Somersworth Middle School
2007-08 Highlights
Somersworth Middle School has started the year with a great attitude and renewed purpose. We have just completed the first year of our school improvement plan for reading. Last year, we concentrated on professional development for teachers, hoping to improve and update our reading instruction. Staff members worked on a book study and attended summer workshops on the latest reading instruction techniques. They also worked on implementing the techniques into the classroom. In August, we received word that we did make Acceptable Yearly Progress in reading. We have started our second year plan that includes professional development for the staff; work with a consultant on reading instruction, and providing additional help for students who are struggling readers. In January, we will be using the Measures of Academic Progress (MAPS) testing to check on the progress that each student is making. This will allow us to make any necessary corrections to our program. Our plan last year was a great success and had positive results and we hope this year’s plan is just as effective.
Somersworth Middle School has been a participant in the PBIS New Hampshire program since it began. We have served as a Demonstration Site for the state and have watched as the program has been adopted by the rest of the district. This year, PBIS sponsored “Rachel’s Challenge,” a moving program that urges students to make a positive difference in the lives of others. The program was presented to the Middle School, High School, and a night program for parents. It has resulted in the formation of groups working to promote positive behavior and community service. The PBIS Universal Team from the Middle School collects and analyzes data each month, reporting to faculty and students the results, and makes initiatives to improve the climate at SMS. The program has been a great success.
The Middle School has also entered into a partnership with the HUB to secure a grant to provide an after school program for students called “Somersworth Youth Connections.” The program will provide students with academic support, physical activities and life skills activities every afternoon at the school. Each day will have an academic component that is connected to homework or tutoring for the students. There will be a variety of activities that will include physical one such as yoga, karate, and sports. There are a number of craft activities such as scrap booking, pottery, cooking and art. There will be field trips to local artisans and other educational places. This is an exciting opportunity for all of our students to explore new areas of interest in a secure, supportive environment. The program will be running each day from 2:30 to 5:30 PM and will provide transportation home for students. We are very excited about the program which will provide an enriching program for students, engaging them in academic and exploratory activities that will expand their horizons in a supervised, supportive atmosphere.