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I have a great job in the universe of occupations. What do I do? Im a star polisher. Its a very important job. If you want to know how important, just go out at night and look at the stars twinkling and sparking. You see, Im a teacher, an educator, am mentor. The stars are the children in my class. My job is to take them in whatever shape they come, And shine and buff them and then send them out to take their places as bright twinkling beacons in the sky. They come into my room in all shapes and sizes. Sometimes theyre bent, tarnished, dirty, crinkly, or broken. Some stars are cuddly and soft. Some are prickly and thorny. As I buff and polish, I train and teach my little stars; I tell them that the world cannot do without them. Each night as I look at the sky, Im reminded of my very important job and awesome responsibility. Then I get my soft buffing cloth and my bottle of polish in preparation for tomorrow for my class of little stars. -Leah Becks
You embrace all children who come, lead them beyond their imagination, and teach beyond their dreams. You told them that the world could not do without them. You told them they could do anything they set their minds to. You told them they could be the brightest, shiniest stars in the sky and the world would be a better place because of them. - Leah Becks
McCants Motto Building a better world, one student at a time. Mission Statement
Recognizing the unique period of adolescent development, the mission of McCants Middle School is to nurture, challenge, and prepare our students to become academically, technologically, ethically and socially adept life-long learners by creating a learning environment incorporating the resources and diversities of our community. We believe:
That each child is entitled to a quality public education. That learning is the business of public education. That the student is our central focus. That the family is critical in the development of the individual. That broad-based community support is the foundation of the school system. That each individual has worth and potential for growth and development. That individuals have different educational needs. That students learn in different ways. That effective learning helps students use information. That ethical values and a positive self-image contribute to the success of the individual and society. That understanding of individual and cultural differences will bring about harmony. That cultural diversity is a strength in our society. That with every right comes responsibility. That shared decision-making improves the educational process. That every student is entitled to a safe, secure, and positive learning environment. That the quality of life in our community is improved by increasing the general education levels of our population.
Process
After the initial year of the program, The Star Polisher Recognition / Award will be given to two individuals each year one each semester. During the first year of the program, five individuals will be recognized one sixth grade teacher, one seventh grade teacher, one eighth grade teacher, one related arts teacher and one special education teacher or teaching assistant. This process is handled through the school Instructional Facilitators office. A committee of faculty, staff, students and teachers will serve on the selection committee with the Instructional Facilitator chairing the committee. The school will publicize the information in the school McCants Messenger, the school PTA Newsletter, on the school website, etc. Nominations will be solicited from faculty, staff, parents and students. The selection committee will meet to review nominations. Committee members review the nominations and meet together to make a decision on the selection of the individual to receive the award. A simple majority vote of the committee members is necessary for selection of a person to receive the Star Polisher Award. After the initial year, one individual each semester will be recognized for the Star Polisher award. A letter of congratulations signed by the school principal and all members of the selection committee will be sent to the recipient, with a copy of the letter being sent to the district superintendent and each school board member. Recipients will receive special recognition at the end-of-the year faculty meeting and celebration. The recipient will also receive a certificate and a Star Polisher statue. A plaque displaying the names of all recipients will be on display in a prominent location on the school campus. Those selected during the first year of the program will be considered to be founding members of the Star Polishers recognition program and will be designated as such on the school plaque. The name of each recipient will be displayed on the school marquee.
McCants Middle School Faculty and Staff Recognition Program Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Star Polisher Award Program? The Star Polisher Award program is a school-wide recognition effort to celebrate and honor outstanding service by faculty and staff of McCants Middle School. Who can nominate someone for a Star Polisher? Anyone! Students, parents, employees or members of the community can all submit nominations. Who selects the Star Polisher award winner? The building principal must first support the selection of an individual for the award. A school committee of faculty, staff and parents is responsible for selecting the Star Polisher award recipient each semester. Any faculty or staff member serving on the committee that is nominated for the Star Polisher award will be excused from serving on the committee during that particular selection process. What are the criteria upon which Star Polishers should be selected? School employees who support the School Strategic Plan and Belief Statements and exemplify one or more of the Core Principles of Master Teachers can be nominated. School Strategic Plan Belief Statements: We Believe That
That each child is entitled to a quality public education. That learning is the business of public education. That the student is our central focus. That the family is critical in the development of the individual. That broad-based community support is the foundation of the school system. That each individual has worth and potential for growth and development. That individuals have different educational needs. That students learn in different ways. That effective learning helps students use information. That ethical values and a positive self-image contribute to the success of the individual and society. That understanding of individual and cultural differences will bring about harmony. That cultural diversity is a strength in our society. That with every right comes responsibility. That shared decision-making improves the educational process. That every student is entitled to a safe, secure, and positive learning environment. That the quality of life in our community is improved by increasing the general education levels of our population.
How many people can be selected to receive the Star Polisher? After the initial five selection during the first year, one will be selected each semester. How are Star Polishers recognized at the school level? During the first year of the program, five selections will be made one from sixth grade teachers, one from seventh grade teachers, one from eighth grade teachers, one from related arts teachers and one from special education teachers and teaching assistants. These individuals will be recognized at the end-of-the year faculty meeting and celebration time. After the first year, one person will be selected each semester and will be recognized at the end-of-the year faculty meeting and celebration time. A letter of congratulations signed by the principal and all members of the selection committee will be sent to the recipient, with a copy of the letter being sent to the district superintendent and each school board member. A plaque displaying the names of all recipients will be on display in a prominent location on the school campus. Those selected during the first year of the program will be considered to founding members of the Star Polishers recognition program and will be so designated on the school plaque. The name of each recipient will be displayed on the school marquee. Names of the selected individuals will be submitted to the district superintendent and to School Board Members. Star Polishers will be listed on the school website at www.McCants.Anderson5.net Star Polishers will be recognized in the school Monday Messenger and in the PTA Parent Newsletter.
McCants Middle School Faculty and Staff Recognition Program Nomination Form
Name of person being nominated for the award____________________________________________ Grade and Subject Taught_____________________________________________________________ Please state why you believe this individual should receive the Star Polisher award and give specific examples of the persons actions or contributions to the students at McCants Middle School. Please mention if the nominee is involved in outside volunteer efforts. __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ (Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed) Please describe how the nominee supports one or more of the guiding principles and belief statements listed below. Activities may include, but not limited to, the improvement of student achievement, implementing the school improvement plan, promoting the motto and/or mission of McCants Middle School, service to other members of the faculty and staff as well as to students, parents and overall school community. Core Principles of Master Teacher: Committed to students and their learning Know the subjects they teach and how to teach the subjects to the students Responsible for managing and monitoring student learning Think systematically about their practice and learn from experience Members of the learning community __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ __________________________________________________________________________________ (Please attach a separate sheet if more space is needed) Name of person making the nomination________________________________________ Your status / position (check one) _____Student _____Parent _____ Staff Member
Address_______________________________City________________Zip___________ Phone Number_____________________________ Signature of person making the nomination____________________________________ Please send to: Mrs. Leigh Powell Instructional Facilitator McCants Middle School 2123 Marchbanks Avenue Anderson, South Carolina 29621 Fax Number: (864) 260-5846