TEAM Vision and Mission
(Rev March 2015)
TEAM means “Together Everyone Achieves More”
TEAM Vision: What does TEAM hope to accomplish? The TEAM Program strives to meet the needs of freshman students so they can: 1) make a smooth intellectual, emotional and social transition to high school; 2) gain leadership and teamwork skills by being a member of a community of teachers and learners; 3) work hard to achieve academic excellence through organization, prioritization, and diligence; and 4) experience real world learning opportunities outside of the classroom through community service and field trips. The over-arching goal is the development of a healthy, motivated student community ready to thrive in learning and find joy at Paly and beyond.
TEAM Mission:TEAM accomplishes its vision in the following ways:
1. A TEAM of dedicated and dynamic teachers is allowed to innovate across subjects to meet the needs of Paly Freshman while still aligning with their respective Paly departments. They continue to explore interdisciplinary opportunities and new learning models in a variety of ways, including field trips, utilizing new technologies, and integrating Common Core into TEAM classrooms. (transition, teamwork, academic excellence, real world learning)
2. TEAM teachers have a common period to meet and collaborate, so it is possible for TEAM students and families to meet with all TEAM teachers and the grade level counselor for academic and social feedback throughout the year. Weekly meetings allow teachers to discuss best practices and strategize in working with individual students and with groups of students, coordinate curriculum- and community-based projects and activities, and support one another. (transition, leadership, teamwork, academic excellence, real world learning)
3. Field trips offer hands-on learning experiences, allow integrated curriculum opportunities, and provide opportunities for community-building. Off-site leadership, service,and social activities help students, sometimes for the first time, understand their own strengths and create bonds with peers and adults. (transition, leadership, teamwork, academic excellence, real world learning)
4. Returning students contribute in the TEAM classrooms and build relationships with the freshmen. They serve as role models and accompany students on field trips within TEAM. Former students continue to be involved in the TEAM community after ninth grade and help freshman transition to high school. (leadership, transition)
5. Special student-initiated social events throughout the year, such as TEAM movie and activity nights, strengthen bonds among students and their teachers and parents. (transition, leadership)
6. TEAM teachers are also TEAM students’ Teacher Advisors, and so get to know students better through the weekly TEAM advisory. Special TEAM experiences, such as the field trips, t-shirts and memory book, foster community and give students identity within the larger Paly structure. (transition)
7. Parents are an integral part of the TEAM community. Parents volunteer their time and talents to help the teachers plan and execute TEAM activities and are dedicated to helping their students realize the TEAM vision at home. Parents help the teachers to gather and organize resources and allow TEAM to provide such incredible opportunities to the students. (teamwork)