What is Crew?
At Pataula Charter Academy, our goal is to bring our community together, promote shared understandings and encourage all community members to become Crew, not passengers. “Crew” is a tightly knit family unit that begins every single day of school with a greeting, deepening of relationships, team building, sharing, developing group norms, and shaping and reshaping school and classroom culture. Teachers and students listen actively and attentively to one another. In crew, students re-define what it means to be a learning community that really supports and challenges one another.
Throughout the year, Crew lessons revolve around six design principals that guide PCA's school culture. Every six weeks, students who reflect the design principle are honored at our school wide Community Circles. These celebrations are set aside to celebrate the learning and achievements of both students and staff throughout the year. We hope you can join us for one these events!
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DESIGN PRINCIPLE CHARACTERISTICS
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Self-Discovery
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Innovative thinking- Having wonderful ideas and thinking outside of the box.
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Solitude and reflection- Students need time alone to explore their own thoughts, make their own connections, and create their own ideas.
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Hope and contentment- Hope for the things you can make better, but be content with the things you cannot change.
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Courage- Do not let fear define who you are.
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2) Responsibility
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Self discipline- Listen, absorb, think, and then act.
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Dependable and reliable- Do your part even if it involves sacrifice.
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Proactive Learner- Recognizing and doing what needs to be done before being asked to do it.
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3) Service and Compassion
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Empathy and Caring- Learning is fostered best in communities where students’ and teachers’ ideas are respected and where there is mutual trust.
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Service- Students are strengthened by acts of service to others and are prepared with attitudes and skills to be of service.
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Gratitude and Humility- The willingness to give without recognition and to receive without resentment.
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4) Diversity and Inclusion
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Diversity- What is diversity?
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Acceptance and respect- Accept and respect others, even if they are different from you.
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Kindness- Treat other the way you wish to be treated- *The Golden Rule*
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5) Success and Failure
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Determination and Endurance- Committed and goal oriented despite hurdles.
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Collaboration and Competition- The value of friendship, trust, and group action is clear. Students are encouraged to compete, not against each other, but with their own personal best.
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Leading and Following- It is vitally important to know when to lead and when to follow.
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6) The Natural World
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Observant- I pay attention to nature and strive to preserve our earth.
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Serenity- Finding calmness and peace in nature.
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Patience- Growth does not happen overnight.
Design Principles