POSITIVE School
POSITIVE: "Pattonville Occupational School Including Technical Individualized Vocational Education"
Ms. Donna Burd, Principal
WELCOME to Pattonville's Positive School. Since its inception in 1981, over 3,000 students have attended this school for "at-risk" students. The majority of our students have improved their attitude about themselves, school, and family - evidenced by: reduced absenteeism and improved grades; fewer discipline referrals and more involvement in school activities; and more Positive communication between home and school.
Our students are a testimony to the philosophy that "All Students Can Learn" when they are challenged on terms compatible with their needs and abilities. Positive School works because we are staffed by teachers and support personnel who are able to encourage the student's sense of self-awareness and growth, and a personalized school experience. At the same time, the student understands he or she is responsible for his or her actions.
Mission
The Positive School mission is to empower at-risk students with skills to become independent, productive, and responsible members of society by providing alternative approaches to unique learning styles in a supportive environment.
Philosophy
Knowledge is power. Acquisition of information and the ability to use what is learned is the result of an active engagement between teacher and student. Teachers and parents are at the core of education. A successful student is the product of good teaching. All students want to learn. Given the opportunity, all students can succeed. The responsibility of an educational system is to provide legitimate opportunities for this to become a reality.
An educational system must focus on success and potential success rather than on problems and potential problems. Students behave the way they are treated. An educational system must accept students before it can understand students. An educational system must find the good in students and praise it.
The implementation of a strong educational system is an investment in the future. Teachers and parents play an integral role in helping young adults develop the tools to be successful. The Positive School is such a system. VISION: Pattonville's Positive School is a partnership between students, teachers, parents, and the community whereby all students develop essential skills that will enable them to become productive citizens.
Positive School is a place where