Mon Sep 24 2018, 5:30pm
WHS Room 2203
Regular Meeting

REPORTS TO THE BOARD

Woodland Middle School Report

To: Michael Green

From: James Johnston

Date: 9/17/18

Re: WMS September 2018 Board Report

Woodland Middle School staff and students had a great start to the 2018-19 school year!  The following topics are explained in more detail below:

  • District Directed Professional Development (DDPD) Days
  • New Master schedule overview

District Directed Professional Development (DDPD) Days

We had a positive six days back during professional development week with staff.  Our focus this fall was our new math adoption (SMC), our new tiered reading infrastructure, and a school wide focus on writing called “Step Up To Writing.”  This was a great time to launch these initiatives and host our annual Lunch and Lockers event.  Attendance by families at Lunch and Lockers was outstanding.  We were able to distribute students’ schedules even though we were still troubleshooting a brand new 7 period schedule.  The start of the year has launched relatively smoothly considering all of the system changes.

Master Schedule

We began this year with a new master schedule with the primary goal being “to increase academic achievement and prepare students for success in high school and beyond”.  Here are some key highlights that have been implemented with our new 7-period day:

  • We have implemented a tiered reading intervention structure to provide a period of extra support to assist students that are lower in reading.
  • All 5th and 6th graders have a double dose of math and ELA instruction. This helps lay a solid core foundation as they progress toward high school.
  • In 7th and 8th grade, most students have a double dose of math minutes. However, we also have an advanced math structure at 6th, 7th, and 8th grade for students that exceed the state benchmarks. These students do not have double minutes but they move at a faster pace. Students that earn placement in advanced math also earn an additional elective since their math is only one period.
  • We have developed an Advanced Language Arts class in both 7th and 8th grade for students that exceed the state benchmarks.
  • We continue to offer resource room classes based on IEP’s to provide additional support for students based on individual need.
  • We have developed a Tiered ELL instructional model to help students grow in English Language Development.
  • Our Homeroom classes meet on Friday afternoons and they include grade checks, positive behavior booster lessons, and spirit assemblies.
  • We were able to move our lunches later than previous years so that 5th and 6th graders no longer eat lunch before 11 am.
  • We have added numerous electives (mostly at the 7/8 level) such as Project Based Learning, Weights, Drama, Forensics, Science Olympics, Advanced Robotics, and Medical Careers. We have also added a new 5/6 Lego robotics class and continue to provide many tech, art, PE, and music options.