monson public schools a community of learners october 6, 2010first public forum monson public...

October 6, 2010 First Public Forum

Monson Public

Schools

A Community of Learners

Monson Public School’s Restructuring Proposal

First Public ForumOctober 6, 2010

Granite Valley Middle School


Monson Public

Schools


Our Mission & Vision

Prepare students for living, learning and working in the 21st Century

Maximize learning for students to reach their academic, social and civic potential.


Monson Public

Schools


The Challenge

Look deeply into: What we do How we do it How it will impact educational opportunities for

students


Monson Public

Schools


Considerations

Academic rigorDifferentiation of individual students needsPost High School expectationsCo-curricular & Extra-curricular opportunities

and experiencesFiscal responsibilitiesSustainability as a quality organizationAbility to be a learning and growing

organization


Monson Public

Schools


PROPOSAL

Two Major changes in the present organizational structure of the Monson Public Schools Students in grades 11 and 12 would have the

opportunity to participate in an individualized educational model consisting of the following alternatives:

• Traditional High School Model• Project Based educational Model• Dual Enrolment opportunities• Community/Work Based experiences• Virtual School opportunities


Monson Public

Schools


PROPOSAL

Small school environment grades 8-10 (at Monson High School). Integrated approach to instruction and learning with the focus on meeting High School, District, State and National standards and assessments


Monson Public

Schools


TRADITIONAL MODEL

PROJECT BASED

DUAL ENROLLMENT

WORK/COMM BASED

VIRTUAL SCHOOL

Grades 8 to 10: Traditional integrated approach to instruction and learning. Programs to focus on meeting High School, District, State and National Standards. Achievement is measured by successful completion of required assessments.

Grades 11 and 12: Individually designed program to address the student’s strengths, aspirations and expectations. Focus of program is to prepare students to have the skills necessary to be successful in post-secondary opportunities as well as having the necessary skill to be a productive individual in the 21st century.

Post Secondary EducationPaths to Individual Student

Success


Monson Public

Schools


What will the 8th Grade Look Like at MHS?

“Hybrid” Model combines benefits of high school environment with middle school teaming.

8th graders will follow same 4x4 long block 84 minute periods Freshmen survey data shows they prefer the pacing

of a long block more than traditional schedule:• 94% in favor in 2008• 98% in favor in 2007• 92% in favor in 2006

Honor Roll status will be available for 8th graders


Monson Public

Schools


Facility Layout

8th graders will have lockers on 1st floor Separates 8th graders from 11th & 12th graders

who have lockers on 2nd and 3rd floors

8th grade content teachers will be located near their content area colleagues Improves collaboration within content areas 8th grade content teachers will have

common prep period to allow for TEAM collaboration and consultation


Monson Public

Schools


Academic Schedule

“A” Block will be 8th grade Exploratory Music (Band and/or Chorus) Art Technology Education Physical Education Health Career Exploration

Each Exploratory runs for 8 weeksMusic option runs all year with

alternating days


Monson Public

Schools


Schedule (Cont.)

8th Graders will choose between Spanish I or Global Studies Spanish I will result in MHS credit Both options will run for full 90 day long block

(FY equivalent)

8th Graders will choose between Algebra I or Math 8 Algebra I will result in MHS credit Both math options will run for the entire

year (equivalent of two years of math)


Monson Public

Schools


Schedule (Cont.)

English 8 and Science 8 will alternate days for the entire year. Equates to FY for both courses. Ensures students are exposed to both

courses leading to Spring MCAS tests

History will run for 90 day long block (FY equivalent)


Monson Public

Schools


Sample ScheduleFall Spring

A Block

Exploratory Exploratory

B Block

History Spanish I or Global Studies

C Block

Science 8 and English 8

Science 8 and English 8

D Block

Algebra I or Math 8

Algebra I or Math 8


Monson Public

Schools


Lunch

A new lunch block will be added to the schedule

This new lunch will ONLY include 8th graders This ensures 8th graders are separate from

high school students during lunch Lunch will split students’ third block class Students report to class, then lunch,

then return to class


Monson Public

Schools


Curriculum: What will remain?

Relative to 8th grade Still experience 8th grade curriculum that is

aligned with the Massachusetts Curriculum Standards and local objectives for the grade level

Encore will continue to be offered Will maintain grade level teaming


Monson Public

Schools



Relative to grades 9-12 Will continue to experience curriculum that is

aligned to the state curriculum standards and local objectives

Will have access to programs that are currently available


Monson Public

Schools


Curriculum: What will be added?

Relative to 8th grade Expanded content teaming would become a

resource for 8th grade teachers Block Schedule Time on learning would be increased in core

content areas Access to co/extra curricular activities


Monson Public

Schools



Relative to grades 8-12: College and Career Readiness MassCore Recommendations How Proposal Relates to MassCore

Foreign Language will become available to students in grade 8

Career Education would be offered to 8th grade in the high school environment

Flexibility and option to accelerate through columns


Monson Public

Schools


What will effect be at GVMS?

Greater flexibility with schedulingAdditional Science Lab for grades 5 and 6Access to Kitchen for special projectsMore space for test-taking and other

accommodationsPossible expansion of Encore Choice Day

to all grades


Monson Public

Schools



Students in grades 5-7 will continue to experience curriculum that is aligned to the state curriculum standards and local objectives

Will continue to have access to programs that are currently available

Horizontal and limited vertical teaming


Monson Public

Schools



Provides ability to develop more supports for students by the creation of a smaller learning environment


Monson Public

Schools


Special Education

Services will continue to be I.E.P drivenTransition meetings will occur for the

purpose of scheduling and communicating student needs

Annual reviews for current 7th and 8th graders will be scheduled for an additional transition meeting


Monson Public

Schools


Psychological and Emotional Impact of Transition for Students

Developmentally 8th and 9th graders are the same; this is not really different from the former Jr./Sr. High model

The grade 8-10 school-within-a school model will provide structure and support

Opportunities to continue current grade 8 traditions will be available in the new structure


Monson Public

Schools


Psychological and Emotional Impact of Transition for Students cont.

Additional support mechanisms will be provided Additional counselor who can focus on grade 8

emotional and academic needs Advisory program for all 8th graders Added career exploration class as part of exploratory

Appropriate closure and transition activities will occur for current 7th graders to move to 8th grade at MHS

Parental attitude and beliefs will influence how your child feels about moving to the high school as an 8th grader


Monson Public

Schools


Next Steps

Establish working groups to: Further develop details about specific areas of

this proposal Address concerns and identified obstacles Gather additional input from staff, students,

parents and the community at large Prepare further recommendations to the

Administrative Team


Monson Public

Schools


Working GroupsVirtual EducationDual EnrollmentCapstone Project Based EducationWork Community Based EducationGraduation Requirements/Student Services8th Grade TransitionCost Budget Impact

Contact – Pat Dardenne - 267-4150 [email protected]


Monson Public

Schools


For More Information or Questions

Please visit our web site at http://www.monsonschools.com

Email Mr. Patrice Dardenne, Superintendent

[email protected] Mrs. Linda Carrier, Director of Curriculum

[email protected] Mrs. Cheryl Clarke, Principal at GVMS

[email protected] Mrs. Nicole Heroux, Director of Pupil Services

[email protected] Dr. Andrew Linkenhoker, Assistant Principal MHS

[email protected]


Monson Public

Schools


Questions and Answers

monson public schools a community of learners october 6, 2010first public forum monson public...

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