Thornton Academy Postscripts Alumni Magazine Fall 2015 | Page 21

“It has been important to me to create a culture at the middle school that is inviting for students and staff. I foster opportunities for staff to grow and set professional development goals. But a successful workplace boils down to relationships—in this case between me and the teaching staff. It’s important to model the value of relationships and let this trickle down to students. I want the Thornton Academy Middle School to be a place where students know that we care about them. They’re not only a student, but a person and an individual. have succeeded here, becoming citizens who contribute to our TA community in positive and productive ways.” Tiffany reflected on the changes, “For each of the past ten years, we have improved and refined our practice. Over the years, our student diversity has increased. Now, in addition to Arundel students, we serve students from Saco, Dayton, Scarborough, South Portland and Portland.” Now that the ten-year contract through which all Arundel middle school students attend Thornton Academy will expire in June 2016, many parents are wondering what will happen “We foster this culture of next. Tiffany said, “Even though the respect in the very first Arundel contract is ending, we will Now that the ten-year contract through which all few days of school called continue to be a choice for Arundel Arundel middle school students attend Thornton ‘Community Building families. We were built as their school Academy will expire in June 2016, many parents Days.’ We devote three and we will continue to serve them.” are wondering what will happen next. Tiffany said, days to exploring what a “Even though the \