Maysville Middle School

3725 Panther Drive

Zanesville, Ohio 43701

Mission Statement: 

Maysville Middle School’s mission is to provide a safe, educational environment for all students.  We will facilitate academic growth and achievement to develop life long learners.

Our Mission:

·       Produce life long learners                                                    

·       Become an authentic learning community

·       Create an exemplary school

·       Provide a safe, supportive environment                                        

·       Incorporate cross-curricular instruction

·       Meet the needs of all students (differentiation of instruction, SBG)

·       Develop diverse educational experiences

·       Encourage students to take ownership for their learning

Vision Statement for Maysville Middle School

       I.          Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Our middle school curriculum strives to include specific classes designed to advance skills and knowledge.  Our teachers take into account that each student learns differently.    Teachers plan and implement learning activities that appeal to young adolescents and create opportunities to pose and answer questions that are important to them.  The curriculum is relevant, challenging, integrative, and exploratory, from both the student’s and teacher’s perspective.  Assessments and evaluations include both the processes and the products of learning. 

  We believe….

A.     school-wide programs such as guidance, clubs, music and drama productions, student government, sports, and service learning that provide students with learning experiences beyond the everyday curriculum.

B.     integrating technology enhances student learning.

C.      establishing life and career courses will help our students develop the 21^st Century skills our business leaders need for success.

D.     middle school students need to  develop skills to hypothesize, organize, and understand long-term cause and effect relationships .

E.      both the teachers and students need to work together to develop activities that will promote higher levels of understanding.

F.      in differentiation of instruction while continuing to teach the rigorous requirements of Ohio’s Academic Content Standards.

G.     in innovative teaching formats such as interdisciplinary units.

H.     a grading system should be consistent, fair, motivating and best practice for our students.

I.       assessment is continuous and includes both Assessments “FOR” and “OF” Learning. 

J.       a variety of assessment strategies beyond paper and pencil tests, such as journals, electronic portfolios, demonstrations, peer feedback, student created authentic assessments, teacher-designed tests, and audio or video of learning is needed to assess students.

K.      decision making is data driven.

 

     II.          Emphasis on the Individual Student:  Equity and Access for ALL

Our teachers plan learning opportunities that enhance and accommodate the diverse skills, abilities, and prior knowledge of all students.  Because not all students learn the same way, teachers use a variety of learning strategies to ensure appropriate challenges for all types of learners.  We have high expectations for student conduct, character, and achievement for all students. 

We believe… 

A.      diagnostic assessments are important.

B.      all students should have access to the general curriculum.

C.      in developing individuals through co-teaching strategies.

D.     Intellectual strengths are served in developing advanced classes.

E.      in a commitment to the whole student, including academic progress, behavior, and   emotional well-being.

F.      staff will guide students in accepting increasing responsibility for their learning, decisions, and actions.

G.     in encouraging each student to explore and take advantage of the variety of opportunities for participation in the curricular and co-curricular pursuits.

H.     in instilling the joy of learning.

  

    III.          Working Within A Professional Learning Community

Teaming is the starting place for building a strong learning community with sense of family.  Team Leaders are chosen to represent their team and serve on Instructional Council with administrators to set direction, provide feedback, and evaluate the school.  A shared vision and mission are critical for a successful professional learning community.  All decisions made about the school should be guided by a shared vision and mission.

We believe…

A.     regular common planning time is essential and a schedule that is flexible to provide large blocks of time for teachers to conduct learning experiences that are not possible in a usual single period.

B.     teaching teams work together to develop interdisciplinary units in order for students to make connections between subjects. 

C.      in the commitment of all members of the learning community to a high level of mutual support and trust.

D.     working together and sharing best practices improves student success.

E.      collaborative teams are effective in organizing intervention opportunities.

 

   IV.          A Culture For Learning

Our school provides a culture where educators value the opportunity to work with young adolescents and advocate for their best interests.  Middle school educators are sensitive to individual differences, respond positively to the diversity present, and know how to involve families.  Strong relationships among all members of the learning community are paramount to student success.  Our school provides an inviting, supportive, and safe place for students to learn. 

We believe…

A.      our school works proactively to eliminate harassment, verbal abuse, and bullying.

B.     our middle school has an emphasis on health and wellness, and safety, with faculty members sharing responsibility for maintaining a positive environment and all adults are encourage to model good health habits.

C.      students are taught how to manage anger, resolve conflicts peacefully, and prevent hateful or violent behaviors. 

D.      a diverse community of students and staff treats each other with mutual respect, consideration, and acceptance.

E.       individual and collective effort and achievement is promoted, recognized, and celebrated .

F.      in an ongoing effort to provide a school that is free of alcohol and drugs.

G.     an advisor/advisee program benefits student maturation and character development.

H.     in open and ongoing communication between all members of the Maysville community.

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                            

     V.          Community Engagement

Middle school educators must understand young adolescents and the community in which they live.  Parents’, policymakers’, and community members’ involvement in our middle school is a key component for student success.

We believe…

A.     the community should be involved in promoting and sharing the vision and values of the school.

B.     the community provides the various resources that enable the school to offer exemplary academic and co-curricular programs.

C.      the community and school recognize and value the benefit of on-going communication.

D.     the school interacts and collaborates with the community through utilization of school resources and facilities.

E.      parents play an active role in the education of their children by monitoring their children’s academic performance, and working collaboratively and positively with staff to maximize their child’s educational experience.

F.      the school provides opportunities for students to serve and to participate within the extended community.