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1 - The Curriculum Overview
2 - A Place for All: Supporting All Learners.
3 - Technology in Learning

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At Harmony Heights High School, our mission is to create an inclusive and dynamic learning community where every student's voice is valued, their diverse backgrounds celebrated, and their curiosity nurtured. We champion respect, diversity, and a love for learning, inspiring students to be lifelong learners and compassionate leaders.

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We are dedicated to providing an environment where students, regardless of their individual paths and experiences, can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially. Our commitment to curiosity, innovation, and a love for learning is unwavering. We believe that education is a lifelong journey, and we encourage our students to embrace it with open minds and open hearts.

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Together, we build a future where diversity is cherished, respect is paramount, and the pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing adventure.

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Together, we build a future where diversity is cherished, respect is paramount, and the pursuit of knowledge is an ongoing adventure.

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This name represents a place where diverse voices harmonize, creating a community that values respect, celebrates differences, and fosters intellectual growth.

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In our school, students are given high expectations to meet, and they get all of our support to meet them. You could say it is people working in harmony to achieve a great height of learning!

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Core Subjects with an Inclusive Perspective

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Core Subjects with an Inclusive Perspective

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English, Math, Science, and History are taught with a focus on diverse voices, cultures, and perspectives. For instance, literature and history classes include works and events from around the world, highlighting the contributions of various cultures.

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We offer a wide range of foreign language options to promote global understanding and encourage students to explore different cultures through language. It's about learning how to truly communicate and connect with others (Dick, 2022).

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In an effort to solidify our relationship with the community, we require 5 hours of community service, per quarter, for every student. This fosters a sense of social responsibility and empathy, while also giving back to the community.

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In PBL, students take the driver's seat. They choose projects, set goals, and drive their own learning (PBL, 2023). They must analyze problems, develop solutions, and make decisions, all of which align with the development of empathy and a love for learning.

Incorporating PBL into the curriculum fosters a learning environment where students are not only academically engaged but also emotionally and socially connected (PBL, 2023).

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Differentiated Instruction: Teachers tailor their teaching methods to address varied learning styles, paces, and abilities, ensuring that all students receive instruction that matches their needs (Shareefa, 2020).

Blended Learning: A mix of traditional classroom instruction and technology-enhanced resources allows students to access content in ways that suit their preferences and abilities.

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Gradual Complexity: Lessons are designed to incrementally increase in complexity, starting from where students are and gradually progressing to more challenging tasks. This scaffolding ensures that all learners can access and master the material ("Structural Learning", 2021).

Structured Support: Students receive structured support through guided practice, peer tutoring, and teacher-led small group sessions, providing opportunities for them to learn at their own pace ("Structural Learning", 2021).

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Inclusive Curriculum: The curriculum is designed to reflect a diverse range of cultural perspectives and backgrounds. It acknowledges the contributions of historically marginalized groups and incorporates diverse voices in the learning process.

Culturally Responsive Teaching: Educators engage with students in ways that respect and celebrate their cultural identities, creating an environment where students feel valued and seen.

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Individualized Education Plans (IEPs): Students with special needs have personalized learning plans, ensuring that they receive appropriate accommodations and support (O'Shea, 2022).

Gifted and Talented Programs: High-achieving students have opportunities for advanced coursework and enrichment activities to challenge and engage them further.

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Positive Behavior Support: The school promotes a positive behavior support system, focusing on reinforcing good behavior and providing students with the tools to manage their actions constructively.

Restorative Practices: In situations of conflict or misbehavior, restorative practices are used to repair harm, build relationships, and foster a sense of responsibility and accountability (McCluskey et al., 2008).

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ISTE Standards for Students and Teachers

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ISTE Standards for Students and Teachers

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The International Society for Technology in Education (ISTE) is a nonprofit organization that helps educators use technology to revolutionize learning (ISTE, 2023).

For Students: ISTE Standards for Students include "Computational Thinker" and "Innovative Designer" standards. Students are encouraged to use technology to solve problems, design projects, and think critically about the digital world. For example, students can participate in coding clubs, work on collaborative projects, and use digital tools to explore real-world issues (ISTE, 2023).

For Teachers: ISTE Standards for Educators guide teachers in integrating technology into their teaching practices. By aligning their teaching with these standards, educators can provide diverse learning opportunities, such as using online resources, virtual labs, and coding software (ISTE, 2023).

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First, we must guarantee that students and teachers have access to necessary technology, such as computers, software, and internet connectivity. Harmony Heights will invest in technology infrastructure and partnerships to bridge the digital divide.

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My favorite part about Bay Path University is its use of the KnowledgePath service.

Because of this, Harmony Heights will utilize KnowledgePath in its own learning.

Students will be given the chapter via KnowledgePath for each lesson, and they will work together to complete each module.

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1 - Forging the bridge between school and home
2 - Harmony Heights in the community

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We will provide information and resources in multiple languages (those spoken in the community), ensuring that non-English speaking parents can access information easily. This includes translated newsletters, website, and signage.

We will employ family liaisons who serve as a bridge between school and families, particularly for non-native English-speaking families. These liaisons will assist with communication, interpretation, and understanding school policies and procedures.

We will hold regular community meetings where parents, teachers, and administrators can discuss school matters. Topics would include curriculum changes, safety updates, and ways to improve student outcomes.

We will host workshops and training sessions for parents to learn how to support their children's learning at home. Topics would include homework help, reading strategies, and using educational technology.

We will establish a parent advisory council to provide a formal channel for parents to express their concerns, offer suggestions, and participate in decision-making processes.

We will encourage parents to volunteer at the school, whether it's helping in classrooms, organizing events, or participating in parent-teacher associations.

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We will host quarterly cultural awareness workshops for teachers and administrative staff to better understand the backgrounds and needs of the community they serve. This ensures that communication and engagement efforts are culturally sensitive.

We will offer ongoing professional development opportunities, in partnership with Landmark Worldwide, to help teachers stay updated on the latest approaches.

We will support teachers in taking sabbaticals and/or conducting educational research, enabling them to bring fresh perspectives and ideas to the classrooms.

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We will implement student-led conferences where students present their educational progress to their parents and teachers. This promotes student ownership of their education and encourages open dialogue.

We will establish a student government and leadership program where students can voice their concerns, plan school events, and lead initiatives that benefit the school community.

We will create opportunities for students to explore career interests through internships, job shadowing, and career-focused workshops.

We will train students in restorative practices for conflict resolution to foster a harmonious and respectful school environment.

We will create opportunities for different grade levels to work together on projects, enhancing social connections and learning from one another.

We will implement mindfulness and well-being programs to help students manage stress, improve mental health, and create a positive school climate.

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A school app can be a valuable tool for enhancing communication, organization, and engagement within the school community (Kishore, 2021).

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1. Announcements and Notifications:

Push notifications for important updates, events, and school news.

Customizable notification settings for parents, students, and staff.

2. Events Calendar:

An interactive calendar with details about school events, extracurricular activities, parent-teacher conferences, and holidays.

3. Homework and Assignment Tracker:

A digital platform for teachers to upload homework assignments and for students to track their assignments and due dates.

4. Gradebook and Progress Tracker:

Secure access to students' grades, assignment scores, and overall academic progress. Parents can monitor their child's performance.

5. Teacher-Parent Communication:

Direct messaging feature for parents and teachers to communicate, schedule meetings, and discuss student progress.

6. Extracurricular Registration:

Online registration for extracurricular activities, sports teams, and clubs, with details on meeting times and locations.

7. News and Updates:

A news feed with articles, photos, and videos showcasing student achievements, school initiatives, and educational trends.

8. Absence Reporting:

A feature for parents to report student absences and for teachers to mark attendance.

9. Language Options:

Multilingual support to accommodate diverse language preferences within the school community.

10. Volunteer Sign-Up:

A platform for parents and community members to sign up for volunteer opportunities at the school.

11. Virtual Tours and Maps:

Virtual tours of the school campus and interactive maps to help new students and parents navigate the school.

12. Transportation Information:

Bus routes, schedules, and real-time tracking for school transportation services.

13. Fundraising and Donations:

A section for fundraising initiatives, accepting donations, and supporting school projects and initiatives.

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A newsletter is an effective means of keeping parents, students, and staff informed about school news, events, and important dates (Mangelson, 2020). Newsletters offer transparency about school policies, initiatives, and goals, ensuring that the school's mission and vision are understood by all (Mangelson, 2020).

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Principal's Message:

A welcoming message from the school principal to set the tone and highlight important themes for the newsletter.

Student and Teacher Spotlights:

Profiles of outstanding students and educators, celebrating their accomplishments and contributions.

Extracurricular Highlights:

News about sports, clubs, and other extracurricular activities, including achievements and upcoming events.

Community Involvement:

Stories of volunteer work, community outreach, and ways for parents to get involved in school initiatives.

Photos and Visuals:

Engaging visuals, such as photos of school events, artwork, and student projects, to make the newsletter visually appealing.

Contact Information:

School contact details, including email addresses and phone numbers, for easy access to school staff.

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At Harmony Heights High School, the unique school design is deeply rooted in cultural relevance, responding to the specific needs of our diverse school community in multiple ways.

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1. Inclusive Curriculum

Our curriculum will reflect the cultural diversity of our students. For example, in history classes, we will incorporate lessons on not just U.S. history but also world history, highlighting the contributions and challenges of various cultures. This makes learning more relatable and engaging for all students.

2. Diverse Faculty and Staff

Harmony Heights will actively hire and retain a diverse faculty and staff who can better relate to and understand the experiences of our students. This helps build trust and fosters a sense of belonging.

3. Cultural Awareness Workshops

We will regularly conduct cultural awareness workshops for teachers and staff to increase their understanding of the backgrounds and needs of our community. This training helps educators create an inclusive and culturally sensitive learning environment.

4. Culturally Diverse Events

Our school will host multicultural events and celebrations that showcase the rich heritage of our community. These events include cultural festivals, food fairs, and art exhibitions, offering opportunities for students and parents to share their cultural traditions.

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The intended impact of Harmony Heights' unique school design goes beyond just responding to the needs of the community; it actively seeks to improve the community in several authentic ways:

1. Improved Educational Outcomes:

By providing an inclusive curriculum and targeted support, our school aims to improve educational outcomes for all students, irrespective of their backgrounds. As a result, we expect to see higher graduation rates and more students pursuing higher education.

2. Cultural Understanding and Harmony:

By promoting cultural awareness and understanding, we aim to build a more harmonious and accepting community. This is expected to reduce cultural conflicts and foster an atmosphere of unity and respect.

3. Parental Engagement:

Our efforts to reach out to parents in their native languages and create a more welcoming environment lead to increased parental engagement. Involved parents have a positive impact on students' performance and school culture.

4. Career and College Readiness:

Through career exploration and college readiness programs, we hope to empower our students to make informed choices about their futures. This will improve the community by creating a more educated and skilled workforce.

5. Mental Health and Well-being:

Our school's emphasis on mental health resources and well-being programs seeks to improve the emotional and psychological health of our students. In fact, "A healthier community is a more resilient and happier one," (Mangelson, 2020).

6. Community Building:

By celebrating cultural diversity through events and projects, we aim to build a strong sense of community. This not only benefits our students but also extends to the wider community, strengthening social bonds.

7. Empowerment and Leadership:

By fostering leadership skills and a sense of responsibility among our students, we are investing in the future leaders of our community. Empowered individuals can drive positive change.

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Belle Bilyk

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Being intellectually playful is my favorite pastime! Arguably, I am the most curious person I know. In doing this assignment, I became incredibly curious as to what my dream school would look like, especially since I'm now considering a career as a school counselor. I got to play with different methods and designs that were both fun and fulfilling.

I've now had the opportunity to explore creative pedagogical approaches, experiment with new teaching methods, and integrate psychological insights into my school's culture and practices, which is not something I ever saw myself interested in.

After doing this assignment, I seriously appreciate the work that principals, teachers, and staff do to make their school as amazing as it can be. I now know, in a first-hand type of way, the work it takes to foster an environment that you're proud of, and I very much enjoyed being able to explore doing this here.

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I have a passion for child psychology and a commitment to create an inclusive and culturally relevant environment wherever I go. In my learning during this class, I truly discovered how education is a vital tool for shaping the future and empowering individuals.

By founding a school that reflects my core values, I'm discovering how to make a significant contribution to my community and society at large. I found myself able to address the issue of educational equity, something I am incredibly passionate about. Many communities, including mine, struggle with disparities in access to quality education. I want to create a beacon of equity, ensuring that every student, regardless of their background, has the opportunity to receive an excellent education.

A school isn't just an education institution; it's the center of the community. It should be a place where families come together, where neighbors meet, and where a sense of belonging is fostered. I got to create a little piece of that this last week, and I loved every moment of it, and authentically grasped the importance of it.

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One last piece:

In a perfect world, where Harmony Heights High School really does exist, I can imagine getting to participate in truly intellectually rewarding activities. I would get to blend my passion for psychology, dedication to equity and the community, and my love for intellectual exploration. I would have the opportunity to leave a lasting impact on the lives of students and the community, something to be cherished forever.

I really, really hope I get to do this someday.

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Dick, K. (2022). Why is it important to learn a foreign language?. GoAbroad.com. https://www.goabroad.com/articles/language-study-abroad/why-is-it-important-to-learn-a-foreign-language

ISTE. (2023). International Society for Technology and Education. https://iste.org/

Kishore, K. (2021, May 12). 8 reasons why school apps are important for parents and students. eLearning Industry. https://elearningindustry.com/school-apps-are-important-for-parents-and-students-8-reason

Mangelson, R. (2020, September 4). Why School Newsletters still matter. The School Communications Company - Creating valuable communications tools and revenue for schools. https://theschoolcommunicationsagency.com/why-school-newsletters-still-matter/

McCluskey, G., Lloyd, G., Kane, J., Riddell, S., Stead, J., & Weedon, E. (2008). Can restorative practices in schools make a difference? Educational Review, 60(4), 405–417. https://doi.org/10.1080/00131910802393456

O’Shea, C. (Ed.). (2022, March). Individualized Education Programs (IEPS). KidsHealth. https://kidshealth.org/en/parents/iep.html

PBL. (2023). What is PBL?. PBLWorks. https://www.pblworks.org/what-is-pbl#:~:text=Project%20Based%20Learning%20is%20a,question%2C%20problem%2C%20or%20challenge.

Shareefa, M. (2020). Using differentiated instruction in multigrade classes: A case of a small school. Asia Pacific Journal of Education, 41(1), 167–181. https://doi.org/10.1080/02188791.2020.1749559

Structural Learning. (2021). Scaffolding in education: A teacher’s guide. RSS. https://www.structural-learning.com/post/scaffolding-in-education-a-teachers-guide