why we exist

​Empower 19 Conference – Baruti Kafele explained “mission” and everything that goes with the “mission” of a school.  Here are the important terms that he outlined and how he explained each:
 
Mission – The mission is what dominates your thinking.
 
Purpose – The purpose is your why.
 
Vision – The vision is your where.  For example, where will your school be in x amount of years?
 
Value – The value is your worth.  What is your value to your school?
 
I then took each of those words and applied them to our dream – York Academy of Discovery:
 
Mission – Our mission is to advocate on behalf of children through education.  This is what dominates our thinking.  How can we serve and advocate for children? 
We have done several things to begin this advocacy.  Our blog is one way to give our views and opinions on issues that impact children.  Our Facebook page provides information and uplifting shares pertaining to children and parents.  This past school year, we volunteered at a school helping teachers in providing students with extra services to meet their needs.
We have not given up the idea of developing our unique kindergarten and mentoring programs.
 
Purpose – Why do we seek to develop York Academy of Discovery? 
We do so because we wish to make a difference in the lives of children.  This is a part of our hearts and our faith.  It is a way to serve our Lord.  Developing York is a way to touch the lives of children and families.  It is also a way to bring equity into the education of young children.
 
Vision – Our vision is to develop and implement programs that meet the needs of young children.  Where are we, and where will we be in the future?
We have our website, our Facebook page, and our volunteer services.  Our vision is still to implement a kindergarten program.  This program would provide young children with a faith based program that gets children off to a successful school start and closes the achievement gap.
 
Value – What is our worth to York?
We believe in young children.  We believe in early childhood development and education.  We believe that we can provide “quality” experiences for low income children, English as a second language students, and others.  We believe that giving children a faith based environment builds acceptance, unity, and hope.    

Thinking - Children first.
 
BEcky