Our Middle Schools: Capitalizing on the wonder

 

The middle grades are referred to as the “wonder” years in a child’s life. It is a time when students of transform Text Box: Our Middle Schools East Valley Middle School South Middle School West Middle School Opening Fall 2008 Lone Star Middle School physically, emotionally, and intellectually.

 

Visit any of our three middle schools and you will find schools focused on ensuring that the basic skills mastered in elementary school are broadened to prepare students for high school. We offer a comprehensive program that goes beyond the basics of reading and math and includes social studies, science, physical education, music, and art.

Our middle schools serve students in grades 6 through 8 and are paired with a high school to ensure a smooth transition. To ensure that students are not lost in the crowds, students and teachers are grouped into teams at each grade level.

 

Each team is divided into advisory classes of about 18 to 25 students. Advisory is the nuts and bolts of true middle level.  Teaming is essential for the success of students and teachers. The advisory teacher acts the students’ advocate for the year and serves as the first contact for parents. Advisory classes address a variety of themes and topics through the school year from time and stress management to planning for high school.

 

Our middle schools reflect our instructional approach that emphasizes applying knowledge in hands-on projects and lessons. Research shows that middle school is a critical time to excite students about math and science. Two years ago, our middle schools put into place “Project Lead the Way,” a pre-engineering program that allows students to explore problem solving in a fun, exciting, hands-on way.

 

The middle school years also are time when children’s values and beliefs about themselves and their community begin to crystallize.  Teachers and administrators stress building character and responsibility skills during this time. Advisory classes play a key role in this area as well organizing promoting community service from the district’s annual food drive to raising funds for medical research or cleaning up neighborhoods.