Students Hustling! NEW 7 Periods, Intervention & Mentoring!
by Dr.Terry Robinson
August 26, 2009
After five days of school at Miller Junior high and High School on a 7 period day with an additional intervention and lunch period, the building leadership team comprised of faculty and staff reviewed passing times between class for students and pressing academic needs. All members agreed that students are hustling to be in class and arriving ready to learn. However, all members were in agreement that the time between classes needed to be extended to 4 minutes to allow sufficient time for all students to travel. Shared observations revealed about 80% of students arriving in class within the current two minute time window. In order to relieve some student stress and set a more reasonable expectation for all students, the four minute time frame was set by the leadership team.
In addition to working on management issues, the leadership team will be continuing to develop curriculum and lessons to intervene when necessary and encourage students to earn great grades. Each student grade level meets with their learning skills teacher daily to go over assignments, stay organized, and work on necessary learning skills to stay focused. Specially selected Juniors and Seniors are also serving as mentors for underclassmen during this time to use the the "power of positive peers" to influence student success. Vicki Baker, school counselor and Andi Magnusson, A+ and Curriculum Coordinator are working with the mentoring students to guide them in working with underclassmen.
All students were issued a red organizational binder (portfolio) with tabs, paper, pens and pencil, and the student handbook the first day of school. It is the intent of the faculty and staff to use this binder to set expectations for learning and provide the basic supplies necessary for success in the classroom. Parents and guardians are encouraged to review their son or daughter's red portfolio binder to see what students are working on and to review school information.
A Professional Learning Community (PLC) is a school where teachers work together on a regular basis to do one thing: Raise academic achievement. Our teachers and staff have committed to continuously improving our school through the PLC model. The suggestions and concerns of the community is always welcome concerning our decisions and processes. Please contact Dr. Terry Robinson in the main Junior High and High School Office by phone, e-mail or in person with your praise, critiques or offers to help or volunteer.
