members recognize the value of creative, stimulating classroom experiences supplemented by individual contact and support. Students discover to their amazement that science and humanities teachers echo each other in their demand for clear, logical thinking and in their emphasis on integrity and ethical concerns in academic pursuits. Faculty and staff continue to develop professionally as recipients of grants for summer study and research and as participants in professional conferences. Administrative staff working with students also reflects concern for the whole student. For example, students receive professional guidance on finding colleges that are the right “fit’” academically, personally, and socially. Students are guided through the college search process, how and when to apply for merit and need-based financial aid, and how to tie their college planning to their individual aptitudes and abilities. Career exploration is also a focus.
D. Philosophy and Expectations A residential school is a community. Contributions made by those who reside and work in such a setting will ultimately benefit everyone through the creation of a climate that promotes purposeful learning and living. GSSM was created to provide such an opportunity. This community of scholars allows all to contribute to and learn from others the joy of discovery and the stretching of one's limits. Each member of the GSSM community is expected to respect the rights and support the responsibilities of every other person here. The living and learning environment of GSSM is based upon the following principles and expectations, which correspond with the Civitas values noted in the Statement of Principle: 1. Privilege and Right: Attending GSSM is a privilege and not a right. While we are glad you chose the Governor’s School, this privilege must continue to be earned while in attendance. The two primary criteria for continuing at GSSM are academic performance and personal citizenship in the GSSM community, which includes compliance with community standards. 2. Responsibility: While students have the freedom to make a number of important individual choices, they must understand that with this freedom goes responsibility. At the most basic level, students are responsible for learning and teachers are responsible for teaching. Students are expected to prepare for, attend, and participate in all of their classes and labs. Students will be held accountable for the decisions they make and for their behavior in and out of the classroom, as well as off campus. 3. Motivation and Commitment: We expect each member of the community to strive for excellence in his or her academic, social, and personal development. Students are expected to exercise self-discipline and to meet their commitments, both in and out of the classroom. 4. Fair Play and Civility: Everyone at GSSM deserves to be treated with respect and courtesy. Concern for one's fellow students and mutual enforcement of standards of conduct are essential in the GSSM community. 5. Safety and Security: We expect students to take appropriate responsibility to care for themselves, their campus, their environment, and each other. 6. Health and Hygiene: We advocate good physical and mental health for all members of our community. Students are expected to exhibit care for personal hygiene and community cleanliness. 7. Honor and Truth: We expect students to be honest with themselves, with each other, and with faculty and staff members. Integrity is critical in one’s overall success. 8. Personal Accountability: It is an expectation that members of the GSSM student body will exercise a high degree of personal responsibility and accept accountability for their choices. 2
