William H. Barkley MicroSociety

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William H. Barkley MicroSociety

66 DeStefano Street Amsterdam, NY 12010 518-843-1850 (ph) 518-843-6183 (fax) Richard J. Capel, Principal NEWS & ANNOUNCEMENTS On Thursday November 12, 2009 Target employees Georgina Carney, Mandi Bornt, Cary Parno, Rob Headley and Dave LaPorta visited the Barkley Microsociety media center. They brought shelves, chairs and a set of Playaway audio books to stock the new listening center. Haley Salisbury, Kelly Kilgallen and Elijah Bonnett enjoyed some of the stories. Thank you Target! Barkley student gives, instead of receiving, on her birthday Instead of asking for toys on her birthday, 7-year-old Amelia Barkevich asked her friends to donate pet food to the Montgomery County SPCA. Read the story published in The Recorder. Daily Gazette publishes story about Barkley MicroSociety - 3/17 Students create and ratify Barkley Constitution Barkley MicroSociety dress code What is a MicroSociety? A society is more than just a location on a map, in the same way a school is more than just a building. A society is shaped by many factors, such as businesses, government, courts, schools and, most important, people. Understanding how these factors operate and interact can help put students on the path to success, not just in school, but in life as well. The Barkley MicroSociety will create a microcosm of the real world with participation from each student, who will: Take an active role in their learning Establish a government, legal system and a bank Operate businesses that produce goods and services Earn micromoney, pay taxes and maintain a checking account Serve as elected officials Create a common purpose for their class and/or school community Our Mission The mission of the William H. Barkley MicroSociety Magnet School is to provide students with a quality education so they will make healthy decisions throughout their lives and contribute positively to society as adults. The Barkley MicroSociety will help students develop academic and creative problem solving skills, strengthen their work habits and enhance their values and self discipline. Guiding Principles Student achievement is our ultimate goal. Therefore, we are committed to the following principles: Student Voice & Choice Students play a large role in helping to design the school community and their input is sought regularly. Learning by Doing Students learn best when they are engaged in meaningful lessons. Entrepreneurial Spirit America is the land of opportunity. The entrepreneurial spirit motivates students to pursue new ideas and opportunities. Real World Experiences As students progress from grade to grade, their learning will be enhanced by increasingly sophisticated economic, social and political experiences. Teachers as Facilitators Teachers integrate a variety of learning styles and provide multiple opportunities for success. Shared Responsibility & Authority Opportunities for students to serve in leadership roles, make meaningful decisions and accept responsibility for outcomes. Parents as Contributors Parents and guardians are essential contributors to the learning community. History of the MicroSociety The MicroSociety program is the dream child of George Richmond, a painter, teacher, author and acclaimed educator who was raised by a single mother in the tenements of Manhattan’s Lower East Side. His first job, at a Brooklyn elementary school in 1967, was a rookie teacher’s nightmare. “If spitballs could kill, we’d all be dead,” he wrote. Learn more at www.microsociety.org

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