching to meet the needs of each class/individual.
-Provide an environment that makes everyone LOVE science and learning.

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I believe all students have the ability to be leaders of their lives and the potential to be successful.

Therefore I will:
-Provide a safe, loving space for them to learn.
-Support their social, emotional & academic needs.
-Help them understand that mistakes are our friends.
-Set high expectations and goals.
-Teach students how to set attainable goals.
-Provide specific feedback so they can continue to grow and meet goals.
-Work collaboratively with peers.
-Have fun & be silly with my kiddos.

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I believe all students have potential to

learn.

Therefore I will:

-Create lessons and activities that are hands on and engaging to my students

-Incorporate my students interests/hobbies within my teaching

-Encourage my students to set and reevaluate their academic goals

-Praise my students for their effort and success as they reach their goals

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Every child should feel loved and accepted. Every child needs a safe place to learn and grow. I want every child to feel like they are special.

Therefore I will:
-Smile often
-Provide a safe place
-Explain that our mistakes will only help us to grow
-Teach my students where they are at, then take them to the next level
-Give my students my all
-Love all my students, past & present

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Kids today need positive role models. I try to model our values of Respect, Responsibility, and Caring in all of my actions with students hoping that my examples can teach them how to interact with others.

I enjoy the "ah-ha" moments as much as everyone, but even more want to instill the work ethic that will lead a child to say, "Dang, I got it wrong..." and head right back to work in order to get it right.

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Every child deserves a safe, supportive, consistent, and loving childhood.

Therefore I will:
-Greet my students, smile with them, and laugh with them
-Develop good relationships with my students, learn all about them, and facilitate good relationships among my students to create a sense of belonging
-Reach my students where they are in an engaging way and have high expectations about where I want them to grow to.
-Provide a well-structured learning environment where students know the expectations and what they need to do
-Correct them compassionately
-Provide opportunities to learn from mistakes
-Strive to show each student their worth, their strengths, and their potential

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Every kid should be happy and carefree. I hope that the people that my kids come into contact with each day are happy people who make them feel special, and I hope I can be that for other kids, especially the ones who don't feel seen or loved anywhere else.

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I believe everyone deserves to feel and be loved. Therefore, I will greet my students with a warm smile, hug, or high-five, listen to their questions and feelings, encourage independence while letting them know I am here if they need me, and model how to be a good friend so they can be a good friend to others.

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My why is that all kids are loveable teachable and deserve a caring, safe environment to learn in. It is our joy to provide them.

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I always remember that every student is someone's child, their whole world. It helps to remind me to make sure each student feels safe and cared for so they can take risks and learn.

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I believe all students have the ability to learn and they deserve to learn in a loving environment. Therefore, I will provide a safe, caring environment where each student feels successful.

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I want my students to know:
~that everyone is unique and that is ok
~ it is ok to make mistakes, hopefully they learn from

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I want all students to feel loved and cared for while in my room.  I want them to feel safe and respected.  I want students to feel comfortable doing their best and want to achieve great things. I want to serve as a positive role model in their lives and want them to be positive to others.

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I want students to know it's ok to not be ok and that mistakes are proof you are trying. I want to teach the "yet" growth mindset.

Therefore I will foster a positive and calm environment to allow for students to feel safe and make a plan on how to cope with those feelings. I will work to help students embrace the power of yet. For example, I'm not good at this....I'm not good at this YET. I don't get this....I don't get this YET.

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I want students to have a life long love for exercise!! I want them to engage in a safe place where students care about each other and it is shown by their good sportsmanship. :)

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I want EVERY child to feel successful , valued & proud of themselves.  I want EVERY child to want to come to school & feel loved & valued.
Therefore I Will:
-Meet students at their level so they feel successful & build confidence.
-build a classroom environment where everyone feels confident, respected, and safe.

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I believe that all students deserve a positive, loving, safe place to learn and grow.
Therefore I will...
*Treat each child as my own.
*Highlight student strengths to build confidence.
*Teach my students at their level, so they can experience success and begin to transfer what they are learning into their daily reading lives.
*help them find a love and purpose for reading that will help them feel more comfortable and confident in school and in life.
*Collaborate with and support teachers with their struggling readers to prevent and remediate school- wide reading difficulties.

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I believe that every child needs someone to stand in their corner, never give up on and encouraged to be the best they can be.

Therefore  I promise:

-There are no failures just discoveries

-I think I can attitudes

-A classroom where everyone feels important, respected, listened to and cared for

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I hope to instill a level of comfort in all of my interactions with others. I want my students, their parents and my co-workers to feel that they can do anything they put their minds to.
Therefore I will:
- encourage out-of-the-box thinking
- encourage risk-taking
- allow for personal choice
- encourage healthy relationships

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No matter how a child may look or behave or whether or not they "talk"...
I believe every child has worth. Every child has a unique personality. Every child has thoughts and feelings. Every child has the right to communicate their wants, needs, and opinions - good or bad. Therefore, I will work hard to promote kindness and understanding, and help my students find a way to communicate.

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I believe all students are capable of greatness (regardless of their past/current situation). Therefore I promise to build a relationship with each and every one of my students. I believe relationships are key to student success. Whey they feel loved, safe and accepted for who they are then the sky's the limit!

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I believe that everyone is great at something and can contribute to our school.

Therefore I will:
- make sure I point out children's strengths and  show them how important they are to our class.
-  let my students know they have someone who thinks they can do anything their heart desires.
- boost my students self esteem
everyday.

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I believe that all children are a success story. There are many parts of the puzzle that must fit together in order for this success to happen. Therefore, I will:

-provide a safe, calm, and consistent environment where kiddos are willing to take risks and try something new without fear of making a mistake

-make sure that kiddos’ basic needs are met so they are ready to learn

-help build kiddos’ confidence by celebrating their successes

-build positive relationships with parents so that we can work together as a team

-remain thankful and grateful that I found my place in life where I can help make a difference in a kiddo’s life

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I hope to instill in students an attitude of kindness and caring.  I hope children leave my classroom feeling like they have learned much, been loved, and that they appreciate others.

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I believe I can impact students, teachers, family and friends to have a drive for learning and want to leave behind a legacy of always helping others and empowering them to do the same.
Therefore I will -
*promote a positive culture with everyone
*be a lead learner
*take time to listen to others
*keep student learning at the forefront of my reasoning

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I believe everyone (students, staff, community) deserves a positive, loyal, loving, support system.

Therefore I will:

- Serve others with a smile

- Give my undivided attention

- Treat others with respect & dignity

- Seek feedback to help with decision making

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Everyone deserves a voice and a chance to express their ideas/opinions so others can understand them. So I will help students be able to communicate with others to the best of their ability to express their thoughts, emotions and ideas.

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Our why is to instill a love of reading in every student that comes through our doors.  Therefore we will:
engage in conversation with our students, get to know their interests in and out of school and push students to break out of their comfort zone and try something exciting and different!

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When I draw my last breath I want my heart to smile about what I did with what I have been given and about what comes next.

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I believe hard work, passion, and positivity will lead to success.

Therefore I will:

- Acknowledge strengths

- Support reflection and growth

- Encourage risk taking

- Celebrate and highlight strong work ethic