From the first time I entered the building it was clearly evident
that Morris Brandon Elementary is a remarkable neighborhood and
community school. Since having the honor of becoming Morris Brandon's
principal, I have learned that this sense of community is not only due
to unrivaled parent involvement and an accomplished staff but also to
the solidarity of the neighborhood that surrounds us. The fact that the
school has maintained this sense of neighborhood for more than 60 years
in the midst of an increasingly expansive urban environment is quite
remarkable and a characteristic that I'm sure we will continue to
cherish.
Not only has Morris Brandon managed to remain a true neighborhood school for many years, but it has also managed to continually evolve in order to meet the changing needs of the community it serves. One example of Brandon's ability to grow with the community is our authorization in the spring of 2007 by the International Baccalaureate Organization to offer the Primary Years Program. The Primary Years Program provides us with the tools necessary to teach what matters and to add rigor and vitality to the required curriculum. At Brandon, all instructional programs are regularly evaluated and monitored for effectiveness and then continually improved and refined. The Brandon staff provides a quality and developmentally appropriate program in fine arts, foreign language, technology, and physical education. These programs, along with rigorous instruction in the core academic curriculum, prepare Brandon students well for the academic and social requirements of middle and high school. The Morris Brandon staff, parents, and community enthusiastically accept the responsibility of preserving this rich tradition and history by continuing to provide an outstanding educational experience for all students. |