Middle Years Philosophy
In November 2004 the Board of Trustees of Garden Valley School Division released a Philosophy Position Paper on Middle School Education. The purpose of this philosophy paper is to articulate broad understandings of middle school learners, and how middle schools in Garden Valley School Division can meet the educational needs of young adolescent learners.
The purpose and functions of exemplary middle schools center on the intellectual, social, emotional, moral, and physical developmental needs of young adolescents (Clark & Clark, 1993; National Middle School Association, 1995). Within a few years, young adolescents undergo rapid physical growth, changes in moral reasoning, the onset of abstract thinking, and introduction to a range of social pressures, including sex, drugs, and violence. Simultaneously, the lifelong developmental tasks of forming a personal identity or self-concept, acquiring social skills, gaining autonomy, and developing character and a set of values are begun (Irvin, 1995). Exemplary middle level programs foster appropriate programs, policies, and practices that foster the development of these tasks in positive ways.
To read the entire document, see 
Philosophy_Position_Middle_Years-changes_Jan_21_2010.pdf
High School Philosophy
In November 2009 the Board of Trustees of Garden Valley School Division adopted a philosophy paper on high school education. The purpose of the philosophy paper is to articulate broad understandings of high school learners and how secondary education in Garden Valley School Division can meet the educational needs of these learners.
The paper has three main categories:
Part 1 - highlights the general characteristics of young adolescents and outlines educational implications for initiatives related to their learning.
Part 2 - is a profile of Garden Valley School Division. In an attempt to create a deeper understanding of the type of learners that will be educated in our high schools, it is important to understand the community in which they live.
Part 3 - examines the components of an exemplary high school. A responsive high school program will have specific characteristics that contribute to a positive learning environment. These characteristics support higher levels of student achievement and overall development.
To download the entire document see: High_School_Philosophy_Paper-Draft-Oct_29_2009.pdf
