Highlights of Exemplary Practices Aligned with the 18 Characteristics of Successful Middle Schools
A shared vision developed by all stakeholders guides every decision.
At Central Middle School, we weave a narrative of growth, empowerment, and community, rooted in our deep commitment to understanding and nurturing the unique needs of young adolescents. Recognizing the profound social, emotional, and cognitive changes that define this stage of development, we craft a supportive and engaging environment where every student is empowered to thrive. This mission guides every decision we make, from designing our curriculum to fostering meaningful classroom interactions.
Organizational structures foster purposeful learning and meaningful relationships.
Our approach begins with a robust, data-driven framework to ensure we meet the diverse needs of our students. Our administrative and leadership teams work hand-in-hand, analyzing data from assessments like GMAS, STAR, DRC Beacon, and End-of-Unit tests throughout the year. At least four times annually, and after every unit assessment, our staff engages in collaborative “data digs” to gain a comprehensive understanding of student performance. These sessions allow teachers to identify specific learning gaps and tailor their instruction to provide targeted support, ensuring every student has the opportunity to succeed.
Curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and diverse.
At the heart of our school is a culture that empowers students to take ownership of their learning journey. Through personalized coaching sessions with teachers, students set academic goals for each subject, fostering a sense of agency and responsibility. Our daily “BeCC Time” serves as a cornerstone of this philosophy, offering a flexible period at the end of the day where students can focus on social-emotional well-being, receive additional academic support, or engage in independent reading. Weekly lesson plans, crafted by an operational team and shared through the Staff Hub, guide this time with a rich array of activities, including advisement, DEAR (Drop Everything And Read) time, club days, PBIS reteach sessions, Random Acts of Kindness initiatives, make-up assignment sessions, Champions Walks celebrating achievements in academics, athletics, arts, and activities, and future-focused initiatives like goal setting and student-led conference coaching. This structured yet adaptable environment nurtures self-care and personalized learning, helping students grow holistically.
We celebrate student progress with enthusiasm and intention. Regular goal-setting activities, subject-specific recognition posters, and rewards in the classroom create a positive atmosphere where effort is acknowledged. Our Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO) partners with our Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) team to host celebratory events every nine weeks, reinforcing a culture of encouragement. This year, we introduced student-led conferences, a powerful practice where students share their mid-year progress with loved ones. During these conferences, students, guided by teacher coaching, complete job-embedded performance evaluation reflections, sparking meaningful discussions with parents. A teacher “mix and mingle” and parent feedback session round out the event, strengthening our school-family connection.
Professional learning for all staff is relevant, long term, and job embedded.
Our commitment to fostering mutual respect and community is embedded in our staff development. All educators participate in Capturing Kids’ Hearts training within their first three years at Central Middle School. This two-day professional development experience emphasizes building social contracts and cultivating respectful relationships within classrooms and across the school. This shared foundation ensures our staff creates a cohesive, supportive environment where students feel valued.
School safety is addressed proactively, justly, and thoughtfully.
The impact of our PBIS program is evident in the significant decrease in discipline referrals since its implementation. Supported by a dedicated PBIS website with resources on discipline procedures and preventative strategies, our staff receives ongoing professional development. The PBIS operational team analyzes data monthly, adapting strategies to address evolving challenges. Additionally, administrators have developed peace treaties and anti-bullying contracts that clearly outline expectations and address legal considerations, fostering a safe and inclusive environment.