A basic tenet of democratic society is a belief in the dignity and worth of
the individual members. The role of Mingus Union High school, therefore, is
to prepare young people, within their inherent capabilities and ambitions, to
become self-supporting, participating members of a democratic society.
All curriculum areas have the responsibility of encouraging good foundation habits. Curriculum areas should offer information and experiences to aid students in selecting careers.
The potential of each individual should be developed to the fullest extent possible. The social and academic environment should be positive, inviting individuals to achieve their maximum potential.
The educational process should be aimed toward the development of the students’ ability to think, to evaluate, and to create. In addition, it should foster an appreciation of our cultural heritage and an understanding of the cultures of others. Progress toward these aims can be realized through the cooperation of the school, the home, the church, and the community.
To create a supportive atmosphere which encourages individuals to set goals, immediate and long term, and strive for excellence in attaining those, according to their capabilities.
To equip the students with those basic skills common to success in any field of endeavor through the fundamentals in reading, writing, mathematics, language, the arts, social studies, science, and physical education.
To provide a diversified academic and vocational curriculum capable of meeting the needs of students with varied abilities and interests.
To develop a working knowledge and a appreciation for democratic ideals through active participation in co-curricular and extra-curricular activities.
To enhance the acquisition of skills which enable a student to act as a responsible individual and as a cooperative group member.
To provide an opportunity to understand and appreciate culture, beauty, and human achievement.
To develop an appreciation of the significance of the family for the individual and society and the condition conducive to successful family living.
School District Mission
Our mission is to provide viable opportunities for all members of the Mingus Union High School learning community to constructively contribute, achieve and succeed in an ever changing, increasingly complex and culturally diverse society; to serve and work cooperatively within their community; and to become life-long learners.
We believe:
Learning is the school’s main priority.
A safe and comfortable environment promotes student learning.
A student’s self-esteem is enhanced by positive relationships and mutual respect among and between students and staff.
All staff, parents, and the community share the responsibility for the support of the school’s mission.
A commitment to staff development enhances learning.
High expectations increase individual student performance.
Students learn best when they have appropriate opportunities for success.
Each student is a valued individual with unique physical, social, emotional and intellectual needs.
Extra-curricular activities are an integral part of a student’s academic success at MUHS.
A diverse academic and vocational curriculum increases the success for students.
Code of Ethics
The Board of Governors, administration, staff, and students of Mingus Union High School desire that school be a place of learning, free from negative influence which can only detract from the success of the educational program.
Therefore, at Mingus there is a pledge to strive to assure that varying view points will be investigated and analyzed; that matters of interest to the school community are not distorted or suppressed; that all members of the school community will conduct themselves in a highly ethical manner and will not seek to embarrass or disparage one another; that no discrimination will be made based on the grounds of race, color, creed, sex, religion, or national origin; that no member will take unfair advantage of another; that all confidential information will be maintained as required; that no gifts or services will be given or received that might seem to be given or received in return for special advantage; that no member of the school community shall interfere with another’s exercise of political and citizenship rights and responsibilities; and that no member shall cause any action which may result in physical or mental harm to any member of the community.
Adherence to these ethical considerations will result in a better school community for all concerned.
Community
The people who live in the communities that make up the Mingus Union School District are greatly affected by the depth, breadth, and quality of the programs offered and administered by Mingus Union High School. The residents of the district shall establish goals and expectations for the overall development of the community. These goals encompass spiritual, economic, developmental, and educational needs and desires.
Therefore, these goals and expectations make up the foundation for the development of the educational program for the citizens of the district.
The people of the School District elect a Board of Governors to be their representatives in developing the philosophy, policies, and funding for their educational system. These Board members must continually remain responsive to the needs, desires, and problems voiced by the students, staff, and community and must assure that the educational system of the high school continues to provide quality programs which meet the needs of the students and citizens.
In order to establish a program of high quality, it is the responsibility of the Board, using a reasonable tax rate and realistic bonding program, to provide a functional school plant, the necessary equipment, supplies, and textbooks, and a qualified staff of professional educational and support personnel.
Administration
In order to administer the school system, a Superintendent is selected who the Board feels will be qualified and competent to carry out its policies and philosophy. It is the duty of the Superintendent to oversee the overall administration of the school. The Superintendent is directly responsible to the Board and hence to the people of the District.
It is the Superintendent’s responsibility to assure that the school’s programs are of high quality, that these programs prepare the students to meet their aspirations and needs, and that the school is a safe place in which to receive a diversified education.
Excellence is paramount! In order to provide a program of excellence in education, the Superintendent must develop a staff of administrators, teachers, and support personnel. Classified and certified staff are directly responsible to the administration who has the obligation of providing the staff with the tools and resources needed to carry out their responsibilities.
The demonstration must provide a well maintained school plant; assure adequate transportation for the students; develop curricula which exceeds minimum standards; provide extracurricular programs to develop well-rounded students; develop, train, and supervise a qualified staff and provide the resources needed to assure excellent school programming.
Educators
Professional educators are selected who bring to the position knowledge, experience, a caring attitude, and a commitment of self and time. The contract between the school and the teachers assumes that the school will provide a safe, well-equipped plant, the tools and resources needed to carry out the educational program; the salary and fringe benefits for the position, the training and supervision needed to assure excellence; and the goals of education as established by the Board of Governors in response to the community’s expressed wishes.
Teachers, for their part of the contract, will provide excellence in teaching, an attitude of caring for each student, and a commitment of time and energy to the job.
Students
It is understood that other factors bear heavily upon the education and development of each student. The school must be concerned with the student’s development and be aware that factors such as health, native ability, peer relationships, and economics affect the educational program. It should be the system’s goal to maximize the benefits to each student and to minimize the factors which may adversely affect the student’s progress.
Family
The school cannot provide a successful program without the full cooperation of the family. The family needs to support the student, the staff, and the school system by providing input and by becoming involved in school programs.
If the community, the Board of Governors, the administration, the staff, the students, and the family work together as a team, the result will be a school system of the highest caliber. The district must work toward this end and provide the challenge for excellence.