Work to be done at the Middle Schools
Why don’t we talk more about the middle schools? Let’s face it…parents whose children are in the middle schools or who have moved on to the high schools often believe that the middle schools are really the weakest part of our school system. I don’t mean to imply that there aren’t exciting things going on at the middle school level, or that there aren’t dedicated and passionate staff, but it feels like it happens to a far lesser degree at the middle school level.
In general, middle school parents are less engaged–either because they are “burnt out” from elementary school involvement or because their middle schoolers are trying to keep them at arm’s length. Programs like BRIM (Breaking Ranks in the Middle) are not well explained and parents can’t see the direct connection or benefit to the curriculum. Too often middle school is treated as something for the students to “get through” so that they can reach the wonderful high schools.
As a middle school parent and a School Committee candidate, I want three years where our increasingly independent children are challenged academically, are learning the 21st century skills needed for future success, and are developing the social skills important for successful and enriching lives. We also want our children to have a memorable three years that maintains that excitement for education that was sparked at the elementary level and the positive connections with teachers who are engaged and challenged themselves.
So what can we do to support and enhance the middle schools? Parents can become more involved and knowledgeable and advocate for more attention TO the middle schools and FROM the middle schools. Let’s figure out what BRIM is about (and explain it to each new batch of middle school parents) and how it fits into the new Strategic Plan. Let’s do more pilot programs at the middle schools—especially those that build upon the strategic plan. Currently there are two classrooms that are piloting new technology, and that number is expected to grow. It would be great to see some surveying done of the faculty and the parents about their perceptions. Can we have more multidisciplinary courses and projects? These are just a few ideas to bring middle schools into the limelight.