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Our focus is to provide a safe and supportive learning environment that promotes successful transition to high school. We offer a rigorous curriculum, social supports, and promote parental involvement. Our school goals for 2010-2011 include improving academic achievement and increasing community collaboration.
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Thomson-McDuffie Middle School “Building on a Tradition of Excellence” 2010-2011
Our Focus We wish to provide a safe and supportive learning environment which promotes the successful transition of all students to high school.
School Goals for 2010-2011 • Improve academic achievement • Promote a safe and orderly environment • Increase parental involvement, community collaboration, and business partnerships • Employ and retain caring and quality staff
Middle School Years • Rigorous Curriculum—focused on high school preparation • Making Connections—Linking learning to life—abstract to concrete • Social Supports—Peer approval over adult approval
Middle Grades Mathematics • Five Major Domains • Number and Operations • Measurement • Geometry • Algebra • Data Analysis and Probability
Middle Grades Science • 6th Grade – Earth Science Content Weights • Hydrology and Meteorology 40% • Astronomy 20% • Geology 40% • 7th Grade – Life Science • Cells and Genetics 35% • Interdependence of Life 50% • Evolution 15% • 8th Grade – Physical Science • Structure of Matter 30% • Force and Motion 30% • Energy and Its Transformation 40%
Writing in the Middle Grades • Types of Writing: Narrative, Technical, Response to Literature, Research, Informational, Expository, and Persuasive • In order to prepare for the Grade Eight Writing Assessment, a special focus is placed on the expository and persuasive forms of writing.
Middle Grades Social Studies • Sixth Grade: Latin America, The Caribbean, Canada, Europe and Australia • Seventh Grade: Africa, Southwest Asia (Middle East), Southern and Eastern Asia • Eighth Grade: Georgia Studies
Promotion/Retention IN GRADES 6, 7, and 8, PROMOTION DECISIONS RELATE TO THE FOLLOWING: • Classroom Performance (Math, Language Arts, Science, Social Studies, and Electives) • Attendance • Assessment Data (CRCT and System-level Assessments)
Title I Status • TMS—Targeted Assistance (currently) • TMJH—Targeted Assistance (currently) During the 2010-2011 school year, TMMS will offer school-wide Title I assistance. • Parent Involvement Policy (open house) • Highly Qualified Teachers—Right to Know • Survey of Parents (open house)
Schedule Seven Periods: -Academic Support/Enhancement Period (start of the day); -Math Period -Science Period -Language Arts Period -Social Studies Period -Elective 1 (student choice in grade 8) -Elective 2 (student choice in grade 8) Rotation: -Students rotate among a group of 4 core teachers (called a cohort) and 2 electives teachers during the day
Elective Offerings • Band • Physical Education, Skills, & Nutrition • Weightlifting • Art • Agricultural Education • Careers • Computers/Technology • Music/Chorus • Guitar (possibility)
We Celebrate Success! Individual Student Recognition Achievement Rallies
General Rules • Major Violations (administration)/Minor Violations (cohort of teachers) • IDs must be worn at all times while on campus; lanyards will identify grade levels; IDs assist with student safety and identification • Agenda books—communication tool • Dress code—see handout
Sports & Clubs • 7th and 8th grade students may participate in a variety of sports—football, baseball, softball, basketball, cheerleading, soccer • We offer a variety of club offerings. Students involved in clubs will attend sessions after school or before school. Some offerings include: Art, FFA, FCA, Reading, Student Council, and Beta
After-school Programming • MEEPS -Lasts until 6:15 -Monday-Friday -HW assistance, recreation, and an afternoon snack -Registration table in the cafeteria tonight
Student Success Plans • For Students—Teachers meet with all students 3 times per year to review the quarterly and annual achievement goals.
Teacher Success Plans • For Teachers—Administrators meet with all teachers 3 times per year to review student achievement data, attendance, and instructional successes and/or concerns.
Tour of the School • Dismiss from gym to tour the school • Class assignments have not been made, but you are welcome to visit your assigned hallway (see map) • Parent volunteer registration booth in the media center • MEEPS registration in the cafeteria THANKS FOR COMING!