Smith SchoolThe Middle School ExperienceRamsey School DistrictMay 12, 2014

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Stacie Poelstra Principal

Kari ScimanicoAssistant Principal

Commitment to Quality Instruction

Team Based OrganizationDevelopmentally Sound CurriculumAttention to Diverse Student NeedsOutstanding Professional Coordination

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Team-Based Organization•Shared students among team teachers•Strong communication on individual

student needs•Coordination of curriculum•Block Schedule•Positive, nurturing environment

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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

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

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The Arts•Instrumental Music

▫Gold Band▫Blue Band▫Individual student lessons

•Vocal Music▫Chorus▫Lunch Chorus▫Select Chorus

•School Theater Production

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Attention to diverse students’ needs

•Guidance Department•Student Support Counselor•Special Education Services•Small Group Instruction •Basic Skills Instruction•Enrichment Program

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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

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Academic FocusCommon Core Standards21st Century Learning InitiativeHabits of MindiPad Initiative- Grade 8

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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.

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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

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

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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.

Transition to

•Will replace the NJ Ask

•Computer based assessments

•Keeping current with ongoing changes

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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: fromTREES to

NETWORKS

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

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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

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Individual UseCollaborative UseCurriculum Integration

Character EducationSupporting the Social Development of Young Adolescents

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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

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Sixth Grade Transition Programs

•May-Fifth Grade Visitation•August-Informal Visitation•Sixth Grade Lunch Bunch•Sixth Grade Friendship Groups•Peer Leadership Homeroom Partnerships

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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

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Parents as Partners

In helping children navigate the complexity

of adolescence, communication

between parents and teachers plays an

integral role in ensuring student

success.

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Parent Services•Guidance Department•Sixth Grade Parenting Seminar•Eighth Grade Transition Program

•Parent Book Discussion Group

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Education Portal

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Smith School PTO•We encourage your involvement

•Fall registration for PTO events

•Consult the website

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

Robert Maynard Hutchins

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