Highlights of Exemplary Practices Aligned with the 18 Characteristics of Successful Middle Schools

An education for young adolescents should be responsive.

At Chouteau Middle School, responsiveness is the cornerstone of our approach, with the unique developmental needs of young adolescents guiding every decision. We create a supportive learning environment where students thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Structured transitions for fifth and sixth graders ease their adjustment to the secondary model, fostering confidence and independence in a developmentally appropriate way. Daily advisory periods provide mentorship and personalized support, while our CARE Team delivers timely interventions for academic, behavioral, and emotional needs. We offer diverse exploratory electives, including STEM, fine arts, and agriculture, to spark and nurture student interests. Action-based furniture, calm-down rooms, and hygiene resources further enhance student well-being. Through intentional structures, caring relationships, and targeted support, Chouteau Middle School creates a responsive environment that meets students where they are and helps them flourish.

The school environment is welcoming, inclusive, and affirming for all.

Chouteau Middle School is dedicated to fostering a culture where every student feels safe, welcomed, and valued. Our environment is intentionally designed to affirm all identities, backgrounds, and experiences. From the first bell to the last, caring adults who know students as individuals advocate for their success. Our daily advisory program offers a nurturing space where students begin the day with breakfast, connection, and support from a trusted adult mentor. Action-based furniture and calm-down spaces address sensory and emotional needs, reinforcing a physically and emotionally safe environment. We promote respect and belonging through our ROAR values—Respect, On-task, Accountability, and Responsibility—which guide behavior and drive positive reinforcement via our Wildcat Bucks PBIS program, rewarding students for upholding these values in academic and social settings. Student voice is central, with climate surveys and advisory discussions shaping school improvement goals. Diverse enrichment activities, culturally relevant events like Native American Cultural Night, and inclusive electives ensure students see themselves reflected in their school experience. By prioritizing relationships, celebrating diversity, and addressing equity, Chouteau Middle School ensures every Wildcat feels they belong and has the support to thrive.

Every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate.

At Chouteau Middle School, every student is known, valued, and supported through robust adult advocacy systems. Our daily advisory program is the foundation, where students start with breakfast, check in with their mentor teacher, and build trusting relationships. These mentors monitor attendance, behavior, and grades, intervening early to provide academic or emotional support. The CARE Team (Coordinating Available Resources in Education), led by our school counselor and including staff input, identifies and supports students with academic, behavioral, or emotional challenges, connecting them with necessary resources. Check and Connect mentoring practices and professional development in trauma-informed care and relationship-building equip teachers to serve effectively as advocates. As students progress, familiar adults guide them in setting and achieving personal and academic goals. Through these systems, Chouteau Middle School ensures no student falls through the cracks—every Wildcat has an adult championing their success.

Varied and ongoing assessments advance learning as well as measure it.

At Chouteau Middle School, assessments drive both learning and improvement, not just measurement. We use a variety of formative, summative, and performance-based assessments to ensure high expectations and robust support for students. Teachers employ frequent formative assessments to guide daily instruction, providing real-time feedback to help students identify growth areas. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) enable teachers to collaboratively analyze assessment data and plan targeted interventions. Our ZAP (Zeros Aren’t Permitted) initiative promotes accountability by ensuring work completion, while the ENCORE program provides structured reteaching for students who need to master essential standards before reassessment. Students take ownership of their progress through goal-setting, personal data tracking, and student-led conferences where they share their growth and challenges. Teachers involve students in co-creating assessment rubrics, deepening their understanding of learning objectives and fostering critical thinking. Performance tasks, project-based learning, and real-world applications, such as designing aquariums or coding video games, allow students to demonstrate mastery authentically. Through varied and ongoing assessments, Chouteau Middle School supports every student in reaching their full potential.

A shared vision developed by all stakeholders guides every decision.

At Chouteau Middle School, a shared vision of student success, equity, and continuous improvement drives every decision. We involve all stakeholders—teachers, support staff, students, families, and community partners—in shaping our school’s direction. Supported by our GEAR UP grant and district initiatives, we’ve shifted to a collaborative decision-making model. Staff engage in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) to develop shared goals and data-driven strategies for improving instruction and outcomes. Our leadership team includes diverse voices, fostering trust, reflection, and shared responsibility. Structural changes, such as interdisciplinary teaming, looping, and common planning time, stem from staff and family feedback. Teachers co-create curriculum, analyze data, and lead initiatives aligned with our vision. Student feedback from surveys and advisory councils shapes school improvement goals, while our new Family Leadership Academy expands parent involvement. Every initiative—from academic interventions to advisory programs and elective offerings—aligns with our mission to provide a responsive, inclusive, and empowering environment. Chouteau Middle School’s shared vision is lived daily by a united community dedicated to student success.