Reality Middle School

1. Reality Middle School Where learning gets REAL

2. Mission Statement Our mission is to provide our students with an innovative curriculum to help them succeed in an ever changing society. We wish to help students develop into active and inventive learners through exploratory, integrative, challenging, and relevant lessons. We recognize that each student is an individual and needs their needs met in this age group through emotional, physical, mental, and social development.

3. We chose a middle school model as opposed to a junior high model because in accordance to the values of This We Believe, we believe that students “deserve schools that support them fully during this key phase of life.” Since the 11-14 age range is such a critical point in development and students in this age range have needs very different from those of elementary or high schools, it makes sense to create a school environment specialized for them. Unlike the junior high model, which simply tries to prepare students for the transition to high school, the middle grades model also focuses on the here and now and promotes student development and needs at the age and grade they are in currently, thus creating well rounded individuals who are prepared for high school and beyond. Why 6-8?

4. Each Grade level will have their own hall • Tracking will not be implemented because we believe it does more harm than good for the students. • Tracking creates unfair expectations which can be particularly harmful to students in lower tracks. Teachers often do not expect much of them which can result in lower academic performance. Organization

5. Exploitation of exceptional learners programs and how to access them: We will be using inclusion in each grade level to help exceptional learners. We will utilize this form of education so every student can take part in a regular classroom. Inclusion will allow for teachers of this specialty to come in and help these students so they can make the best out of their education. Exceptional Learners

6. Within each grade level there will be two 4 teacher teams each with a team leader • This allows specialization and less hectic planning • Since there is a teacher for each subject within a team, it leads to more flexible scheduling since that teacher only has one subject to teach as opposed to balancing two different subjects. Teaming

7. Planning and Team Meeting • Teachers in each grade level will have team meeting time within their respective team during the first hour of their planning time on Mondays and Thursdays. • This way teachers will be able to coordinate lessons at the beginning of the week and make sure they are on track towards the end of the week. Also this allows for time to plan interdisciplinary units. • Team meetings will be lead by the team leader and their main purpose is to promote collaboration amongst teachers in the same team. This will also make teachers more aware of their students given that they will undoubtedly get a chance to hear other teachers perspectives on them.

8. 6th Grade

9. 7th Grade

10. 8th Grade

11. R. E. A. L. Advisory Respectful Environment for Adolescent Learning

12. Our mission at Reality Middle school is to make sure that every student has an adult advocate. We strive to provide a safe and caring environment for all. Students will be given unique time and attention in order to achieve higher academic and social success. Advisory Mission

13. Advisory Roles Guide Students Supportive Leader Mentor Advocate

14. Campus Cleanup • Bake Sale • School Beautification project • Recycling • Diversity awareness Activities

15. Middle school 101 • Nutrition • Time management • Study habits • Character traits 6th Grade

16. Identity • Intramurals • Healthy lifestyle • Technology skills • Reading the media 7th Grade

17. Body image • High school transition • College courses • Smart spending • Career tracking • Stress Relievers 8th Grade

18. Sex Ed. • Hygiene • Drugs/alcohol • Bullying/Cyberbullying • Internet safety • Intramurals All Grades

19. Core Courses: • Math • Language Arts • Science • Social Studies Curriculum North Carolina Common Core Standards Relevant & Integrative Challenging Exploratory courses to extend learning outside of core subjects

20. * Students choose 2 per semester • Spanish • French • Physical Education • Art • Chorus • Band • Theatre • Computer/Technology Electives *P.E. must be taken at least once a year

21. Exploratory • Here at REAL Middle School we offer a number of exploratory courses. With such a wide variety of different courses we hope to have one which will catch the interest of each and every student. The purpose of our exploratory courses are to provide the students a class in which they can get away from the normal classroom routine and learn about a subject that interests them. Many of our courses offer students a chance to find a possible career interest.

22. The Fishing exploratory class is a course designed to give the students a chance get outside and learn the basics of fishing. No experience with fishing is needed to take the class, beginners are welcome. Students will learn the basics of trout fishing and how to identify each type of trout. All students who take the class are required to have their own fishing pole and tackle box. • Fishing class will be taught by Mr. Biggs. Fishing

23. The Exploring Abstract Art class is an exploratory art class designed for students who have a love for art. During every class period students will explore and talk about a different type of art form. The main goal is to expose students to as many different forms of art as possible. • The Exploring Abstract Art class will be taught by Ms. Ketchum. Exploring Abstract Art

24. The American Sign Language exploratory class is a course designed for all students who are interested in learning sign language. • Students will learn the ASL alphabet, numbers, common phrases, songs, and facts about deaf culture. • The American Sign Language course is taught by Ms.Gilmore. American Sign Language

25. This course is to teach students the basics of rock climbing. The first few classes will be dedicated to safety concerns and regulations while rock climbing, and the proper techniques in climbing. The majority of the course will be students climbing the rock wall in the gymnasium. • The Rock Climbing course will be taught by Ms. Hughes. Rock Climbing Class

26. In this interest class, we will be doing yoga for all levels. We will be going over the different positions and techniques that make yoga relaxing and strength building workout. • The Yoga exploratory course will be taught by Ms. Welborn. Yoga

27. The Basketball exploratory course is designed for students who enjoy athletics and the game of basketball. The course will be taught in the school gym and is available for all students. The Basketball exploratory course will be taught by Mr. Darnell. Basketball Class

28. The Photography exploratory course is a basic photography course designed for beginning photographers. We will be learning basic photography skills as well as the history of some famous photographers. The Photography exploratory class will be taught by Ms. Swanger. Photography Class

29. Clubs • Spanish • French • Chess • Dance • Theatre

30. Intra-mural • Kickball • Golf • Wiffle Ball • Dodgeball

31. Science Olympiad • Odyssey of the Mind • Football • Basketball • Cheerleading • Track • Soccer • Volleyball • Baseball/Softball Inter-scholastic

32. Family Learning Center • Monthly newsletter (handout and/or email) • Parent-Teacher conferences • Teachers call home as often as possible • Encourage parent involvement in the classroom • PTO involvement • Hold school meetings in community centers Parent Connection

33. Community Connection • Service learning projects • Community is a learning site • Partnerships with businesses • Mentor Program

34. Kristen Gilmore • Justin Biggs • Lilly Ketchum • Brittany Hughes • Brooke Swanger • Ty Darnell • KatyeWelborn