Highland Park Elementary School

The mission of Highland Park’s staff and community is to ensure high levels of learning for every student, every day. It is not just WHAT or HOW you do things that matters; what matters more is that WHAT and HOW you do things is consistent with your WHY.  The following comments are Highland Park staff members’ Collective WHYs. 

“I am here to make a difference in kids’ lives. I want to build their self esteem and let them know that I care.I adore kids. I want to speak up for those children who can’t speak for themselves.I want education to be inclusive for all kids, especially those who are different. This is where I am supposed to be- I want all kids to feel safe and taken care of; I want to treat these kids the same way I would treat my own children. I loved school, so  I want to provide a fun atmosphere where my students love to come to school. I want to spread compassion and include everyone because of the social nature of the human race. Everyone needs someone. All children can learn & they deserve the opportunity for a quality education. I will share my love for music and make it relevant for my students.I want to inspire kids and be a part of their learning. I want to be present for kids and let them know that I care. I want to create a positive environment where all students can thrive. I want to give my students an opportunity to express themselves and be a part of something bigger.I want to create a fun environment for kids to come out of their shells and be comfortable being themselves. I want all children to feel cared for by all teachers. I want all students to feel a connection while attending Highland Park School. I want to model love, joy, and passion to all students. Kids are the light of the day. I want to provide the gift of love and support to students. Every day is something new. Kids are so loving, curious, and caring. I want to always appreciate that in each student. I will advocate for all students and recognize their gifts. I will provide a safe place for them to creatively express themselves. I will recognize progress in all students, and help them become an active member of our community. I love maintaining the school, so that the kids are able to stay healthy.Highland Park provides an environment where everyone is accepted. I belong here.Everyone is a lifelong learner. Each student will be treated the same way. The teachers have a love and passion for students to do the hard work every day. I will give children patience and love. I want to provide a better school experience than the one I had. I will find the kids that need additional love and connection, and provide them with support. Art education matters. It gives kids a safe place to shine. Being around children makes me happy. I wanted to be in a profession that helps children who learn differently. I struggled as a young learner, so I know what it feels like, and I want to make a difference. I want to create a classroom that feels welcoming and fun. I want my classroom to be full of humor, and provide a safe place where my students can come out of their shell. I want to engage with the students at Highland Park and teach them some Spanish. I want to make each student feel loved and safe. I want students who’ve experienced tragedy to know that their classroom is a safe place to thrive.I want to empower my students to be their best. I want to build relationships that are collaborative; positive relationships are very important. I want to be family oriented. I want all students to have a positive relationship with me. I want to build their confidence and empower kids, not only as learners, but as members of society. I want to be someone that the kids can feel comfortable going to when they need help. I want all my students to feel loved and valued. When you help others grow, you also grow. I want students to know that I love and care about them. All kids are worthy of love. All kids should have a chance to learn. I moved to Sheridan to grow as a teacher. My Why is because of every kid I work with, I want to positively impact and make them feel valued and important. I want everyone to be a learner. I want to give back to our community and provide a great education. I want to form relationships with students and parents. I enjoy kids and learning and I want to help them with their learning. Every child has a ton of potential. I have a desire to be around young people and to be a good influence. I want to make a connection with my students. When I do that, I can help them achieve anything. I love seeing growth and watching change happen. I want to be a part of this place where positive things happen. I want to help kids become good successful humans. I want to help kids be good people.I want to help shape strong people/good humans. Academics comes with this.I want to provide students with the opportunity to grow and become whoever they want to be. I want to support all students to become the best version of themselves. I want to support and encourage all students. I want to make every child that I come into contact with feel loved. I want to foster a love for reading. I want kids to feel loved and safe. I want to focus on kids and expand their understanding of empathy, and understanding. I want to provide a positive school experience.  I desire to coach and work with children in a competitive  way.  I want to contribute to the love of learning. I want to be like my 2nd grade teacher who loved kids and loved school. I want to provide an equitable education for all students in an inclusive school environment where all students can reach their maximum potential.”