Slide 1:1 Bronxville Middle School 2009-2010 School and Program Overview Board of Education Meeting October 15, 2009 Barry Richelsoph, Principal Marcellus Lessane III, Assistant Principal


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Slide 4:4 Middle School Mission: Development of the whole child: intellectually, personally/ socially, physically, emotionally, and ethically


Middle School Organization and Structure :5 Middle School Organization and Structure Collaborative Leadership promotes reflection and new initiatives Curriculum Leaders Interdisciplinary Team Leaders Student Support Team


Slide 6:6 Middle School Structure and Format The school day is 7:50 AM through 3:00 PM. The class periods are a combination of 42 and 87 minutes blocks, providing for varied activities. Grade level interdisciplinary teams teach 5 out of 8 periods. Two meeting periods per cycle are also built into the schedule. Advisory teams have 1 meeting per cycle built into the schedule. Students are in class all of this time with the exception of lunch. 2:30 – 3:00 is designated for extra help with all teachers available daily and students expected to participate. There are no study halls or free periods.


Academic/Intellectual Development: :7 Academic/Intellectual Development: The Middle School Faculty is committed to Continuous Reflection and Progress: Developed common assessments and benchmark performance tasks at each grade level. Authentic, real-life problems and situations incorporated into every course. Incorporating the use of technology into the curriculum. Providing on-going staff development to support our instructional goals. Expand critical thinking skills Engage students as active, independent learners


Academic Support Services :8 Academic Support Services Support Services for Students Include: Guidance counselors, psychologists Special Education teachers Speech/language specialists Occupational therapist Physical therapist ESL teacher Student Support Team consisting of administrators, guidance counselors, psychologists, and nurses meet regularly to review and manage student needs. Skills support provided to non-classified students identified by the grade level interdisciplinary teams. Academic Intervention Services (AIS) provided to qualifying students


AcademicsEnglish/Language Arts :9 AcademicsEnglish/Language Arts The Middle School is invested in Balanced Literacy Expansion of literature selections to include global selections Strong encouragement of reading for enjoyment and enrichment includes expectations for monthly reading beyond assignments within a wide range of choices. Writing emphasizes structure, content, and style. Workshops with authors and actors provide modeling for students as well as authentic experiences.


Slide 10:10 Science Focus on the process of science to develop critical thinking skills Social Studies Expanding critical thinking skills, Engage students as active, independent learners Enhance persuasive writing skills Foreign Language Spanish, French, or Latin. Focus on written and spoken language as well as the cultures in which these languages are native. Academics Core Content Subject Areas


AcademicsMathematics: 2005 to Present :11 AcademicsMathematics: 2005 to Present Continuous improvement in Middle School mathematics offerings and instructional practices are based on the following goals: To increase the percentage of students who take an Algebra I course in grade 8. This will provide more students with an opportunity to reach a calculus course by their senior year. To “raise the bar” at each level of math while providing the necessary support framework for students to be successful.


AcademicsMathematics: Grade 8 Algebra Enrollments :12 AcademicsMathematics: Grade 8 Algebra Enrollments 2005-06 50 of 124 Grade 8 Students or 40 % 2009-10 80 of 127 Grade 8 Students or 63%


Social/Emotional DevelopmentSchool Climate Enhances Learning :13 Social/Emotional DevelopmentSchool Climate Enhances Learning Interdisciplinary Teaming At each grade level, the team of teachers, guidance counselors, and special educators meets regularly to discuss their individual and group student issues and coordinate curricula and instruction. These meetings often include parents and support staff.


Advisory ProgramEnhancing the Learning Environment :14 Advisory ProgramEnhancing the Learning Environment Development of positive peer and adult relationships. To explore the interests, abilities, and aptitudes of middle school students. To develop a widening range of personal, social, academic, and career interests while developing a student’s self-esteem. To accept students as they are and to provide exploratory activities that will encourage respect for the differences and abilities of others, as well as enable each student to recognize his/her self-worth and potential. To provide an opportunity for students to learn about issues important to their health and well-being. This includes a strong partnership with the families and the community. To reinforce other subject areas through the development of study skills.


Current Advisory Highlights: Continuous Reflection and Progress :15 Current Advisory Highlights: Continuous Reflection and Progress Grade 6: Sharpe’s Reservation Day Trip Juvenile Law Program Bullying Identification and Prevention Drug and Alcohol Prevention Time Management Grade 7: Expo Day – focus on students’ passions Study Skills – managing academic stress and utilizing specific techniques (Schools Attuned strategies) to help learn. Responsibility – as a student, a citizen, a member of a community, and a family member Grade 8; Capstone Project – Students explore individual interests (passions) and develop a project involving authentic research.


Special Academic Areas: Commitment to the Whole Child :16 Special Academic Areas: Commitment to the Whole Child Performing Arts (Music and Drama) Art Technology Computers Home and Careers Physical Education Guidance – Grade 6 Health – Grades 7 & 8


Co-Curricular Activities:Enriching the Learning Environment :17 Co-Curricular Activities:Enriching the Learning Environment Modified Sports Music Ensembles Middle School Musical Student Government After Ninth Program – Grade 6 Clubs Global Ambassadors Science Olympiad Community Service Yearbook School Newspaper Class Trips Grade 7 Colonial Williamsburg Grade 8 Washington DC


Partnership With the Community:For Every Child :18 Partnership With the Community:For Every Child Communication/Collaboration Back to School Night Parent Conferences Edline, E-mail, and Web Page PTA/Middle School Council Meetings and Events Dads Club Meetings and Events Grade Level Coffees and Informational Meetings Special Programs for Parents and/or Students: Guest presenters on relevant educational, social/emotional developmental topics Teen Centers and Grade level parties Field Day and Other Special Events Fiscal Supports Bronxville School Foundation and PTA grants to support curricula initiatives and facilities enhancements


Slide 19:19 Rigorous and evolving curricula Interdisciplinary Teaming Advisory Program Rich Exploratory Program Support Services Co-Curricular Opportunities Professional Learning/Staff Development Partnership with the community