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MIDDLE SCHOOL REDESIGN INFORMATION The district will be reviewing the Middle Schools and considering making some changes. We have created this website to collect and distribute information about this process. At the bottom of the page is an active blog that we invite you to leave comments. February 2012 Dear School Families, The important local issue of Middle School ReDesign has been a source of deep reflection and multiple discussions through the district since last Spring. We believe we can make our good middle school programs even better. Key factors we have considered include: } State and Local Implementation of Recently Adopted Common Core Standards } The Need to Provide Enhanced Enrichment and Extension Options for High Achieving Students } Our Commitment to Improve Academic Achievement for All Students The ReDesign proposal is for ALL students! We are focused on challenging, engaging and supporting all of our diverse students. We intend to- } CHALLENGE:Advanced, successful students } ENGAGE: Average, possibly disengaged students } SUPPORT:Struggling learners We know that, in fact, all students benefit from strategies which result in being challenged, engaged, and supported. We know that: } 6thgrade is unique (it is part of the K-6 continuum) } 7thgrade and 8thgrade have a lasting impact on students } Students can acquire Regents Credits, Transcript Grade Our proposal is to configure: } Eastview as a campus for 6thGrade } Highlands as a campus for 7thand 8thGrades · Focus on student achievement: ◦ Move 2s to 3s and 3s to 4s ◦ Ensure 4s stay 4s ◦ Ensure readiness for High School We are very aware that any option, including status quo, has PROs and CONs. We believe the potential disadvantages outweigh the potential advantages. Potential Disadvantages: } Ending school choice at middle school level } Changing the option for “small school environment” } Added transition } Need for some students to transfer in year one of implementation Potential Advantages: } Equal access to languages } Equal access to extra-curricular activities } Equal access to all unified arts curricula, such as: ◦ Project Lead the Way ◦ Project Adventure ◦ Home and Careers ◦ National Foundation for Teaching Entrepreneurship } Increased enrichment and/or support options for ALL students } Efficiency - more effective use of staff time } Students would transition from elementary to middle school together } Development of stronger academic teams } Increased time on task (block scheduling in 7th& 8thgrades)  We will look forward to working with parents, staff, and students to make this proposal a keystone for district wide improvements over time. Thank you for taking the time to read the articles and reports we have posted. Thank you for your commitment to the academic and social/emotional growth of all our students. We share that commitment. Sincerely, Dr. Christopher Clouet Superintendent Click aqui para Español ________________________________________________________ Middle School ReDesign Steering Committee Dr. Christopher P. Clouet, Facilitator
Fundamental Guiding Ideas From Breaking Ranks (full set available in the reference files link below) these are the fundamental guiding ideas that will frame the decision making process for Middle School Redesign.
Middle School ReDesign Reference Files Answers to Parent Questions Regarding Middle School ReDesign - This document reflects some of the questions parents have brought up to Mrs. Diane Cassidy, a member of the MS ReDesign Steering Committee. They will all be discussed by the committee. Public Forum Presentation - February 2012 (En Español) How EQ Is Key to Mental Health and Student Success Middle Schoolers Getting Prepped for College Gaining Ground in the Middle Grades: Why Some Schools Do Better?
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