1. at Mount Elden Middle School
Heartwood
at Mount Elden Middle School

2. /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.

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

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

5. Community Partners Heartwood helps students see their surroundings & futures.

6. 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

7. 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.

8. 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

9. 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.