151507 READING LAB (Yr 1) 

151517 READING LAB  ( Yr 2-3)

Grades 6-8

Elective: Full Year 

This course is designed with a balanced literacy approach, which integrates various modalities of literacy instruction aimed at guiding students towards proficient and lifelong reading. The balanced literacy approach is characterized by explicit skill instruction using research-based strategies and approaches, as well as the use of authentic texts. The course components include guided reading, independent reading, word study,  skills practice, and writing. This course will be open to all students at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) and will be offered in place of a student’s resource class (Basic Skills) or Language Acquisition course. School counselors and the Reading Specialist must approve student placement into the Reading Lab. Parents are notified ahead of time if a student is recommended for the Reading Lab. 

Grades 6-8

Full Year (Quarterly or Semester rotations based on grade level) 

All students at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School will be enrolled into a FleX course. The course is designed to have extension opportunities for students. The Renaissance Learning STAR assessment in both Reading and Math will be administered at the beginning of the school year to all students. Students will receive tiered instruction as part of our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) for either Reading or Math skill development based on the STAR assessment scores. Students that do not receive tiered instructional support will be enrolled into an extension class that students will select from a FleX extension fair in the fall for each grade level. Each quarter students will rotate to the next desired extension class offered. Students will also have a designated amount of time in FleX for academic advising. Academic advising is an opportunity for students to receive additional time for school/homework, organizing materials, and/or completing assessments with staff.

Grades 6-8

Full Year

All students at Mary Ellen Henderson Middle School will be enrolled into a Pack (advisory) course. The course is designed to be a safe, inclusive space where students and staff develop relationships that support social, emotional, and academic growth, and build community throughout the school. The curriculum is an evidence based approach to teaching called the Responsive Classroom. Classes are small, grade level, and focus on Social Emotional Learning (SEL), Approaches to Learning Skills (ATL's), and the American School Counseling Association (ASCA) Mindsets & Behaviors.