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Highland Middle School Observation:
Before entering the assigned classroom:
The main office had a raptor security check-in for all guests.
In the second set of doors, individuals had to be buzzed in, in order to access the school.
The school contains 7th and 8th grade.
In total, about 1,000 students.
Meet up with the principal Ellen Pickett:
Overview of the security, "We take our safety and security very seriously at Highland" - principal Pickett.
Explained the importance of team meetings with teachers in each concentration.
Weekly PLC meetings (professional learning committee).
Grades are split into 4 teams.
Noted the tv by the front office that showed after-school activities:
Updates on the sports teams and their practices.
The Highland Middle School Mission.
" Grateful for Highland staff and students".
Student artwork is placed on display throughout every hallway.
Large cafeteria with a wall of windows.
Hallway poster that said, "Scots 'R' Successful" .
"Ready, Responsible, and Respectful".
Stairs to the second floor contained motivational wording, "believe in yourself", "you can do difficult", and "college and career".
Highland hangout:
Students can earn "Scots bucks" and this allows them time in what used to be a teacher break room.
Students can play games or use their cell phones here.
Scots bucks allow students to be motivated and continuously set the tone and practice what is expected of them while in school.
Success is paired with lunches.
Free breakfast and lunch are provided to students through a grant.
Faculty/ Staff members 100-130
Lots of diversity in clubs and after-school activities thanks to teachers.
No drama/ theater teacher, yet there is a drama club that an English teacher runs for students.
Mission to provide access to resources and publicize 21st C. Scholars.
The principal seemed very passionate about getting kids signed up.
Weekly meetings for teachers with the same concentration to go over lessons.
COVID and Its Lasting Effects on Kids:
Student Affairs office and Counselors have helped out tremendously with students.
Students since COVID and notes especially last year, the school saw that anxiety in students was "off the charts".
Students are lacking interpersonal relationships.
Principal noted that the school "started from the drawing board".
The school would not be functioning without counselors and student affairs employees.
Passing Period:
Students walking in groups.
Students swinging their Chromebooks.
Students chasing each other throughout the hallway.
Classroom Observation:
College and Career Readiness Class for 8th grade.
On the front white board was the day's schedule.
Bell Ringer
Adam Recap
Interesting Information
Points
Work on Career Cluster
Students if they do well, can leave the middle school with up to 10 high school credits.
Teacher when we first walked in, " How you start the class is the most important thing".
Proceeded with a bell ringer 11-15 min.
Students go to assigned seats.
Teacher moves on to students checking their grades.
16 As, 1 B, 1 C, 3 Ds, 6 Fs.
"Those of you who are failing, shame on you".
"You gotta put in the effort and the time".
Classroom atmosphere changed.
Teacher notes on how students expect their teacher to do their work/ part in school, the teacher expects the students to do their work outside of the classroom if they miss.
Student Engagement:
Students were not heavily engaged in class content.
Teacher was not too concerned if students were engaged or not.
Main concern was finishing their work in class or out of class.
Some students had their heads down in the back of the room.
One student avoided being caught playing games on their computer the whole class.
Minimal discussion between teacher and students.
Students rarely asked for help or raised their hands.
Classroom Design:
The classroom was overwhelming.
Flags hanging from the ceiling.
Lots of things surrounding the teacher's desk.
Lots of small posters, etc. hanging around the flags.
Long tables instead of desks.
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