1. The Middle School Experience Ramsey School District May 12, 2014
Smith School
The Middle School Experience
Ramsey School District
May 12, 2014
Stacie Poelstra
Principal
Kari Scimanico
Assistant Principal

2. Commitment to Quality Instruction
Team Based Organization
Developmentally Sound Curriculum
Attention to Diverse Student Needs
Outstanding Professional Coordination

3. Team-Based Organization
Shared students among team teachers
Strong communication on individual student needs
Coordination of curriculum
Block Schedule
Positive, nurturing environment

4. The Middle School Curriculum
Core Subjects:
Language Arts
Math
Science
Social Studies
World Language
Attention to development of knowledge base with emphasis on acquisition of 21st century skills

5. Exploratory Cycle Program
Journalism
Visual Arts
Technology Education
Computers
Life Skills
Music-Grade 6
Enrichment-Grades 7 and 8

6. The Arts Instrumental Music Vocal Music School Theater Production
Gold Band
Blue Band
Individual student lessons
Vocal Music
Chorus
Lunch Chorus
Select Chorus
School Theater Production

7. Attention to diverse students’ needs
Guidance Department
Student Support Counselor
Special Education Services
Small Group Instruction
Basic Skills Instruction
Enrichment Program

8. Professional Coordination
Director of Curriculum and Subject
Area Supervisors
Professional Groups
Leadership Council
Educational Advisory Committee
K-12 Committees: Mobile Technologies, Writing
Instructional Focus
Faculty Meetings: District Initiatives +
Department Meetings: Content-Based Goals
Commendations: NJ Schools to Watch

9. Academic Focus Common Core Standards 21st Century Learning Initiative
Habits of Mind
iPad Initiative- Grade 8

10. Academics: Common Core Standards
English Language Arts
Within English Language Arts, a focus on reading and writing for different audiences and purposes.
Reading and Writing Standards in Science and Social Studies
Content Skills in Focus: Grade 6
Mathematics
Based on Standards for Mathematical Practice and Standards of Mathematical Content.

11. The Paradigm Shift
21st Century Skills Initiative
Recognition that a more complex, global society is influencing the educational landscape
Professional Research and Development related to these changes are informing instructional and assessment practices

12. Academics: 21st Century Learning Initiative
Content-rich Curriculum
Rigorous subject area knowledge +
Critical Thinking and Problem Solving
Ask good questions
Analyze and process information
Apply logic and evidence
Make connections
Reflect

13. Smith School Habits of Mind:
This poster is displayed in every classroom and is an integral part of instruction in each of the subject areas.

14. Transition to Will replace the NJ Ask Computer based assessments
Keeping current with ongoing
changes

15. The Changing Educational Landscape
Prevalence of mobile technologies
Learning on the go
Engaging in on the spot, just-in-time learning
Shifting organization of knowledge: from
TREES to NETWORKS

16. Technology Resources Two Computer Labs Laptop Carts Netbooks
Videoconferencing Capability
Smartboards
Apple TV

17. 8th Grade iPad Initiative
The Ramsey School District’s 21st Century Learning Initiative will prepare students for an increasingly complex, demanding and competitive global economy. It will provide the skills students will need to succeed as learners, workers, and citizens.
Student Engagement
Personalized Learning
Two Minute Internet
Flipped Classroom

18. Individual Use
Collaborative Use
Curriculum Integration

19. Supporting the Social Development of Young Adolescents
Character Education
Supporting the Social Development
of Young Adolescents

20. Establishing a Culture of Respect
First day grade level meetings
Student Code of Conduct
Review of Student Handbook
Week of Respect
Pillars of Character
Poster Contest
Color Days
Anti-Violence Week
Grade level assemblies
Follow-up classroom activities
Special Assemblies
Living Voices
John Halligan

21. Sixth Grade Transition Programs
May-Fifth Grade Visitation
August-Informal Visitation
Sixth Grade Lunch Bunch
Sixth Grade Friendship Groups
Peer Leadership Homeroom Partnerships

22. Other School Programs Intramural Program Student Council
Peer Leadership Program
Character Education Clubs
Community Service Club
School Musical
Ski Club
Teen Canteens
Skate Nights
Track Team

25. Parents as Partners
In helping children navigate the complexity of adolescence, communication between parents and teachers plays an integral role in ensuring student success.

26. Parent Services Guidance Department Sixth Grade Parenting Seminar
Eighth Grade Transition Program
Parent Book Discussion Group

27. Education Portal

28. Smith School PTO We encourage your involvement
Fall registration for PTO events
Consult the website

30. "The objective of education is to prepare the young to educate themselves throughout their lives." Robert Maynard Hutchins