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

Essential Attribute: An education for young adolescents should be Responsive

MMS demonstrates a strong commitment to being responsive by understanding and adapting to the unique needs of young adolescents. The school employs a "school within a school" model utilizing teaming and looping practices. Teams of 4-6 teachers work with approximately 130 students, allowing for more individualized support and stronger connections. Looping, where teacher-student teams remain together for both 7th and 8th grade, provides crucial stability and familiarity during these formative years.

MMS prioritizes social-emotional well-being through a robust advisory program that ensures every student has a dedicated adult advocate and a sense of connection within a peer group. Weekly Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) lessons are implemented and refined using student and teacher survey data. Furthermore, recognizing the significant population of military-connected families (approximately 30% of the student body), MMS offers a dedicated Transition Center to help new students adjust and collaborates with the Military and Family Life Counseling Program (MFLC).

The school also provides comprehensive support services, including counseling partnerships with organizations like Hazel Health and the YMCA, after-school programs, and peer mentoring.

Essential Attribute: An education for young adolescents should be Empowering

MMS actively empowers students to take responsibility for their own learning and contribute positively to the world. The foundational teaming, looping, and advisory programs create a safe and supportive environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging, which is crucial for academic exploration and growth. The school highly values Social-Emotional Learning (SEL), integrating it through "Connections lessons" in advisory, dedicated counselor support, and the "Choose Love Choose Aloha" curriculum to instill social responsibility.

One of the most impactful strategies for cultivating student responsibility is the Student-Led Portfolio Conferences (SLPCs). These conferences empower students to lead discussions about their work, reflect on their progress, and articulate future goals, demonstrating ownership of their academic development.

MMS also integrates project-based learning across the curriculum, using approaches like the Desmos math curriculum and CTE projects, to make learning relevant and engaging by applying knowledge to real-world scenarios. Students' voices are valued through feedback mechanisms like surveys and reflections, and they are provided avenues for community service through student government and service clubs that engage in projects with organizations like the Moanalua Gardens Foundation.

The school’s emphasis on General Learner Outcomes (GLOs) further encourages students to become self-directed learners and ethical contributors.

Characteristic #3: Every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate

MMS places a strong emphasis on ensuring that every student has a dedicated adult advocate. This is primarily achieved through its advisory and teaming structures, which are central to fostering strong teacher-student relationships. Students participate in advisory periods twice daily, five days a week, with dedicated time for SEL lessons, study hall, tutoring, home communication, and social activities.

The looping model, where students remain with the same core teaching team for 7th and 8th grades, significantly strengthens these bonds, ensuring continuity and deeper teacher knowledge of individual student needs. This consistency allows teachers to build in-depth knowledge of their students, contributing to a smoother and more effective learning experience.

MMS is committed to intentionally building rapport with students, especially those who may initially lack connections, through strategies within its trauma-informed care efforts.

Characteristic #6: The school engages families as valued partners

MMS actively involves families as essential partners in supporting student learning and well-being. The school maintains open communication through its website, School Messenger, and social media. There are active Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and School Community Council (SCC) groups that contribute to the school community. A cornerstone of family engagement at MMS is the Student-Led Portfolio Conferences (SLPCs), held each fall, where students take the lead in sharing their learning progress and collaboratively setting goals with their parents. This approach fosters communication and partnership in the student's academic journey. MMS reports a high 98% participation rate in these conferences, and for families unable to attend, a leadership team member steps in as a surrogate to ensure every student participates. The school explicitly recognizes the importance of parent and community engagement in enhancing student learning outcomes.