Education is based on the premises that children will benefit by being systematically exposed to the cumulative experience of mankind. The objective of this exposure in the Ironton system are (1) to give each child a functioning knowledge of English, language arts, mathematical skills, and an understanding of the basic sciences; (2) to provide the opportunities for students to have an exposure to and an appreciation of music, art, drama, the great works of literature, and to develop the aesthetic values; (3) to develop in each child a healthy body and an appreciation of coordinated physical effort and teamwork; (4) to develop skills necessary for modern living that will be of immediate benefit to children as they enter adult life, including vocational skills and homemaking and/or a foundation of academic knowledge upon which the student could build a professional or scholastic career; (5) to inculcate an enlightened love of country and humanity; (6) to give each child an opportunity to learn and practice high moral standards; (7) to transmit the culture and cultural heritage of our nation and peoples to this and succeeding generations by means of schools and public education; (8) to provide our youth a forum in which to be heard, a set of activities in which to be engaged, and a vehicle for the development of the thought processes which assure logic and reason; (9) to develop the social graces of our young people, including good manners, acceptable personal habits and attitudes, and a demeanor befitting the civil, educated person; (10) to instill in all students the basic, inherent right of personal freedom and individuality, the responsibilities which go with the same, and to teach and train students to live in a democratic society in a law-abiding and peaceful manner with all others, both here and abroad, (11) and to provide a program of student activities which promote social skills, physical fitness, self-esteem and the will to win.

The most important goal is to provide each child with the basic skills in the elementary grades. This would include reading, writing, and arithmetic necessary for the simple tasks which are a part of everyday living. If possible, each child’s basic knowledge would be expanded to include other areas of learning. The schools must also provide a wide range of both classroom and extracurricular activities which will attempt to ensure the development of the whole child, and library facilities which will broaden the scope of students’ knowledge and understanding of all peoples and cultures.

Physical education should be integrated part of the educational system, from matriculation to graduation. Each child should be taught to respect his/her body and be given an opportunity to experience satisfaction that can come only by the achievement of a high level of body discipline and coordination. Physical education should also include the development of the ability to work in teams, and the acceptance of necessary defeats.

Graduates of our school system, and particularly those who attend the vocational school, should have the skills which are immediately useful. To those with interest in the professions, they should have the necessary academic foundation on which to add the advanced college and university training. Those interested in entering directly into business and labor should be furnished with the skills which are productive at once. For example, word processing, shorthand, bookkeeping, automotive repair, and various shop skills which are in demand in our own community. All graduates should be given an introduction into the care of the body, homemaking, and certain everyday skills such as automobile operation.

At every grade level there should be a program of instruction which would result in the students having an enlightened love of country. No doubt the core of this program would be the study of the history of the United States of America, and the lives of those Americans who have contributed immeasurably to the present high level of national attainment. However, our government should not be treated as an isolated phenomenon without antecedents and without relationships to the rest of the world. Our history should be placed in perspective, showing the beginnings, as far back as the Hebrew Nation, the Greeks, and on down to the English Nation. Our system of government should be compared and contrasted to other systems of government with full confidence that our government will not suffer by the comparison. Our nation should not be presented as a finished or a perfect product, but as people striving toward a goal of fulfillment of individual needs having the means of retaining that which is good in our system and changing or improvement is needed. The changes and improvements which are necessary can be obtained by peaceful means already provided by the constitutions of our state and national governments. Helpful in teaching love of country will be observance of patriotic holidays, display and respect for the flag and appropriate opening exercises.

The love of our country cannot be taught by teaching hate of other countries and peoples. The ideal of peaceful cooperation with other nations for the fuller development of all humanity should be presented.

Finally, it is to be hoped that students will develop high moral standards as a result of their educational experiences in the Ironton school system. Important in this area are the lessons of history, biography, literature (using every form, including religious literature), and philosophy. Morals can be also be taught by exacting good habits and disciplined conduct. The prime instrument in the development of good morals, however, will be example set by all persons connected with the school system, from the Board of Education to the teachers and other staff members.

The stated objectives are to gained by keeping and obtaining a well-trained certified staff, composed of individuals who believe in education to be among the most important activities of mankind and who believe that children are individuals entitled to their help, guidance, respect, and love. The teacher must be aided by being provided a cheerful environment and proper equipment and supplies. Most important than equipment and buildings will be the responsibility of the school board, with the help of the community, to foster this atmosphere, provide the physical plant and equipment, and to provide an administration will coordinate and support the efforts of the classroom teachers. The level of educational effort should be as high as the community can be persuaded to support.

10-20-69
Rev. 11-12-84
Rev. 2-5-90
Rev. 7-10-96