|
From the Middle School Principal:
Middle School: Exciting Developments for Next Year
For the last eight months, faculty who teach in the Middle
School have been re-examining the programs for Grades 7 and
8. Based on the latest research about early adolescence, brain
development and middle schools, and surveying parents, teachers,
and students, we have outlined the elements of a rigorous
program that is developmentally appropriate. The Middle School
will continue to fulfill Milton’s mission to pursue
excellence and develop creative and critical thinkers while
working collaboratively to embrace diversity and to challenge
students to pursue their passions.
We are excited to share our new Common Purpose, to point out
the continuing traditions, and to explain the upcoming enhancements
to the Middle School. In addition to reading about these developments
(below), we would welcome current seventh grade parents to
join us for coffee and dessert on Wednesday, April 28 at 7:00
p.m. in Straus when we will detail the changes.
Our Common Purpose:
The Milton Academy Middle School provides a challenging academic
program in a safe environment dedicated to the developmental
needs of Middle School students. Our faculty work together
to create a community that supports our young adolescents
as they experience significant intellectual, social, emotional,
and physical change. We foster respect for self and others,
appreciation of difference, and responsibility for one’s
actions.
Our core group of teachers and small class sizes promote cooperation
and collaboration. Students engage in both traditional and
innovative activities that encourage them to develop strong
habits of mind. Middle School students participate in a rigorous,
integrated curriculum and inclusive arts and athletics programs
to prepare them for success in the Upper School and ultimately,
in a diverse and complex world.
Continuing traditions in the Middle
School:
1. Small classes and one-on-one contact with faculty members
2. No grades but rather detailed comments reflecting students’
intellectual and personal growth
The faculty believes that Middle School students need an environment
where they can take risks in the classroom without the concern
of being labeled or graded.
3. A rigorous curriculum with classes in English, math, world
cultures, science, languages, visual arts, performing arts,
and music
4. A distinct space where students can develop a sense of
community, take safe risks, and celebrate their accomplishments.
Eighth grade students will facilitate the morning meetings
in the Middle School in order to develop leadership and public
speaking skills.
5. Activities representing diverse choices during fifth or
sixth period on Mondays
Advances at the Middle School:
1. A dedicated faculty
Students this age need to feel connected to adults in their
lives. These faculty members will be involved in aspects of
your child’s life including as his or her advisor, activity
sponsor, or coach and will support him or her during this
significant transition from child to adolescent.
2. Interdisciplinary connections
Students learn and retain more when they are able to see related
strands of the curriculum come together in projects or culminating
experiences. Faculty will combine traditional and innovative
approaches in their classrooms and students will discover
how different themes relate across the disciplines.
3. Middle School counselor and an affective program
With the addition of a part-time Middle School counselor,
seventh grade students will take a “life skills”
class twice a week for 10 weeks covering topics including
peer pressure, sexuality and relationships, drug and alcohol
awareness, body image, influences of the media, etc.
4. Flexible Schedule
The school day will be from 8:00 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. on Monday,
Tuesday and Thursday. (On Wednesday and Friday, dismissal
times will stay as they are this year.) Faculty will take
advantage of the resources available in greater Boston including
field trips to museums and science labs, and making use of
nearby natural history and geography. Also, faculty will plan
a few culminating learning experiences that promote active
learning inside and outside of the classroom.
5. Integrated Athletics and Physical Education program
Students will participate in 3 seasons of sports and will
take physical education during mud weeks (weeks between the
closing of one season and opening of another). Each athletic
season will run for approximately 6 to 7 weeks followed by
3 or 4 weeks of physical education. The athletic practices
and physical education classes will occur on Monday, Tuesday,
and Thursday from 2:15 to 3:45. Eighth grade students who
qualify to play on an Upper School team will continue to have
that opportunity for next year only, (grandfathering the Class
of 2009.). These students will have a study hall from 2:15
to 3:15 and then go to Upper School practice. All new seventh
graders will play at the Middle School level only. Milton
will determine which sports to offer based on students’
interest. Nearly 90 percent of surveyed Middle School students
said they wanted to play on an athletic team for the following
reasons: making new friends, learning a skill, competing against
other teams, learning about teamwork, and representing the
school. Participation in the Middle School play will not conflict
with playing on an athletic team.
Look for more updates as we take up other issues on our agenda,
such as after-school supervision, seventh and eighth grade
orientation, and participation in performing arts.
|