The founding group of Wildflower Open Classroom identified eight core values: collaboration, community, stewardship, joy and adventure in learning, integrity, personal responsibility, being respectful, and positive and honest communication. These values are the guiding principles for all actions and decisions made by the Wildflower community (Board, administration, teachers, parents, students, and community volunteers)

COLLABORATION MEANS…
A learning community where all voices are heard (parents, teachers, kids, staff, administration, and board). Community members are open to others, empower others and work as a team to come up with best possible solution/outcome/curriculum, etc. All are accountable for their role as a positive participant.

COMMUNITY MEANS…
Belonging to a group that works together and has empathy, compassion, and consideration for each other. Feeling part of a whole, and working for the good of the whole. We rely on and support one another. We have traditions, we play and celebrate together, and we consider how our actions affect others in our community. We see our school as one part of our larger (town, state, nation, world) community.

STEWARDSHIP MEANS…
Being the example you wish to see. Caring for people, environment (school and Earth), and our community with the joint goal of prosperity and success. As stewards, we provide service to others and the environment by using resources productively and with good intentions. We teach and practice eco-awareness and connectivity to our planet.

JOY AND ADVENTURE OF LEARNING MEANS…
Both successes and failures contribute to personal and academic growth. Part of the excitement of learning is the challenge of risk-taking and the discovery that happens when one reflects on this action. We will implement this guiding principle through active hands-on learning, encouraging individual learning styles, openness and change. Kids will be engaged in real life experiences while having fun and getting dirty.

INTEGRITY MEANS…
Remaining true to values and philosophy. Standing up for the vision and intent of our school. Acting with trust, honest intent, and respect for self, others, and environment. With integrity, we continue working towards our goals, constantly assessing and correcting to remain truthful to our prescribed values.

PERSONAL RESPONSIBILITY MEANS…
Taking the initiative to care for our community. We accomplish this by being truthful to ourselves, accepting the consequences of our actions, and doing our jobs to the best of our ability. Our goal is a community made up of self-motivated, accountable individuals taking pride in their work.

BEING RESPECTFUL MEANS…
Creating a safe place where kids, staff, parents, etc. listen and speak with caring, openness, and compassion. Our community is open to differences and willing to see situations from others’ viewpoints, learning from each other as we work toward shared solutions. A willingness to be “wrong” and to always consider how your words and actions are affecting those in your community.

POSITIVE COMMUNICATION/HONESTY MEANS…
All voices are valued, heard, and considered. Discussing issues where the common goal is resolution and satisfaction for all parties. Acknowledging the efforts of others and being willing to engage in conversations of all types (good and bad). Positive communication includes safe, honest, and direct discussions/statements where all parties take initiative and seek to understand one another’s points of view. Positive communication involves shared outcomes and productive results.