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

Culture and Community Characteristics

The Equity Lead at Gum Spring Middle School provides strategies and professional development to foster inclusion. Staff learn and correctly use student names, co-create classroom norms to build community, and emphasize open-mindedness and critical thinking. The C.L.E.A.R. framework (Capacity, Listening, Empathy, Authenticity, Respect) guides school culture. Student Equity Ambassadors lead peer discussions and initiatives, focusing on identity, empathy, and social justice to create a welcoming environment.

Equity Ambassadors and student leaders collaborate with staff to shape school culture. "Together Thursdays" foster cultural awareness and student-led dialogue, empowering students to influence inclusion efforts.

Every student is paired with a trusted adult advocate who supports academic goal-setting and social-emotional learning (SEL) development. Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS)-based mentoring provides additional targeted support. The Unified Mental Health Team, comprising counselors, a psychologist, a social worker, and Student Assistance Services (SAS), offers direct support and collaborates with families to promote student well-being and resilience. The Unified Mental Health Team hosts events and counselor workshops to engage families. The Case Manager Meet and Greet builds relationships, while the Parent Empowerment Program (PEP) supports English Learner families.

The ONE Community Event integrates STEAM and multicultural celebrations, engaging local businesses and families in hands-on learning to strengthen community ties.

Curriculum & Instruction Characteristics

At Gum Spring Middle School, professional learning is tailored to the developmental needs of middle school learners. Teachers participate in learning walks and collaborative planning to refine instruction, using content-specific, developmentally appropriate strategies that prioritize student voice and ownership. The curriculum, grounded in backward design and aligned with standards, promotes critical thinking. Content Learning Teams (CLTs) plan differentiated, interdisciplinary, and culturally responsive lessons, using data to guide remediation and enrichment. Daily PEAK advisory sessions and the Second Step SEL curriculum support student wellness, with teachers receiving ongoing training in classroom culture, Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) strategies, and inclusive practices to foster social-emotional growth. Instruction is active, purposeful, and student-centered, leveraging technology, inquiry, and real-world connections to empower students through choice and collaboration. Assessments are varied and ongoing, incorporating formative checks, reflections, and project-based tasks. CLTs regularly analyze data to inform instruction, while rubrics and self-assessments enhance transparency and student agency.

Leadership & Organization Characteristics

Our Vision’s Core Principles:

One Voice (UNITY): As Mountain Lions, we ROAR together, fostering a strong sense of belonging and community.

One Purpose (AUTHENTICITY): We are dedicated to ASCENSION through deeper learning, personal growth, and self-discovery.

One Vision (INTENTIONALITY): We empower learners to leave their PAW print on the world through meaningful, authentic experiences.

Shared Beliefs:

Student growth thrives in thoughtfully designed instructional experiences that promote exploration, relevance, inquiry, and deeper learning.

Equity is central to our mission, strengthened by recognizing similarities, valuing differences, and celebrating diversity.

Character and integrity foster a strong work ethic and responsible citizenship.

Ownership of learning and commitment to service build a positive school culture and self-worth.

A safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment creates a foundation for belonging and mutual respect.

Communication, collaboration, and critical thinking are essential for success beyond middle school.

Authentic assessment and mastery-based learning ensure meaningful progress for all students.

Together, we cultivate an inclusive, engaging, and transformative learning environment where every student is valued, challenged, and empowered to succeed.

Content-Level Teams (CLTs):
Organized by grade level and subject area, CLTs are a cornerstone of professional collaboration at Gum Spring. They:

• Align instruction with curriculum guides, pacing frameworks, and county/state standards.
• Develop and analyze common assessments.
• Ensure consistency in instructional delivery.
• Meet weekly to reflect on practice and quarterly to analyze student data.