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Middle School Vision
INTRODUCTION
The Middle School Vision document you are about to read is the result of efforts by many people over a period of years. Historically, Shenendehowa has been moving toward true Middle Schools for some time. Initial committees (1993-1994) did research, made visitations to Middle Schools with similar populations and of similar size and created a plan for reconfiguration (note references to this document in the philosophy, belief statement and mission statement portions of this document). It is upon these efforts that our present Middle Schools were based.
In 1998, it became apparent to the Middle School Steering Committee at that time, that a more formal document, involving additional members of staff would need to be created to support the progression to true Middle Schools. The desire being to become fully, functioning Middle Schools, exemplifying Middle School philosophy, not just Junior High Schools with the name changed to Middle Schools would take place over a 5 year period.
In September 1998 the doors of our 3 Middle Schools opened and work began on this MIDDLE SCHOOL VISION document. The Middle School Vision remains a “work in progress” being completed and updated each year. In the fall of 1998 teachers from each building were sought to join the steering committee for what we thought would be a two day vision creation session with Carol Scearce as facilitator. We quickly learned that creating a vision, articulating a vision in words we all understood, and implementing that vision would take much longer than 2 days. The original version of this document based primarily upon TURNING POINTS (Carnegie Corp, 1989) included a list of terms, definitions of most of those terms, criteria and a few action plans.
Each successive year, action teams have redefined terms, created criteria for the terms that needed it, and completed or revised action plans. Action Teams have been broadened to include additional staff. The Middle School Vision document edges toward completion and the implementation of fully functioning middle schools, within the confines of our physical plant, moves closer to our goals each day. At least twice a year the entire middle school staff is updated either in tri-building meetings or at individual building meetings about the status and progress of the Middle School Vision Team & document. More importantly, as action plans have been completed work has gotten underway in each Middle School building to implement those plans.
As we learn more, include more staff, and grow more as Middle School communities, we realize that this document and our Middle Schools may always remain “works in progress.”
The 2002-2003 Middle School Vision Team
Bruce Ballan, Koda Patty
Palmer, Koda
Jonathan Burns, Acadia Lisa Patierne, Gowana
Claire Brown, Gowana Joan Pearson, Koda
Karen Bronson, Koda Jill Bush, Gowana
Christopher Bergere, Acadia Diane Betweiser,
Acadia
Patricia Stone, DO
Mary Murphy, DO
Dave Van Schaick, Acadia
Michael Piccirillo, Lead Principal
Linda Zusman, Gowana
Mary Jane Evers, Gowana
The Middle School Vision Team meets monthly, at a minimum (generally on the first Monday of each month from 4:00-6:00). In addition, Action Teams meet to create and revise Action Plans. The Action Teams actively working this year include:
Advisor/Advisee/T.I.E.S – Bruce Ballan (K), leader
Claire Brown(G) Lori Murray(K) Deb Wisner(G) Jill Bush(K)
Michael Piccirillo(G) Gail Zigler(G)
Nancy Burke(K) Sarah Quinn(A)
Frances Cocozza(A) Don Shea(A)
Al Green(A) Kate Steele(K)
Nicole Miller(A) Peter Thomas(A)
Bells and Mods (formerly block schedule/flexible schedule)-Jonathan Burns (A), leader
Annie Adler(G), Frances Cocozza(A), Don Shea(A)
Middle School Support Team (MSS) –Claire Brown(G) & Jill Bush(K), leaders
Bob Bisson(A) Kathy Huston(Trans)
Marion Bisson (MS) Susan Marggi(Trans)
Barbara Brockbank(G) Carol Millington(K)
Sarita Caserta(G) Patty Palmer(K)
Tracy Curione(G) Paul Rennie(G)
Shirley Ellsworth(A) Marilyn Searle(G)
Barbara Hamilton(K) Dave Van Schaick(A)
Parents - Michael Piccrillo(G), leader
Louise Belenze(P) Joan Pearson(K)
Karen Bronson(A) Dawn Student(P)
Al Green(A) Linda Zusman(G)
Psychologists, Intervention Counselors, Nurses & Guidance- Christopher Bergere (A), leader
Frances Cocozza(A) Donna Mitchell(K)
Karen DiPalma(G) Don Shea(A)
Ellen Mainwaring(A) Deb Wisner(G)
Nicole Miller(A) Gail Zigler(G)
Teaming - Ronald Coleman(LP),leader
Diane Betzwieser, (A) Jennifer Martz-Nichols(K)
Frances Cocozza, (A) Joan Pearson(K)
Sheila Cobb, (G) Patty Palmer(K)
We, as parents, administrators, faculty and staff, acknowledge and accept that middle school students are in a period of tremendous variability among youngsters of the same gender and chronological age. In addition, dissimilar rates of growth are common in all areas of development: intellectual, physical, social, emotional, and moral.
The philosophy of Shenendehowa Middle Schools facilitates lifelong learning by recognizing the needs of a developing child who is in transition from childhood to adolescence. To achieve affective and academic goals, we promote the use of interdisciplinary teams and a relevant and rigorous curriculum. The affective goals will foster identity development through small groups within a team and progressive group membership both within the house and within the middle school. Partnerships with parents, students, and staff must support this student-centered environment.
In recognizing the unique and individual needs of each student, a middle school program must include various support components. Direct support through guidance by adults, including teachers, staff members and older adolescents enhances independence and fosters a sense of well being. Inter-connectedness between community and school will strengthen the transition to young adulthood while enabling students to feel a belonging to their surroundings.
The Middle School Philosophy was created to breathe life into the Middle School Vision.
*Planning for Reconfiguration Status Report January 20, 1994
Revised January 2000
BELIEF STATEMENTS *
1. The reconfiguration to middle schools should be viewed as an opportunity to allow restructuring both in organization and program delivery.
2. The students’ academic, emotional and social development will be at the center of the decision making process.
3. Key stakeholders will be involved in the decision making process.
4. The middle school experience should provide an environment in which students develop a realistic and positive self-image as well as explore their aptitudes, interests, and special talents.
5. The middle school experience should enhance the student’s ability to develop positive peer relationships and coping skills.
6. The middle school experience should enhance the student’s ability to gain and understanding of the physical, social and emotional changes that they will experience during this period of change.
7. The middle school experience should prepare students for their transition to high school, helping them to assume a greater responsibility for their own future.
8. The middle school experience should foster a sense of belonging to a small community of learners while maintaining the advantages of size and program diversity.
MISSION STATEMENT*
The mission of the Shenendehowa Middle Schools is to create small communities for learning which ensure success for all students. To achieve this goal, students, staff, families and the community will work together to make decisions about the positive experiences of our middle school students.
*Planning for Reconfiguration Status Report January 20, 1994
Click here for Teaming Action Plan
Click here for Interdisciplinary Teaching
Click here for Flexible Scheduling
This page
is maintained in accordance with the web publishing guidelines by
piccmich@shenet.org