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

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

Characteristic #2: The school environment is welcoming, inclusive, and affirming for all.

At Wisdom Lane, we foster a family-like atmosphere through schoolwide initiatives such as the Terrific Kids Recognition Program, P.S. I Love You Day, and Unity Week. The Levittown Food Pantry, housed within our building and managed collaboratively by staff, students, and families, helps ensure students’ essential needs are met.

Our Student Ambassador Program supports transition activities for incoming sixth graders and multilingual learners, helping all students feel connected and supported. Cultural celebrations, student-led presentations, and peer mentoring further strengthen students’ sense of belonging. Student leadership, voice, and choice are integral to our school culture.

Students at Wisdom Lane take on leadership roles through Student Government, the National Junior Honor Society, Builders Club (Kiwanis), and a wide variety of student-run clubs, including the Fishing Club, Anime Club, and E-Sports Club. Student feedback is regularly incorporated into schoolwide decision-making, and Student Ambassadors support orientations and lead presentations.

Events such as our Advisory Words of Wisdom program, student-led service projects, and SEL Days empower students to advocate for themselves and their peers. Innovative instructional practices promote engagement and academic excellence. Wisdom Lane’s commitment to interdisciplinary instruction is demonstrated through cross-curricular initiatives such as the Holocaust Studies program and STEM Challenges. Students participate in real-world learning experiences via inquiry-based instruction, project-based learning, and hands-on explorations in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM). Accelerated coursework options, including Algebra I and Regents Science, are available for students prepared to take on advanced academic challenges. Teachers employ Universal Design for Learning (UDL), differentiation, and culturally responsive teaching strategies to address the diverse needs of all learners.

Characteristic #11: Health, wellness, and social-emotional competence are supported in curricula, school-wide programs, and related policies.

Whole-child wellness and social-emotional learning (SEL) are prioritized. Wisdom Lane integrates social-emotional learning (SEL) throughout the school day with advisory check-ins, SEL-infused lessons, and special events such as the annual Wellness Day. Our support staff, including counselors, social workers, psychologists, and interventionists, provide Tier 1 and Tier 2 supports such as small-group counseling, conflict resolution, and restorative circles. Restorative practices, supported by our Accountability and Restoration log system, have reduced disciplinary infractions, strengthened relationships, and fostered a more positive school climate. Equitable opportunities ensure success for all learners. Wisdom Lane provides comprehensive support for multilingual learners, students with disabilities, and economically disadvantaged students. Targeted Academic Intervention Services (AIS), individualized academic supports, and restorative practices are implemented to address the diverse needs of all learners. The school employs multiple MTSS-aligned strategies, including small-group interventions, counseling services, and consistent progress monitoring. Ongoing efforts to increase participation in enrichment clubs, extracurricular activities, and leadership opportunities, especially among historically underrepresented groups, have strengthened student engagement and expanded equitable access across all areas of school life.

At Wisdom Lane, our approach to student support is multi-faceted:

• Multilingual Learners (MLL/ENL): Dedicated ENL staff provide classroom push-ins, small group instruction, and targeted services to promote language acquisition and academic success. Cultural celebrations and student ambassador programs further enhance belonging.
• Students with Disabilities: The school offers a range of special education services, including Integrated Co-Teaching (ICT) classes, Resource Room, Academic Support periods, and social-emotional counseling. These services ensure that students receive individualized academic and behavioral support.
• Academic Interventions: AIS in reading and math is embedded into the school day and delivered through tiered levels of support based on student data and teacher input. Students are identified through assessments, classroom performance, and teacher recommendations.
• Restorative Practices: Wisdom Lane incorporates restorative conversations, mediation, and relationship-building circles to address conflict, strengthen connections, and reinforce positive behavior.
• Expanding Enrichment Access: Through targeted outreach, personalized invitations, and activity fairs, we continue to expand access to enrichment clubs and extracurricular opportunities for students from underrepresented groups, including multilingual learners, students with disabilities, first-generation families, and economically disadvantaged students.

Characteristic #7: The school engages families as valued partners.

Families are active partners at Wisdom Lane through events such as Back-to-School Night, ELL Family Nights, Reading Extravaganza, and Parent University workshops. The school collaborates with external organizations, including Kiwanis, Northwell Health, and YES Community Counseling, to provide wellness resources, student leadership opportunities, and community service projects. Mentorship programs and family engagement efforts continue to grow, helping ensure that all families have meaningful opportunities to participate in school life.

Characteristic #13: A shared vision developed by all stakeholders guides every decision.

Wisdom Lane’s success is rooted in collaborative leadership and shared decision-making through School Climate Committees, Interdisciplinary Teams, and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). Staff engage in ongoing professional development focused on social-emotional learning, trauma-informed practices, and data-driven instruction. The school’s mission and vision align with the Levittown District’s commitment to “Success for Every Student,” fostering a growth-oriented and supportive environment for all learners.