The District’s Mission, Vision, and Guiding Principles were established by Dr. Michael Washburn, FHPS Superintendent, and the FHPS Board of Education during Washburn’s 21-year tenure as school superintendent. Dr. Washburn served as superintendent from 1985-2006.
Mission
In partnership with our community, Forest Hills Public Schools will provide all learners with opportunities to acquire the knowledge, skills, and experiences necessary to build meaningful and productive lives.
Vision
All learners achieving individual potential
Guiding Principles
We believe Forest Hills Public Schools is a learning organization, built upon integrity, and to this end:
We are committed to the principle of Caring.
We believe in:
- maintaining a family atmosphere
- supporting each other
- being warm, sincere and genuine
- accepting and including everyone
- confronting the tough issues
- keeping each other safe and secure
We are committed to the principle of Collaboration.
We believe in:
- solving problems together
- working toward win/win
- building partnerships
- sharing best practices
- volunteering
- being generous
- engaging parents as full partners
We are committed to the principle of Open Communication.
We believe in:
- listening
- sharing
- promoting trust
- building community through dialogue
- encouraging participation from all
We are committed to the principle of Diversity and Inclusiveness.
We believe in:
- helping students value their unique talents and gifts
- knowing, understanding and appreciating each other
- valuing individual differences
- celebrating our heritage
- healing racism
- embracing differences to enrich, strengthen, and connect our community
- striving for equity
- considering all viewpoints to arrive at better decisions
We are committed to the principle of High Expectations.
We believe in:
- expecting all children to learn
- requiring all to give their best
- providing opportunities for all to contribute
- assuming parents want what’s best for their child
- maintaining high academic standards
- offering challenging opportunities
- helping students make healthy choices
- contributing to the development of good character
We are committed to the principle of Learning.
We believe in:
- learning for its own sake
- offering a range of educational opportunities
- providing diverse experiences
- individualizing learning programs
- accommodating multiple intelligences and learning styles
- preparing students for lifelong learning
- providing quality resources
- accessing the world beyond our classrooms
We are committed to the principle of Respect.
We believe in:
- fostering high regard for self and others
- modeling civility
- appreciating differences
- adhering to our code of conduct
- having zero tolerance for inappropriate behaviors
We are committed to the principle of Trust.
We believe in:
- being honest
- being consistent
- being loyal
- assuming others’ intentions are good
- keeping promises
- demonstrating good stewardship
