at Mount Elden Middle School Heartwood at Mount Elden Middle School

/ˈhɑrtwʊd/ (n.) the central, inner pillar of a tree VISION Heartwood is the MEMS core academic program. The Heartwood team takes a holistic approach to promoting students’ academic and personal excellence. By providing rigorous and relevant cross- curricular opportunities, application- oriented instruction, and utilization of community partnerships, the achievements of students are as diverse and personalized as the rings on a growing tree. Definition of heartwood Inner pillar of the school, with the academies branching off.

Each year, a tree adds new growth with a tree ring, marking its achievements.

For maximum growth, the Heartwood Program creates optimal conditions: Community Partners Consistency Teamwork

Community Partners Heartwood helps students see their surroundings & futures.

Teamwork Heartwood works as a team. Shared experiences starting with Camp Colton in 6th grade. Efficient, purposeful sharing of ideas between grade level teams. Cross-curricular/ Interdisciplinary Learning

Consistency Heartwood makes the environment consistent. Students are supported with appropriately certified teachers, co-teachers, paraprofessionals, and administrators to support the diverse needs of our population. Signed Agreement Guidelines per grade-level team for academics, attendance, and behavior. Signed by student/parent/teacher in the fall.

Literacy Strategies Consistent literacy strategies promoted across subject areas using Hooker/Marzano models: Classifying & Analogies: building context and relationships Vocab Strategies: concept circles, experiential strategies, vocab cards Notetaking Strategies Writing Across Curriculum: Writing to learn vs. writing in discipline

If we provide optimal conditions for success, students will continue to grow long after their time at MEMS - making a greener forest for us all.