Weston Middle School

Weston Middle School Action Plan 2018-19


INTRODUCTION

This action plan is a collaborative effort between the administrative team, curriculum instructional leaders, team leaders, and teachers. It is designed not only to ensure our high levels of student achievement but to hone in on specific goals at our school. Our teachers continuously reflect and revise their instructional practices based on student performance. Our collective commitment is to every student, in every class every day. In this way, all WMS students are encouraged to explore the world and develop positive relations. We strive to provide educational experiences that are developmentally responsive, challenging, empowering, and equitable, in a school environment that is inviting, safe, inclusive and supportive of all.

WMS MISSION

Weston Middle School, in partnership with the community, strives to empower students to become successful through dynamic, differentiated and authentic learning experiences, while supporting their transition from childhood to adolescence.


HEALTHY LEARNING ENVIRONMENT -

Weston Middle School is a safe and emotionally secure place that provides opportunities for students to form meaningful connections with staff and other students. All students possess the knowledge, self-confidence, and life skills that enable them to make healthy choices and achieve their personal goals as contributing citizens of the 21st century.

2018-19 Goal:

Goal #1

To provide faculty, staff, and students with knowledge and skills to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

Goal #2

Align middle school and high school SRO program to ensure a strong 6-12 collaboration.


Strategies:

Goal #1

To provide faculty, staff, and students with knowledge and skills to promote a safe and healthy learning environment for all.

  • Staff training on Cultural Sensitivity
  • Age appropriate training to promote positive interpersonal relations, by grade level.
  • Initial conversations with Team Peaceworks
  • Identify and plan for Cultural Arts presentation
  • Sandy Hook Promise
  • Team Peaceworks
  • Interactive Theatre
  • Positive character message as part of our morning show
  • Continue to strengthen emotional intelligence at the classroom, team, and building level.
  • Continue to provide opportunities for students to develop protective assets/attributes. Encourage students to feel connected, valued, and provide opportunities for students to make a difference in the community through service.
  • Partner with community organizations to sponsor activities for youth (ADAP)

Goal #2

Align middle school and high school SRO program to ensure a strong 6-12 collaboration.

The two district school resource officers will:

    • Meet on a weekly basis in order to discuss new and ongoing issues.
    • Review and revise instructional program for grades 6-12.
    • Share SRO webpage responsibilities to include MS/HS monthly updates.
    • Combine MS/HS social media accounts.
    • Meet weekly with building administrators to discuss concerns/issues.


PERSONALIZED LEARNING

2018-2019 Goal:

Goal #1

All members of the WMS community will be active learners, empowered to personalize their learning experiences with the support of digital tools and resources.

Goal #2

Extended Learning Time will provide support and enrichment opportunities to meet the needs of all learners, in order to provide all students with the access to the full middle school program.

Strategies:

Goal #1

All members of the WMS community are active learners, empowered to personalize their learning experiences with the support of digital tools and resources.

  • Passion Project (Grade 8)
  • Explore renzullilearning.com/.org
  • Technology Supported Chromebook Personalization (Newsela, Grammar Flip, NoRedInk)
  • Math Lab = IXL (All Grades)
  • Enrichment for Music (Band, Orchestra, Chorus, and General)
    • Piano lab-individualized learning stations
    • Smartmusic
    • Small ensemble learning
    • Auditioned extra curricular ensembles
    • Mentorship
  • Social Studies Inquiry Research (6-8)
  • Amplify Science aligned with Next Generation Science Standards (6-8)
  • Learning Extension Menu (Grade 7 science)
    • Student Learning Extension Menu (SLEM)
  • Choice in projects - content, process, product
    • Guardians of the Water Galaxy (Grade 6 science and social studies)
    • Population Project (Grade 7 social studies and math)
    • Music composition
    • Document Based Questions (DBQs social studies)
    • Upcoming 8th grade Reform/changemaker inquiry
  • Listening activities for foreign language enrichment
  • Multiple pathways for learning - include options in route to a choice oriented final product - Health

Goal #2

Extended Learning Time will provide support and enrichment opportunities to meet the needs of all learners, in order to provide all students with the access to the full middle school program.

  • Student performance space (LLC), extra-help sessions, some small group music lessons/independent practice
  • Pilot Enrichment ideas (Art Enrichment, Technology Enrichment)
  • Intervention and enrichment scheduled during this time. (Reading/Writing Advantage, Math Lab, OST, Project Challenge, some Learning Strategies)