“CANUCK PRIDE”

 Made up of over 20 teachers, parents, students  Establish goals and priorities  Expand teaming protocols & interdisciplinary connections  Review current instructional-level objectives  Assess curricular needs  Analyze student achievement and make recommendations for program improvement  Develop a community relations program  Develop plans regarding school climate

 Team members meet twice a week to improve upon multidisciplinary approaches and integrated curriculum  Design instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter and understanding of middle school characteristics  Use assessment feedback to monitor and adjust instruction

 Planning and Assessment  Instruction  School community  Communication and Community Relations

 Design instruction based upon knowledge of subject matter and understanding of middle school characteristics  Base instruction on goals that reflect high expectations  Through common team planning time, integrate concepts across content areas  Monitor student understanding

 Use multiple learning and teaching approaches: Vary teaching strategies  Collaborate with team members: Share ideas  Engage in active learning  Make lessons relevant  Incorporate problem solving, critical thinking and performance skills

 Manage classroom procedures to maximize learning time  Communicate clear expectations  Develop positive interactions with students  Create a supportive learning environment to promotes active engagement in learning  Work collaboratively with staff and maintain a professional demeanor

 Forge partnerships with families  Respond promptly to parental concerns  Share instructional goals with parents  Initiate communication with parents concerning student progress or problems  Encourage parent and community involvement in classroom activities  Celebrate school successes

 Middle Planning Team  Common Planning Time/Team Meetings  Student self-actualization and goal setting  “NPMS Academic Olympics”  Students earn gold, silver, or bronze “medals” by achieving self-initiated goals  Gymnasium hallway converted into “Hall of Fame” for student recognition

 Reading Liaison & Reading Facilitator  Use of teachers to assist content areas in identifying priority areas for improvement reading across the curriculum  Enhanced training of My-Access  Greater articulation between Somerset School and Middle School

 Study Skills Assessment and workshop for students  Community Service Component with NJ Cares  The middle school is committed to ensuring that all students appreciate the value of giving to the community and assisting others  Student management and behavior  Student Expectation Forum  Presentation by HIB Anti-bullying Specialist Dana Smith  Monthly Character Education meetings with study body and introduction of monthly character building theme  Mentoring Program

 Greater parental involvement through active PTO  Increased student academic participation through Science/Math Expo & Poets Corner  Raised student awareness of higher education through visitation to Rutgers University