A Message from our Principal ~

I can't think of a more exciting place to learn and work than in middle school! I've often said that middle school students are a combination of what's most perfect about a child and an adult. In one minute, they will get wildly excited about a math game in the classroom and the next they are able to powerfully analyze and discuss a character's feelings in their class novel. Both personal experience and professional research have shown me that young adolescence is a critical period for both brain and character development. What a significant responsibility is placed then on middle school educators and parents!

Rick Wormeli, a middle school teacher and nationally renowned speaker on middle level education, describes middle schoolers in his book Day One & Beyond in this way:

In the brief stage of young adolescence, our students undergo rapid physical growth, changes in moral reasoning, and the onset of abstract thinking, and are introduced to a range of social pressures. Simultaneously, they're creating a personal identity, acquiring social skills, gaining autonomy, developing character, and setting values. Young adolescents crave:

1. positive social interaction with adults and peers;

2. structure and clear limits;

3. physical activity;

4. creative expression;

5. competence and achievement;

6. meaningful participation in families, school, and communities;

7. opportunities for self-definition.

Millard Central Middle School strives to be a developmentally responsive middle school for all students. The following components are in place at CMS to make this happen:

Homeroom Program -Central Middle School students join a small group of students and a teacher to participate in a variety of activities that promote connection on a personal level (i.e. community-building activities, goal setting, Free to Read, life skills lessons, service learning, etc.)

Interdisciplinary Teaming and a Proactive Behavior Management Program - Team teachers share the same group of students, have a common planning/meeting time, and teach one of the five core subject areas: reading, English, math, science, and social studies. This allows teachers to work together to respond quickly to students who need help, to develop thematic units and team activities, and to communicate behavior expectations in a uniform way.

Varied and Developmentally Appropriate Instruction - Teachers at CMS plan instruction to provide adequate challenge for individual students while making learning engaging and fun. For example, student-centered classrooms, collaboration, hands-on activities, student choice, and authentic assessments promote meaningful participation in the learning process.

Exploratory Program - Central Middle School is a place for artists, athletes, scholars, leaders, scientists, musicians-you name it! Middle school is a time to discover and develop individual interests and lifelong talents. Exploratory topics at CMS include world language, intramural and interscholastic sports, student council, family-consumer science, art, computer science, drama, health and wellness, orchestra, chorus, and band (to name a few!). All students at CMS are encouraged to participate in our extracurricular program.

Shared Vision Among Staff - Teachers at CMS are committed to developing well-rounded young adolescents. They enjoy their subject areas, but they are teachers of young adolescents first. Central Middle School teachers go above and beyond to establish relationships with students and home-school partnerships. A safe and nurturing community is our goal.

Healthy Transitions - Elementary to middle school and middle school to high school are substantial changes for students. We work hard to ensure that both students and their families are well-prepared as they enter a new school experience. For example, the following are some of the activities that assist the transition into middle school:

- Administrators and counselors visit 5th grade classrooms

- 5th graders visit CMS for a half day in May

- Parents are invited to an information night

- We provide Jump Start for interested students in August

Healthy Parental Involvement - Central Middle School reaches out to parents in myriad ways because we believe that parents are crucial to student success. Communications, such as a monthly newsletter, progress reports every three weeks, e-mails, phone calls, and letters mailed home, aid in communicating the instructional program and student progress. The volunteer program provides an opportunity for parents to continue to be in the school and make connections with other parents and staff members. Even though your child may not admit it, it is true that adolescents need their parents around them more than ever!

I hope that you and your child have a magnificent experience at Central Middle School during the very special years of young adolescence! If you would like more information about attendance at CMS, please contact the main office at 715-8225. Thank you!

Sincerely,

Mrs. Beth Fink