1. Russell Byers Charter School
Middle School Curriculum & RENOVATION Update

2. EXPANSION RECAP
School Reform Commission (SRC) Approved RBCS 7th-8th Grade Expansion in Feb 2016
240 new seats (725 total enrollment), spread over all grades by Fall 2018 (3 sections/grade)
RBCS negotiations with Liberty Property Trust regarding potential sale of 1911 Arch Street have stalled indefinitely
Renovation Plan for Lower Level (Parking Area, Mulberry, Classrooms)
Phase 1 – Prepare Levels 1-3 for Music, DML & Additional Students
Phase 2 – Prepare Lower Level for Middle School (Grades 6-8)
Construction Timeline
Select General Contractor & Draft Building Plans (Nov. 2016)
Share Building Plans for Feedback & Finalize (Dec. 2016)
Secure Permits & Subcontractors (Feb. 2017)
Phase 1 Build (Levels 1-3) (Jun.-Aug. 2017) – Ready August 2017
Phase 2 Build (Lower Level) (Jun.-Dec. 2017) – Ready January 2018

3. WHAT WILL The m.s. LOOK LIKe?
Self-contained learning space
Private entrance on Cherry Street with access to play deck
Designated reception/security area, offices for admin and support staff
Range of Academic and Specialty Classrooms, Common Areas and Offices
Expanded sanitary and water capacity
Innovative, flexible approach to classrooms , storage, “industrial feel” and access to natural light
1:1 Laptops for all MS students

4. CURRICULUM TIMELINE September/October Goals and Priorities
Program Review with Teacher Input
Parent Input
Expeditionary Learning Collaboration
November
Curriculum Mapping
Review of Topics and Sequence
December
Scope and Sequence Development and Review
Charter School Office Submission
Spring 2017
6th Grade Team Customizes/Aligns to Existing Program
Present Ideas to 6th Grade Students for Input
Hire Additional Teachers, Staff & Admin (TBD)

5. Program offerings Core areas Specials Crew Humanities Mathematics
Science
Specials
Spanish
Music
Digital Media Art
Physical Education & Health

6. Humanities EL Education’s Modules
ELA supplemented with Social Studies content to build foundational knowledge
Consulted with Expeditionary Learning in the design
Reading, writing, speaking, and listening embedded in all units
1 Module per quarter / 4 Modules per year
Case Studies in Quarters 1-3, Expedition in Quarter 4
Extended block format (daily)
Additional information:

7. Humanities

8. mathematics Carnegie Math Curriculum
Aligned to PA Core Standards with demonstrated results
Focus on application and problem-solving over rote memorization of processes
Blended program that leverages 1:1 technology
Opportunities for whole-group and individual learning
Reviewed with current MS math teachers as part of the selection process
Extended Block Format (daily)
Additional information:

9. mathematics

10. mathematics

11. science Discovery Education Curriculum
Aligned to PA Core Standards and Next Generation Science Standards
Focus on inquiry and exploration – not just simple content acquisition
Explicit STEM connections, including units on engineering
Digital Techbook that leverages 1:1 technology
Reviewed with Dr. Westby as part of selection process
Vetted using the NGSS-recommended EQuIP rubric
Extended Block / 2x per 6-day cycle
Additional information:

12. science

13. SPECIALS Spanish, Digital Media Art, Music, PE/Health
Regular Block / 2x per 6-day cycle
Ongoing throughout the year
Design with consideration of both current and potential resources
Year 1 may look different with limited spaces
Room to grow in subsequent years

14. ACTIVITIES
Will be built around teacher interest/expertise and community partnerships
STEM-focused clubs (coding, robotics, lego design, maker space)
Athletics (flag football, soccer, baseball, softball, basketball, running, Outward Bound)
Arts-focused clubs (advanced visual art, choir, band/ensemble, dance)
Leadership (entrepreneurship, student government, public service, peer mediation)
Student Ambassadors (giving tours to visitors), Crew Buddies (MS & ES)

15. Curriculum Questions
( Real Estate Is Next! )