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School Philosophy
The school community at Sedgwick is dedicated to creating a caring community in which all children and adults are valued members. We are a Caring School Community (CSC) school. Formerly known as CDP (Child Development Project), the philosophy was developed by the Developmental Studies Center and is a nationally recognized, research-based program that builds classroom and schoolwide community. The CSC philosophy focuses on strengthening students' connectiveness to school. Students learn to take responsibility for their own learning and behavior. It provides opportunities for students to resolve conflicts together and independently devise strategies for solving problems.
Intrinsic motivation is fostered by the learning community, as is cooperation and supportive behavior. Children are encouraged to seek knowledge for its own sake and to pursue excellence in academic achievement. Because competition is not recognized as a means to encourage achievement, and students are not ranked against each other, they are able to develop close, supportive relationships with their peers and teachers.
Families, children, staff, and community members work together to create a learning environment in which children's ethical, social, and intellectual development are interconnected and integrated into activities across the curriculum. Staff members use differentiated teaching strategies and methods with curricula which stimulates the children's natural curiosity and desire to learn.
Adults and children are encouraged to learn together. Staff utilize home activities which invite families to support and to share in their children's learning. Strategies in the classroom provide opportunities for students to work together to find solutions to problems and explore a variety of methods for solving problems and furthering their own learning.
The learning environment promotes responsibility and encourages students to be responsible for their behavior and their learning. Communication between families, teachers, and students is an important element in the maintenance of the caring community. Teacher-to-teacher communication and sharing is also encouraged, and opportunities for staff members to meet, share and learn with colleagues is provided.
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