“Connecting students to academic achievement

and personal excellence”

Just as a bridge offers support and transition, Monongahela Middle School guides students in their development and growth. As a school community, we are clearly focused on engaging the students in the following core areas:

·      Providing a dynamic and challenging curriculum with an emphasis on higher-order thinking skills

·      Promoting and maintaining a peaceful and respectful atmosphere that encourages responsibility for one’s actions

·      Developing self-confidence and an influential voice that is expressed and heard in a safe environment

·      Fostering participation in and service to the democratic society in which we live

The scaffolding of the dedicated community members, parents, and staff helps to sustain the weight of the bridge that braces our students’ future.

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School Goals

MMS SMART Goal for 2016-2020

          Monongahela Middle School strives to improve the academic achievement for all students by challenging students to reach new academic heights and maximize their individual potential. We are dedicated to creating a safe environment where students are taught to recognize bullying and respond in a way which promotes positive student relationships and a comfortable, safe learning environment for all. Students will be taught to utilize 21^st century skills to work collaboratively and with confidence. Monongahela offers each student a personalized learning period (PLP) to help them achieve success.  During this period students utilize the 21^st century skills of goal setting and learning to advocate for their own learning by seeking help from teachers in areas of concern.  Our academic achievement will be measured through a detailed review and analysis of benchmark tests and standardized tests, comparing cohort groups from entrance to exit in our school. We will continually review student growth and progress in all curricular areas. The established AVID program serves to encourage students to consider their futures beyond middle school.  Students are given an opportunity to explore colleges, set long- and short-term goals, have increased personal accountability and be mentored through the process.  AVID teachers participate in ongoing training. The AVID philosophy is presented throughout the middle school by turn-keyed professional development and collaboration between teachers.  At Monongahela Middle School, we strive for excellence for all students academically, socially, emotionally, and behaviorally. MMS will continue to create a safe, positive learning environment and a welcoming school climate for all.

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MMS Objectives 2018-2019

Objective 1:

In ELA, students will continue to perform above the state’s average (grade level & DFG) in meeting or exceeding expectations, as measured by the state standardized assessment. This will be achieved through curriculum and instruction that is rigorous, relevant, and geared toward 21^st Century life and career skills.

Objective 2:

In Math, students will continue to perform above the state’s average (grade level & DFG) in meeting or exceeding expectations, as measured by the state standardized assessment. This will be achieved through curriculum and instruction that is rigorous, relevant, and geared toward 21^st Century life and career skills.

Objective 3:

Teachers will expose students to Focus Notes (AVID note-taking system) in all disciplines with an emphasis on Costa’s Level II questioning for the students.  The notes must follow clearly defined Avid templates and guidelines to ensure our scholars are learning to use a detailed note-taking system which is aligned with high school and career expectations and practices.

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MMS School Improvement Plan 2018-2019

Objective 1 and 2:

Monongahela staff will participate in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) which facilitates meeting the needs of a diverse population of learners. The PLCs will focus on evaluating multiple means of data for strengths and weaknesses, developing a common understanding of standards, revising a living curriculum, and creating a comprehensive promotional assessment. Curriculum, including resources, activities, and assessments will be enhanced in response to students’ strengths and weaknesses by grade and subject area. Progress will be measured through a detailed review and analysis of benchmark tests, Link It data and standardized tests.

Objective 3:

Monongahela staff will implement Focus notes in the classroom while noting in their lesson plans when Focus notes are utilized.  Administration will conduct informal walk-throughs to observe the students’ use of Focus notes. Administration will also collect and assess student samples of the Focus notes.