3. Our Philosophy Recognizing the unique needs of a middle school learner, the New Hope Middle School community is committed to promoting a program that offers a balance between academic achievement and the social-emotional development of all of our students; one which strives to inspire and empower our students to become respectful, responsible lifelong learners in the 21st century. H ands-on O pportunities P romoting E ducation
4. Why Middle School (6-8)? Young adolescents undergo many physical, social, emotional, and intellectual changes that heavily impacts their learning. Placing 6th graders with 7th and 8th graders will facilitate positive learning experiences and nurture their growth. Important to have a school that places major emphasis on 10 to 14 year olds’ developmental and instructional needs and Bridges the gap between elementary and high school.
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8. “Chat Time” Mediators Connects students to a caring and involved adult in the school Connects them to a group of their peers in a more personal manner Teaches them necessary skills for their success in school and in the community The presence of an adult advocate who is personally connected to the student helps each individual student academically, emotionally, and socially.
28. Core Curriculum Core Subjects: Language Arts/Reading Social Studies Math Science These core classes are aligned with the Standard Course of Study Curriculum for the 21 st Century Integrated, blended, and inter-disciplinary
35. Grouping Practices Students will be placed in teams randomly They will not be placed in classes by academic abilities or disabilities Focus is on multiple forms of intelligences Many instructional arrangements are used Students are encouraged to work in groups, helping each other if needed.
36. Exceptional Learners AIG/Gifted Students Independent Study Projects Odyssey Of The Mind Science/Math Club After school programs ELL/ESL Student Rosetta Stone Bilingual Programs ESL Teacher who works closely with the students Learning Disabled Special Education teacher works along side the classroom teacher IEPs Accommodations for all students based on their abilities Assistive Technology Deaf and Blind Students Speech Access Software Braille books Qualified ASL teacher
37. Family & Community Relationships “Research studies clearly link the involvement of both family and other adults in the community with higher levels of student achievement, improved student behavior, and greater overall support for schools.” (TWB) Parents should be aware of the physical and emotional changes that adolescent’s go through and be a support system for their child. Stay involved! Parents should communicate with the teachers regularly and monitor closely their child’s homework and grades. Go to open house, as well as visit the teacher’s classrooms and participate in any activities/lessons/field trips Involve themselves in and attend their child’s extracurricular activities (sports, clubs, debates) Be active in decisions concerning what classes their child is taking (exploratory classes) and any extra curricular activities they wish to take part in.
38. Family & Community Relationships Help create, initiate, and run fundraisers Participate in PTA Local businesses can form business partnerships with the school in order to support them (pizza donation, field trip tours) Participate in school “spruce up” days Donate materials to aide school Be translators to help language minority families communicate with teachers and school Sponsor clubs and special events (dances, field trips) Assist in the school office or library Tutor/mentor students Community can offer after-school programs
