Middle SchoolRamp-Up

Henderson International SchoolRamp-Up Meeting for 4th Grade Families

HIS has prepared me for transitioning from middle school to high school. Between my parents and

teachers, I don’t know who motivates me more to excel and go beyond the bare minimum.

- Excerpt from HIS Class of 2014 Graduation Speech

Developmental Needs

A time of significant change– Physical growth– Intellectual growth– Curiosity and courage

Pre- and Adolescent Needs– Relationships– Autonomy– Competence– Fun

From The Advisory Book

Why a PS-8 School?

The Best Schools: How Human Development Research Should Inform Educational Practice by Thomas Armstrong

Developmentally Inappropriate Practices Developmentally Appropriate Practices

Unsafe school climate Safe school climate

Large, impersonal schools Small learning communities

Impersonal adult interactions Personal adult relationships

Emotionally flat learning experiences Emotionally meaningful curriculum

Student voices not heard or respected Honoring and respecting student voices

No significant arts program Expressive arts activities for all students

Total focus on academic learning to the neglect of social/emotional development

Facilitating social and emotional growth

Why a PS-8 School?

Compared to students in stand-alone middle schools, students in K-8 schools:• Have higher academic achievement, especially in math• Participate more in extracurricular activities, demonstrate

greater leadership, and are less likely to be bullied• Have a significantly higher acceptance rate into the most

challenging high schools

Resources• Bullying and the middle years: The case for K-8 • Do Middle Schools Make Sense? • Mayhem in the Middle: Why We Should Shift to K-8

I have been at HIS for eight years. Eight years is a large chunk of my life. You may be asking yourself,

‘Why did he continue to stay at the same school for eight years?’ The answer is simple… it was worth it.

The school was worth staying at, because it has enlightened me, taught me important social skills,

and prepared me for the future.

- Excerpt from HIS Class of 2014 Graduation Speech

Association for Middle Level Education

Essential attributes of effective middle schools• Developmentally Responsive• Challenging• Empowering• Equitable

From This We Believe: Keys to Educating Young Adolescents

HIS Middle School is…

Developmentally Responsive • Focus of 5-6 team is transition from elementary

and preparation for middle school• Focus of 7-8 team is high school preparation• Circle of Power & Respect • Independent Study & Feedback• Freedom & Responsibility

HIS Middle School is…

Challenging• Strong success with HS Placement Test• All of last year’s graduates are on the Honor Roll

as freshmen at their respective high schools• Focus of academic program is on higher-order

thinking and application of knowledge• Standards-based learning highlights individual

strengths and areas of improvement

HIS Middle School is…

Empowering• MS Rights• Outdoor Education experiences • Student-led Conferences• Digital Portfolios• Academic Self-Reflections• Presentations of Learning

HIS Middle School is…

Equitable• Differentiating to meet the needs of each

individual• Well-rounded program that includes Visual &

Performing Arts, Digital Media, Physical Education and Athletics

• Electives Program

This school is like a second home to me, and I love that Henderson International School gives us a safe

learning environment where we can grow into brilliant people, and that is all thanks to the teachers

I respect and love with all my heart.

- Excerpt from HIS Class of 2014 Graduation Speech

HIS Middle School Team

Josie Cruz – MathematicsKevin Cloud – Language ArtsTanya Yamada - ScienceTim Williams – Social StudiesRikki Martin – Spanish

Tara Cadena – Donna Raucher – Joe Petrelli – Krissy Waldman – Jillian Petrelli – Gabe Cadena – Nick Stamanis – Ali Cohen – Andy Corridori – Ricardo Baldizan

Middle School At A Glance

• Standards-based learning• Advisory program• 1:1 BYO device program• Outdoor education trip – AstroCamp• Electives program• Meritas events• Athletics program• Academic competitions

Questions