Connections Middle School A Developmentally Responsive Middle School Project by: Amanda Bennett Chrissy Byerly John Lambert Amy Pennell

Philosophy The purpose of Connections Middle School is to prepare students to be life-long learners by…. Providing a challenging and relevant curriculum Providing a student-centered environment is a collaborative effort involving students, teachers, administrators, support staff, families and the community Supporting parental involvement which is vital to the education of the middle school student Being committed to the belief that all students can learn and be successful socially, emotionally, physically and academically. Promoting healthy diversity so that interaction among our students is positive and respectful. Striving to promote a safe, positive, encouraging and caring environment.

Grade Organization 6 th, 7 th & 8 th Have common physical, social & psychological & intellectual variables Allows school to focus directly on the needs and interests of young adolescents Common needs and interests insures a more successful learning environment

Interdisciplinary Team Organization **4 person teams in all grades** Interdisciplinary teams support the academic, social, and emotional growth of young adolescents through: Flexible instructional time to meet learner needs Opportunities that provide connections across integrated curriculum Smaller learning communities within schools creating lasting teacher/student relationships

Team Names 6 th Grade Teams7 th Grade Teams8 th Grade Teams Team MercuryTeam MarsTeam Blurinas Team Venus Team JupiterTeam Neptune Team EarthTeam SaturnTeam Pluto

Support Staff Technology Staff Clerical Staff Counselors Special Education Student Services Cafeteria Custodial Staff

Bell Schedule 6 th Grade7 th grade8 th grade 7:25-Breakfast7:25-Breakfast7:25-Breakfast 7:50-First Bell7:50-First Bell7:50-First Bell 7:55 amTardy Bell7:55 amTardy Bell7:55 amTardy Bell 7:55-8:15 Advisory7:55-8:15 Advisory7:55-8:15 Advisory 8:15-9:15 Core 18:15-9:15 Core 18:15-9:15 Core 1 9:20-10:05 – 8/19:20-10:55 Core 29:20-10:55 Core 2 10:10-10:55 – 8/211:20-12:05 – 7/111:00-12:55 Core 3 11:00-12:55 Core 212:10-12:55 – 7/21:00-1:45- 6/1 1:00-2:30 Core 31:00-2:30 Core 31:50-2:30 6/2 Lunch Schedule 7th grade 10:40 – 11:20 6 th grade 11:25 – 12:05 8 th grade 12:10 – 12:50

Flexible Block Scheduling Allows for schools to optimize time, space, staff and facilities Add variety to curriculum Allows for more instructional time Reduces amount of time students are out of class Gives teachers more control over learning enviroment

Advisory Program Objectives: To provide an environment school where teachers and students have positive interaction daily Empower students to carry learned skills beyond middle school Meet daily Mon-Fri from 7:55-8:15

Advisory Program-6 th Grade School Orientation School, team and individual identity Proper Hygiene Academic skill and support Building Relationships

Advisory Program-7 th Grade Community Service School and Community Awareness Citizenship Academic Skill and Support Building Relationships

Advisory Program-8 th Grade Leadership Current Events and Issues Community History Academic Skill and Support Building and Maintaining Relationships

Core Curriculum  Language Arts  Math  Science  Social Studies Based on NC Standard Course of Study Consisting of Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies Grouped in heterogeneous mixed gender groups

Exploratory Classes Physical Education Healthful Living Music Education Computer Skills

Elective Classes Astronomy Agriculture and Business Digital Photography Spreadsheet Safari

Co-curricular Activities Job Shadowing Community Service Community Involvement Athletics Intramural Sports

Instructional Strategies Purpose: Create diverse learning environments Nurture varying degrees of intelligences Engage individual learning styles Strategies may be used alone or in combination

Instructional Strategies Diverse instructional strategies 1.Direct Instruction 2.Indirect Instruction 3.Experiential learning 4.Independent Study 5.Interactive Instruction

Class Grouping Composed of heterogeneous and diverse mixture Varying skills and abilities Allows students to benefit from each other’s strengths Diverse group creates a safety net for those struggling with certain concepts

Exceptional Learners Exceptional Learners Department of Connections Middle School is dedicated to: Providing high-quality, research based instruction and intervention strategies to address the instructional needs of all students Providing programs and services are designed to meet the individual needs of the students and are discussed and planned by students, parents, and school personnel

Family Involvement NMSA recognizes the need for family involvement for a successful Middle School When parents become involved, both students and school benefit: Grades and test results are higher; Students' attitudes and behavior are more positive; Academic programs are more successful The schools, as a whole, are more effective

Family Involvement Talk with your child about what happens at school every day. Ask often if there are messages from the school. Spend some relaxed time with your children. Share a meal or a snack. Tell them often what you like about them. Listen to and share their worries. Support what you believe to be good about the school and offer your help to change any school practices that you believe could be harmful to your child. Avoid scoldings and arguments when your teenagers bring bad news home. Listen to their reasons and offer your help to improve the situation. It helps if your children know you believe they will be successful. Value their education by encouraging homework and reading. Help your children choose a good time and place to do their assignments and special projects. Provide the necessary materials and give them your unconditional support.

Community Involvement Community involvement is essential to the of success to Connections Middle by providing: Mentors School Supplies Job Shadowing Team Sponsorship Beautification Projects Community Pride

Inspiration Our progress as a nation can be no swifter than our progress in education. The human mind is our fundamental resource. -John F. Kennedy He who dares to teach must never cease to learn. -Unknown