Michael L. Gibbons, Principal

Bachelor of Science Degree

Arizona State University

Teacher Certification

University of Michigan-Flint

Master of Arts Degree

University of Michigan-Ann Arbor

Advanced Post-Graduate Work:

Eastern Michigan University

Michigan State University

Central Michigan University

Michael L. Gibbons

Mr. Gibbons graduated from Flint Southwestern High School and attended Arizona State University where he earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration: Marketing/Management. After working as an account executive in the radio business, and in management at the Chevrolet Truck Plant in Flint, he returned to college to get his teaching certificate (Kgn through 9^th gr.). His first teaching position was at Swartz Creek Middle School and over the next ten years, he taught 6^th, 7^th, 8^th, and 9^th graders. He then spent three years as an assistant principal at the Middle School before being assigned to Gaines Elementary School fourteen years ago.

Mr. Gibbons has two daughters. Mischa is an attorney with a firm in Farmington Hills, MI. Laura is a junior at the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor, and is planning on becoming a high school English teacher.

Mr. Gibbons greatly enjoys reading a wide range of books and magazines in his spare time, with a special affection for crime fiction/mystery novels. He is also a film/movie enthusiast and has a special fondness for live theater. Mr. Gibbons is also a music lover with an extensive collection of albums and CD’s. His musical tastes lean towards R & B, smooth jazz and blues. He loves to spend time downloading music to his iPod.

Mr. Gibbons invites your telephone calls or face-to-face conferences. Just give the office a call to set up an appointment, or stop in to talk when you are at school.

Call: 989-271-8329 or 810-591-1076/1078

Email address: mgibbons@swcrk.org

Our Mission:

The Mission of Gaines Elementary School is

to ensure that our students will be

effective problem solvers and decision makers,

who care about others,

who have a healthy sense of self, and

who exhibit an enjoyment for learning as they contribute to an ever changing, richly diverse society.

We will accomplish this by

having a highly skilled and compassionate staff

who model an enthusiasm for learning

while teaching a relevant, innovative curriculum

with an eye toward tomorrow’s needs.

This will take place in a clean, safe, and supportive environment where students and staff treat each other with mutual respect.

Personal Belief Statement

of Michael Gibbons

I believe:

· That student progress is the result of the combined efforts of dedicated educators, interested parents, and a motivated student.

· That the family is the single-most powerful influence on young people.

· That all children can learn, and that it is our mission is to maximize each child’s learning potential.

· That the effective school puts students first and bases its decisions and actions on what is in the best interest of its students.

· That the effective school is a harmony of mutual respect, feelings of security and comfort, and is marked by the acceptance of diversity.

· That the effective classroom provides a totally safe and friendly environment for students to take the risks necessary to learn. The classroom should be the ultimate “home court advantage”.

· That the effective classroom and school establishes an environment in which adults and students are not made to feel inferior because they are not part of a particular group.

· That effective educators listen carefully to all students.

· That the effective school and classroom enforces rules consistently and uniformly with no favoritism being shown to any student or group of students.

· That effective educators engage the minds of students through stimulating instruction that is made relevant to every student.

· That the effective classroom has an appropriate blend of listening to instruction and participating in solutions and activities.

· That the effective school does not tolerate taunting, teasing, disrespectful actions, cursing, drugs, weapons, violence, or vandalism.

· That the effective school teaches students how to resolve conflicts and settle disputes.

· That the effective school teaches students how to make the right choices.

· That the effective school is flexible in its instructional design with the emphasis being placed on teaching each child according to his/her needs.

· That educators have a huge impact on the lives of the young people with whom we come in contact.

· That the smile and words of encouragement from educators can last a lifetime in the memories of our students.