Sunnyside Middle

School

Martha McGlasson, Morgan Tedrow, and Rachel Branham

"Let your light shine through"

Mission Statement

At Sunnyside Middle School we strive to produce lifelong learners. We want to enhance the intellectual, physical, social, and emotional potential of every student. We believe this can be achieved through positive teacher, parent, community, and student interactions.

Our Philosophy

At Sunnyside Middle School we strongly promote an integrative, relevant, challenging, and exploratory curriculum. We want to provide the opportunity for students to expand their realm of thinking. High expectations of students are maintained through positive interactions among peers and staff.

Why Transition?

The staff at Sunnyside Middle School is committed to providing the best environment for our students.

A 6-8 school will provide:-Advisory Programs to develop socially

-Exploratory Classes for the adventurer in us all-A stronger sense of community

We will be doing away with tracking. This decision has come with hopes that the academic environment will benefit from the diversity of Sunnyside Middle. Students have not shown significant response with tracking; there have also been numerous complaints from the parents and faculty. Having a range of academic levels, interests, and learning styles will provide a more exploratory classroom. A variety of teaching practices is essential to creating a developmentally responsive classroom.

Why Transition?Junior High

Middle School1. Subject-centered 1. Student-

oriented

2. Emphasis is on cognitive 2. Emphasis is on both cognitive and

development affective development

3. Organizes teachers in subject- 3. Organizes teachers and students in

based departments interdisciplinary teams

4. Traditional instruction dominates 4. Experiential approaches to instruction

5. Six to Eight class periods per day 5. Allows for block and flexible scheduling

6. Provides academic classes 6. Provides exploratory, academic, and

non-academic classes

7. Offers study hall and/or homeroom 7. Offers advisor/advisee, teacher/student

opportunities

8. Classrooms arranged randomly or 8. Team classrooms in close proximity

by subject or grade level

COPIED FROM INTRODUCTION TO MIDDLE SCHOOL -SARA POWELL

This is Research Based!

The changes we are bringing to Sunnyside Middle will provide the most relevant, integrative, challenging, and exploratory learning experience possible.

The changes come from years of research on behalf of the Association of Middle Level Education, our national resource for up-to-date information on young adolescents.

Association of Middle Level Education Website

Support Personnel

All Staff receive ongoing professional development and are proficient at meeting the needs of young-adolescents

All Staff participate in school-wide activities and when applicable serve in our advisory and exploratory programsPRINCIPAL SECRETARY NURSE GUIDANCE COUNSELOR

SIX CORE SUBJECT TEACHERS ART TEACHER MUSIC TEACHER

EC SPECIALIST READING SPECIALIST COGNITIVE SPECIALIST

GYM COACH(HEALTH AND WELLNESS) JANITOR ON-CALL BUS DRIVER

Student and Teacher Organization

Sixth Grade: Two Teams of ~22 Students each Seventh Grade: Two Teams of ~20 Students each Eighth Grade: Two teams of ~23 Students each

At Sunnyside we are committed to keeping our enrollment low so that we can provide the most student/teacher contact possible

There are Six Core Subject teachers providing a 1:22 student/teacher ratio

Team Organization

Ms. Rachel, Mr. Yi-Chen, Ms. Martha

Mr. Egger, Ms. Morgan, Ms. Julie

Sixth Grade Team One: 22 Students Team Two: 22 Students

Seventh Grade Team One: 23 Students Team Two: 22 Students

Eighth Grade Team One: 20 Students Team Two: 21 Students

Teams will be mixed-up at the beginning of each school year to provide every teacher, and student, interaction with each other. We hope that teaming will provide a sense of family within our learning community.

Interdisciplinary Teams explained

A signature of high performing schools is team organization. Research shows it increases

academic achievement, parent contacts, school climate, student attitudes, and teacher job

satisfaction

Article on the impact of teacher teaming

Schedule

SCHEDULE EXAMPLE

What is Flexible Block Scheduling

• The schedule is designed so that events such as longer labs, and field experiences are possible without disrupting other courses such as related arts.

• Allows for rotated meeting times, so that a class that meets at 10am one day could meet at 1pm the next.

• Longer periods of instruction can enhance interdisciplinary learning

Total School Curriculum

All classes follow NC Standard Course of Study NC Standard's Link

Teachers adhere to NC professional teaching standardsProfessional Standards Link

Curriculum includes: Core/non-core subjects, advisory, guidance, provided services, and activities

"Curriculum is the primary vehicle for achieving the goals and objectives of a school. In developmentally responsive middle grades schools, ,curriculum encompasses every planed aspect of the educational program." -This We Believe

Total School Curriculum

The curriculum at Sunnyside is designed to meet the needs of young adolescents

Emphasis on: Relative, Integrative, Challenging, Exploratory Curriculum

Guidance/Advisory :: Hands-On Activities

Hidden Curriculum (What students learn indirectly)Leadership skills, interpersonal skills, asking questions about the world around them, learning their interests,

how to adapt to change, overcoming challenges, reaching goals

Subject-Centered Curriculum

Language Arts :: Social Studies:: Science :: Math

Relevant: Making connections between topics and subjects to help understand the holistic nature of all knowledge. Pursue answers to questions about themselves & world Integrative: All subject material overlaps to maximize learningteaching students how content knowledge is applicable in daily lifeChallenging: High expectations are held for all students. Opportunities for students to take ownership of their education. Exploratory: Opportunities to pursue interests, engage in activities that broaden their view of the world.

Higher order thinking skills are utilized throughout each subject. This increases student's ability to thinking critically, analyze research, pose questions, create new

ideas, and problem solve

Related Arts

Related Arts provide extra enrichment for our students. They also provide a time for students to pursue interests and discover hidden talents they possess. We hope to increase students understanding and appreciation for the art community.

Art: Ms. Roseanna interweaves visual arts and drama Music: Ms. Yvonne explores a variety of musical genres

with students. They practice instruments, singing, improv, and dancing - all within a safe space.

Physical Education: Mr. Patrick takes the students on a journey through physical activity, personal training, healthy behavior seminars, team games, and goal setting

Foreign Language: Spanish is taught by Mr. Yi-Chen to all grades

Technology at Sunnyside

A variety of technology is used a Sunnyside. Smartboards, laptops, overhead projectors, television,

internet, and distant learning are a few examples. Technology is used based on lesson objectives, availability, expertise, and appropriateness to the

particular situation

NC Information and Technology StandardsEach week students attend a technology class where

they learn how to utilize technology. Comprehensive discussions of the pros and cons of technology are

always occurring at Sunnyside Middle

Instructional Strategies

Expoloratory learning is key to facilitating a desire in students to want to learn. Teachers use hands on activities to encourage curiosity and foster the students will to learn.

ACTIVITIES: Fossil Digs, Pi Day, Hunger Games FIELD TRIPS: Discovery Place, Marsh

Lands, Museums, City Hall, College Campuses

Exceptional Learners

We are committed to providing a learning environment that includes students from all levels of academic and social backgrounds. Diversity is included within every curriculum, and celebrated throughout the school.

No matter what the child's need is, from help in reading, speech lessons, help with the English language, to a more comprehensive learning plan - our teachers are committed to the task.

Under all circumstances the teachers provide the most inclusive environment possible to ensure each child reaches their academic and social potential.

Exceptional Learners

Our core teachers work very closely with our exceptional learner specialists to provide individualized lesson plans

THE EXCEPTIONAL LEARNER TEAM: - EC Specialist: Works one-on-one with students, sits in on classes, attends IEP meetings, is a constant advocate for every student, addresses motor and speech needs as well as behavioral needs - Reading Specialist: Works one-on-one with students to improve reading ability - Cognitive Specialist: Works one-on-one with students, helps teachers and entire classes improve skills such as focus, exerting calmness, and practicing social skills

Exceptional Learners

Gifted learners: Students who are working above grade level will receive individualized lesson plans based on a more rigorous curriculum

Student Accountability Standards for ELL StudentsParent's Rights for Exceptional Children State Board Policy Manual Section 504 Questions

Advisory Program

Advisory programs stem from research that shows students perform better academically, have better peer relations, and overall have higher levels of well being when they have at least one adult advocate.

The program is designed to meet the needs of the developing adolescent. We help by guiding them through academic changes, physical changes, stronger peer relations, community involvement, and leadership skills

Advisory continued...

The six core teachers, along with our EC specialists, cognitive specialist, and gym coach are leading the advisory programs

Advisory teams meet from 9:30am-10am every day, with occasional longer meetings and advisory group outings.

Students are chosen randomly at the beginning of the year, and will be divided based on grade level

Students receive a participation grade for advisory, so attendance is mandatory on a daily basis

Advisory Activities

6th Grade

Hygiene Nutrition

Sex Ed (separated by gender)

Bullying talksDrug and Alcohol

education Time Management

Study SkillsArts and Crafts

7th Grade

Nutrition Body Image and

mediaBullying talks

Drug and Alcohol education

Study Skills Community Service

8th Grade

High school planning

Career PlanningSmart Spending

Bullying awareness project

Study SkilsIntramural Sports

Exploratory Classes

Many of our staff members have helped designed fun exploratory activities that will last the duration of the semester. Students can switch classes each term, or choose to become more advanced in their

previous one.

RATIONAL:Exploratory classes enhance the middle school experience

by allowing students to participate in activities that broaden their views of themselves and the world around them. The classes are also designed to increase social

skills and strengthen relationships between students and teachers.

Exploratory curriculum and classes directly reflect the middle school concept of meeting the diverse needs of

young adolescents

Exploratory Classes Offered

1. Tile Mosaic- Taught by Ms. Morgan: learn techniques for using tiles to make art and beautify the school

2. Circus Arts-Taught by Ms. Martha : explore balancing acts, juggling, hula-hooping, costume design

3. Martial Arts- Taught by Mr. Yi-Chen : learn techniques of Jiu-Jitsu, karate, Fencing, Jung-Fu, Taekwondo

4. Glass Blowing- Taught by Mr. Egger : learn the basics such as pipe turning, marveling, putney relay and bubbling

Exploratory Classes Offered

5. Gardening-Taught by Ms. Julie : explore what crops and flowers grow in our area, plant a school garden

6.Tie-Dye- Taught by Ms. Rachel : analyze colors and color schemes all while learning different styles of tie-dye

7. Basketball: taught by Mr. Patrick : learn rules of the game and do lots of playing!

8. Drama: Taught by Ms. Joanna : learn about expression, decide on a play and act it out

School Wide Activities

Three times each semester the entire student and faculty body at Sunnyside will participate in an activity. We hope these activities will help us feel more like a family, and make a positive impact within our community.

_________________________________________________Each team will choose one activity during the school

year. IDEAS INCLUDE: - downtown clean-up day - Field day - writing positive news articles and sending it to local media outlets - Participating in town parade - Reading buddies at Elementary

school

Family and Community

Contributions

Research shows that students have higher academic achievement and a better attitude

about themselves and school, when families and community are involved with the learning

process.

Ways parents can get involved: - Join the PTO - Attend parent teacher conferences - Chaperone Field Trips - Volunteer in the classroom - Check in daily with your student's academic and personal happenings

Family and Community

Involvement Ways the Entire Community Can Get Involved: - PLACE THE CHILDREN FIRST - Businesses can sponsor events such as

school night and with fundraisers - Offer music and art experiences - Set up tutoring programs - LISTEN TO THE STUDENTS - Be aware of how the local media stations

are portraying young people...do not support

the production of unhealthy role models

Contact Information

E-mail/Phone: Location:sunnysidems@email.com

1213 Happy Lane828-555-1234

Boone, NC 28607

If you have any questions, concerns, or comments please feel free to contact us! We love hearing your feedback!