Everyone wants to belong: to be in a place where they are valued and where they can contribute in real and meaningful ways. Providence strives to be that kind of community. This isn’t just where your kid goes to school. This is a place where we all contribute and we all are valued.
What that looks like:
The classroom communities encourage students to make decisions together. They have to negotiate and problem-solve and figure out what will work best. They aren’t just told how and when to do things. Students hold council and bring issues to the table to create an action plan. Even the little ones are encouraged to share their ideas.
The teaching staff negotiates with each other: Who is the best at taking care of this problem, how do we need to help this child or family thrive, what are our resources to become an even better school. Teacher and Administrators share responsibilities – there is no faculty/staff divide.
The parent council reflects those same values. Questions and concerns are discussed as a group. Parents are encouraged and empowered to add their expertise and create action plans to make the school better. Parent mentors, who have been with the school for a while, support and help newer families to feel comfortable. Parent volunteers come in and share their hobbies and pursuits with the community.
The larger community of Alamance is actively engaged in what happens at Providence. Numerous special speakers come and discuss how the classroom and real life meet. Providence created a program called “Alamance Connects”, where middle schoolers plan field studies around the county discovering how the needs of humans are meet in our own backyard and then they share their discoveries with the younger students.
Community is “a feeling of fellowship with others, as a result of sharing common attitudes, interests and goals.” Providence strives to create fellowship while striving for excellence – we are a community.
