WHAT IS A MIDDLE SCHOOL?
In order to meet the needs of the young adolescent, a middle school must be a very special place.
It should be a place where . . .
learning is effective and students are involved.
high expectations are coupled with lots of support.
every student is accepted and respected as unique.
every student can experience success.
education is student oriented.
the school climate is safe and positive.
students can believe in themselves.
relationships are built.
parents are allies.
there is a feeling of cohesiveness.
every student can soar like an eagle.
students can be part of a family or "team".
every student can shake hands with the future.
commitment and involvement are the keys to success.
teachers know and own the students in their teams.
every student is well known by at least one adult.
every student gets psychological/emotional support.
feeling good about yourself is the order of the day.
every student can acquire a functional body of fundamental knowledge.
every student has the freedom to explore and develop interests.
the teachers are knowledgeable about and committed to young adolescents.
TEAMS -- THE HEART OF THE MIDDLE SCHOOL
Students entering the seventh grade at the middle school generally are:
struggling to adjust to a different school environment
anxious about meeting a wider variety of students
presented with the expectations of many teachers
often overwhelmed with being one person in so large a school
nervous about the prospect of making new friends
going from being well-known in an elementary school, to being the "new kid on the block" at the middle school
at increased risk of failure or diminished self-esteem
To help students deal with this change in their lives, our middle schools have embraced the "TEAM" approach where:
students are randomly assigned to a grade level team
a team might consist of two, three, four or five core academic teachers (math, English, science, social studies, reading)
students interact with the team teachers for the majority of the time during the day
each team has a name, a logo and a motto to foster team spirit and to get the students "hooked" on school
the team teachers share a common conference period during which they can meet with parents or students to discuss concerns or successes
students can get extra support if needed through academic success plans or behavior contracts
the teachers schedule team planning time to coordinate lessons, alter their team's schedule and plan activities
TROUBLE SHOOTING
As the school year progresses, it is very normal for you to have questions or concerns about something at the school. Maybe you are concerned about an upcoming event, about a grade your child received, or about a policy at the school. Or perhaps your child came home and told you something that just doesn't sound right to you. Or maybe you would like to get more information about a course of study or class requirements. As a parent, you should never hesitate to ask a question or seek assistance. School personnel are available to answer your questions or give you help when needed. In addition, all staff is more than happy to accept a compliment or pat on the back for a job well done.
Sometimes it seems almost impossible to know whom to call about a problem or concern. If your dissatisfaction or question relates to your child's grade, homework, in-class behavior, or day-to-day performance, please follow these steps. Move to the next step each time you do not feel satisfied with the step(s) you have already taken.
STEP ONE -- Call or visit the teacher and/or counselor.
STEP TWO -- Call or visit the Assistant Principal -- be sure to say that you have already spoken to the teacher and/or counselor involved.
STEP THREE -- Call or visit the Principal -- be sure to say that you have already spoken to the Assistant Principal.
STEP FOUR -- Call or visit the Executive Director of Curriculum & Instruction -- be sure to say that you have already spoken to the Principal.
STEP FIVE -- Call or visit the Superintendent -- be sure to say that you have already spoken to someone in the Academic Services.
