Attend the National Schools to Watch conference in June, in Washington D.C. Conference Schedule | Conference Rates | Volunteer | Hotel Information | Hill Visits | Sessions | Sponsor/Exhibit | FAQ Join us at the 2025 National Schools to Watch Conference , a one-of-a-kind event bringing together passionate middle-level educators from across the nation. This conference is rooted in the Schools to Watch® (STW) model, showcasing specific practices and programs that are enhancing student learning and development. With inspiring keynote speakers, hands-on sessions, and peer-led learning opportunities, this event is designed to foster growth, connections, and inspiration. We invite you to be part of this unique journey of professional development and celebration! Featured Speakers Rochelle Wilson With over a decade of experience as a middle school educator, Rochelle transitioned into a consultant, author, and nonprofit leader, driven by her passion for creating impactful learning environments. Her work empowers educators to foster spaces where students thrive, feel heard, and have a voice. In her keynote, From Educator to Changemaker: My Journey to Impacting the Next Generation , Rochelle will share her personal journey, innovative mentorship strategies, and insights on turning challenges into growth opportunities. Jonathan Alsheimer Jonathan is a dynamic middle school teacher, bestselling author, and international keynote speaker known for his electrifying energy and innovative approach. As the author of NEXT LEVEL TEACHING and School of Engagement —both Amazon #1 new releases—he’s inspired educators and students to break barriers and aim higher. Jonathan’s impact extends beyond the classroom with partnerships that empower students. From working with UFC fighters, celebrities, and brands to launching the national “A Rae of Hope” movement in over 15 states, his work transforms schools and communities. He’s also led anti-bullying campaigns and leadership initiatives, proving his motto: “Game-changing is not a cliché—it’s a way of life!” Dr. Martinrex Kedziora Color Me Creative and Call Me Brilliant What does it truly mean to make someone feel like they matter? In this heartfelt and thought-provoking session, Dr. Kedziora, National Forum Board President, shares his personal journey through a lifetime in education, highlighting how compassion, creativity, and connection can transform lives. "Color Me Creative and Call Me Brilliant" invites participants to reflect on the power of belonging and self-worth, especially for those who may not always feel seen or celebrated. More than a presentation, this is a call to action: to lead with heart, to see brilliance in every learner, and to understand that gratitude is more than a simple “thank you”—it’s a practice of acknowledgment and purpose. Conference Schedule Thursday, June 26 Conference Registration / Coffee: 7:30 am Welcome / Parade of States / STW Awards Redesignation Level 6-7: 8:30 am Keynote: 9:30 - 10:30 am State Meet-ups: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 1: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 2: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards - New Schools: 3:30 - 5:00 pm Friday, June 27 Conference Registration / Coffee: 8:30 am Keynote: 9:00 - 10:30 am Session 3: 10:45 - 11:30 am Lunch on your own: 11:30 am - 1:00 pm Session 4: 1:00 - 1:45 pm Session 5: 2:00 - 2:45 pm STW Awards Redesignation Level 2-3: 3:30 - 4:15 pm Redesignation Level 1, 4-5: 4:30 - 6:00 pm Saturday, June 28 Continental Breakfast: 8:30 am Keynote: 9:00 - 11:00 am Schedule is subject to change. SCHOOLS TO WATCH AWARD CELEBRATIONS Bring your team, dress to the nines, and celebrate your success! STW Celebration Schedule Thursday, June 26 Redesignation Level 6-7: 8:30 am New Schools: 3:30 pm Friday, June 27 Redesignation Level 2-3: 3:30 pm Redesignation Level 1, 4-5: 4:30 pm Schedule is subject to change. Hill Visits DIY Guide is Available Advocacy is a critical component of education policy and practice, and we want to help you make your voice heard on Capitol Hill. With our DIY Visit Guide , you can schedule and prepare for a meeting with your Senator or Representative during the National Schools to Watch Conference. Download it now and get ready to make an impact. Download Guide Early Bird Extended! Register before March 15, 2025 Schools to Watch: $449 per person Non-STW: $469 Standard Rate Register between March 15, 2025 and May 19, 2025 Schools to Watch: $499 per person Non-STW: $519 per person Don't Be Late! Register between May 20, 2025 and the day of the event Schools to Watch: $549 per person Non-STW: $569 per person Register Today! ALL ACTIVITIES TAKE PLACE AT: Crystal Gateway Marriott (not Crystal City) 1700 Richmond Hwy. Arlington, VA 22202 Special Room Rate: $269 pl us taxes & fees Make your hotel reservations online Schedule subject to change. Frequently asked questions What types of membership are available? There are three types of membership: • Advocating Member (Individual) : $39 • Contributing Member (Individual) : $69 • Institutional Member (School) : $99/year or $275/3-years What is the renewal schedule for Memberships? Membership renewals occur on the date of the initial enrollment. For Institutional Memberships, schools have the option of selecting a one-year ($99) or a three-year ($275) Institutional Membership. What is Institutional Membership in the National Forum? Institutional Membership with the Forum is a whole-school designation available to schools that believe in and support the mission and vision of the Forum and that include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Why must a school have one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9 to apply for Institutional Membership? Grades 5, 6, 7, 8, and 9 comprise the middle grades, and the vast majority of young adolescents (those students aged 10-15) are in these grades. Since the middle grades and young adolescents are the foci of the Forum’s work, it made sense that the Forum should limit (at least initially) Institutional Membership to those schools with one or more of the middle grades. Can schools that are not Schools to Watch be granted Institutional Membership? Yes, but they must believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Can schools that are not eligible to be designated as Schools to Watch be granted Institutional Membership? Yes, but they must believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. How is the Forum’s Institutional Membership different from its other memberships? Institutional Membership differs in several ways from currently existing memberships (Contributing Memberships and Advocating Memberships): • First, Institutional Membership is a whole-school membership while the Forum’s two other memberships are for individuals only. • Second, the Institutional Membership targets schools that believe in the Forum’s Mission and Vision and have one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9; Contributing and Advocating Memberships are for individuals who may or may not be in a School to Watch but who wish to be more active and involved in the Forum’s effort to “accelerate middle grades reform”. • Third, the Institutional Membership category provides the Forum with a mechanism to engage and communicate with a broader constituency of middle-level practitioners (nationally and internationally) than do the existing membership classifications. What are the benefits of being an Institutional Member? The benefits of being an Institutional Member include: • The personal satisfaction of supporting the Forum in its efforts to speak with a common voice to leverage research, policy, leadership, and replicable practices to drive middle grades reform (being part of a “movement”) • Opportunities to give back to the profession (paying it forward) • Periodic reports on Forum projects to accelerate middle-grades reform • Special rates for Forum-sponsored activities • Access to all Forum publications, reports, and white papers • Access to a national network of middle-level schools that shares a common philosophy, mission, and vision. Is it possible for one person to have both a Contributing Membership and an Institutional Membership? Technically no, since Institutional Membership is available only to an eligible school and not to an individual. That being said, a person could be both a Contributing Member and a member of a school with an Institutional Membership. Must a School to Watch become an Institutional Member? Not at this time, but given the benefits of membership it is highly recommended that every School to Watch be an Institutional Member of the Forum. Can other than public schools be Institutional Members? Yes, as long as they believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and that include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Can an organization other than a school (e.g., philanthropic organization and state organization) have an Institutional Membership? No. Institutional Memberships are only for schools that believe in and support the Mission and Vision of the Forum and include one or more of the following grades – 5, 6, 7, 8, or 9. Become a member today! Join Up

The National Forum runs the nationwide Schools to Watch program. STW is a designation awarded to outstanding middle schools across the country. JOIN US! National Schools to Watch Conference Washington D.C. June 26-28, 2025 REGISTER TODAY! About Us Our Goal, Vision & Commitment Save the dates National Schools to Watch Conference June 26-28, 2025 Washington D.C. Get Involved Become a Forum Member ABOUT US The mission of the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform is to unite key stakeholders to speak with a common voice to leverage research, policy, leadership, and replicable practices to drive middle grades reform. National STW Conference June 26-28, 2025 | Washington, D.C. JOIN US Share Your Story We want to hear from you! SHARE NOW

National Schools To Watch™ Conference June 20 - 22, 2024, Washington D.C. IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE YOU! Thanks for joining the National Forum and your fellow Schools to Watch in D.C.! Photobooth Pictures (Passcode: 062021)

National Schools To Watch™ Conference June 22 - 24 2023, Washington, D.C. IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE YOU! Thanks for joining the National Forum and your fellow Schools to Watch in D.C.! Photobooth Pictures (Passcode: 0623)

Schools To Watch™ Virtual Conference Featuring Dr. Anthony Muhammad June 22-24 & 29-30, 2021 VIRTUAL SCHOOLS TO WATCH AWARD CELEBRATIONS You are invited to watch the first-ever virtual Schools to Watch Award Celebrations ! Kentucky, Michigan, New Jersey, New York North Carolina, Virginia California (2020 Schools) California (2021 Schools) Georgia, Indiana Texas Colorado, Utah, Arkansas, Illinois Pennsylvania, South Carolina

National Schools To Watch™ Conference Celebrating all schools to watch June 23 - 25 2022, Washington, D.C. IT WAS SO GREAT TO SEE YOU! Thanks for joining the National Forum and your fellow Schools to Watch in D.C. for this one-of-a-kind in-person event! Photobooth Pictures (Passcode: 0624)

2024 Annual Conference Washington D.C. 2022 Annual Conference Washington D.C. 2023 Annual Conference Washington D.C. 2021 Virtual Celebrations Zoom Past Events Check out our upcoming events View

2017-2018 Ramay Junior High School 2016-2017 SCHOOL STATISTICS Designated in 2018 Community Size - Suburban School Enrollment - 652 Grade Levels - 7, 8 School Calendar - Traditional Free and Reduced Lunch 56% English Learners 7% Students With Disabilities 20% Demographics African American - 14% Asian - 2% Caucasian - 55% Filipino - 1% Hispanic - 16% Native American - 1% Pacific Islander - 1% Other - 0% Two or More - 9% School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Academic Excellence Ramay works to maintain a growth mindset where… students believe they can get smarter, they understand that effort makes them stronger. Ramay implements the use of S.M.A.R.T. goals: specific, measurable, attainable, results focused, time driven… using live data through bi-weekly grade checks and discussions. Ramay gives students help before and after school and at lunch Ramay has implemented a No Zeros policy with many opportunities to redo work. Ramay addresses the individual needs of all learners through our PRIDE Time program…coteaching (SPED and ELL) to support all learners. Ramay tracks data… MAPS, Common formative and summative assessments, ACT Aspire, Electronic dashboard, PLC meetings, ELLEvation - ELD Curriculum Communicating with all stakeholders (emailing/calling parents, eschool, remind, google classroom, curriculum night) Ramay utilizes the PLC process… Training with Solution Tree, ID essential skills, Streamline common unit plans and pacing guides, Common formative assessments, Design differentiation opportunities, PRIDE time, Cross curricular collaboration. Ramay provides…Blended learning opportunities, Authentic learning opportunities, Curricula choices in 7th and 8th grades, Lessons designed to meet different learning styles, High Standards & Rigor. Developmental Responsiveness Ramay does Advisory daily with Advisory lessons about… Character building, team building, academic support, customized guidance, soft skills, behavior, reset lessons for adolescent brains. Ramay utilizes Interdisciplinary teams… Discuss students, meet with students, and recognize student’s needs. Ramay provides Student opportunities to be involved in school and community, Clubs, Service learning. AT Ramay we provide access to a full-time school Nurse, school counselors, school resource officer, on-site therapists, social workers, school psychologist, speech therapist, academic interventionist. Ramay uses Counselor lessons through classes and Needs assessment at the beginning of school and throughout the year. Ramay Promotes healthy eating… FACS “my plate”… Physical education opportunities, PE classes, sports, Career Development (health, academic and career success) and access to Clubs and organizations to kids students involved and connected (more than 20). Social Equity Ramay works to build relationships & rapport with all stakeholders. Ramay practices the concept of Ramay PRIDE (Being Respectful, Responsible and Safe) our Common schoolwide expectations, LiveSchool tracking system… RTI- A and RTI -B teams. At Ramay we value diversity and Share culture and traditions… Foreign Language Weeks, World festival in Spring, Hispanic Heritage month, Black History month, Arkansas History month. Ramay provides Extra-curricular opportunities… Field trips, Guest speakers, conferences, literacy nights, athletic events, and social events. Organizational Support Ramay uses its organizational structure to provide opportunities for teachers and students to flourish and give a voice to all through… Advisory Teams, Common planning times, Teacher leaders, Leadership team, Transition extravaganza for upcoming 7th graders, Advisory - small size - all educators, PBIS teams, The Tribe - student voice and student leadership, Student Council, building wide communication and celebrations.

2023 E.O. Green Jr. High School Hueneme Elementary School District Ventura County Irma Melgoza-Vasquez, Principal Enrollment: 1,066. Grade Levels: 6-8. School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Nine-year Spanish-English dual language immersion student cohorts (K-8) Social-emotional program helps students discuss emotions, social interactions, choices Teacher-provided instructional support for students below grade level CTE pathways align with local high school SEL advisory period embedded into all students’ schedules

2017-2018 Cabot Middle School South 2017-2018 SCHOOL STATISTICS Designated in 2012 Re-Designated in 2015, 2018 Community Size - Rural School Enrollment - 779 Grade Levels - 5, 6 School Calendar - Traditional Free and Reduced Lunch 46% English Learners 2% Students With Disabilities 15% Demographics Hispanic 7% White 84% African American 3% Asian 1% Native American 1% Pacific Islander 0% Filipino 0% Two or More 3% Other 0% School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Academic Excellence Cabot Middle School South has been recognized by the Office for Education Policy as a High Achieving Overall Middle School, performing within the top 10% of schools in Arkansas on standardized testing for the last four years. After emphasizing writing across the curriculum for one academic year Interim assessments are utilized in all subject areas to drive instruction. A Wacky Wednesday schedule has been developed to include project based learning, clubs, response to intervention, and enrichment. R.E.A.L. Squad, an extended learning opportunity, has been implemented twice a week in order to address student needs in the areas of literacy, math, and English language learning. A homework lab is available each morning before school. Developmental Responsiveness CBI (Community Based Instruction) provides experiences with outside businesses and important community locales. Other special services offered are resource, inclusion, self-contained, LAB (Learning Appropriate Behaviors), and Gifted and Talented. Students are given voice and choice with project based learning and clubs. Community partnerships provide service learning through clubs. Transitions are addressed with tours/visits from elementary schools and to the junior high and with participation in a Junior High Fair and a Step Up Day orientation. Further, Open House, Middle School 101, and Advisory are provided as opportunities to address middle school topics with parents and students. Social Equity Forty-five different clubs sponsored by teachers, parents, and community leaders are offered for students to choose from for each semester. R.E.A.L. Panther assemblies are held each month to spotlight students in the areas of respect, exploration, achievement, and leadership. An extra recess has been added to the daily schedule in order to promote social engagement and to intervene with struggling students. Diversity and equity are represented through club topics led by club sponsors of diverse backgrounds and ethnicities. Students are given opportunities to cultivate compassion for others through several clubs as well. ESL (English as a Second Language) students are provided minutes with a part time ESL certified teacher and a paraprofessional as additional support in the growth of the English language. Organizational Support The school schedule has built in time for adults to collaborate and grow professionally. Professional Learning Communities with departments and teams and a Leadership Committee are set up to encourage adult learning and to analyze data, student growth, and curriculum. Weekly intervention time creatively involves all adults (classroom teachers, paraprofessionals, Encore teachers). Transportation is offered for the R.E.A.L. Squad after school program in order to ensure availability to all students recommended. Weekly schedules address grade level needs. Fifth grade has a 75 minute block schedule with students rotating classes as an advisory. Sixth grade models a junior high schedule that allows them to switch classes and mix with different students other than those within their advisory classes. All students are enrolled in an advisory course. Members of the faculty take turns planning weekly lessons that will benefit the whole child.

2016-2017 Greenbrier Middle School 2016-2017 SCHOOL STATISTICS Designated in 2017 School Enrollment - 546 Grade Levels - 6-7 Free/ Reduced Lunch 39.19% English Learners 1.9% Demographics African American - 1.5% Asian - 0.8% White - 93.2% Filipino - 0% Hispanic - 3% Native American - 0.2% School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Academic Excellence “It is the mission of Greenbrier Middle School to empower students to be successful, productive leaders in society. We are devoted to an engaging and rigorous curriculum, to a safe and student-centered environment, and to innovative teaching and learning that is built on stakeholder collaboration to educate the whole child.” These are not just words to the staff at Greenbrier Middle School, instead they are what drives us each and every day to be the best for our students and their families. We hold high expectations for teaching and learning, which is evidenced by the following practices that take place at Greenbrier Middle School. Teachers have collaborated and developed YAGs (Year at a Glance) documents that identify both content and literacy standards, topics/themes, texts, resources, and student projects for all units of study throughout the year. Training has been provided for teachers on identifying power standards so that emphasis can be placed on skills that will help students across the curriculum. LDC (Literacy by Design) modules are used in Literacy classrooms, as well as content areas of social studies and science in order to develop student’s competencies in reading research, and writing skills. MDC (Math by Design) units are utilized in all math classes to supplement the CMP curriculum with pre and post assessments that drive daily instruction. Based on work done by the school’s Leadership Team, an intervention period called Fast Focus, takes place 4 days a week, targeting math, literacy, and science remediation based on student needs. Once a week this period is used as student club time, and the last week of the month it is used as a student data day. Both grade level and content level PLC’s use student data from common formative assessments to plan for re-teaching skills during a daily Fast Focus intervention time. In addition, quarterly meetings are held to review student data based on summative testing and teachers use a visual, interaction assessment wall to move students to quadrats as based on their achievement and growth patterns.’ As evidence of our “whatever it takes” district motto, Greenbrier Middle School has developed a no zero policy, with the expectation that all students will complete every assignment. Using the Power of ICU book study and accompanying database parents are notified at the beginning of the week if students have missing work from the prior week. Working lunches for students to complete their assignments are held beginning on Wednesdays and continue each day until Friday. On Friday, our No Fail Friday time kicks in and students are pulled from elective and athletic courses to complete any work that is still not complete. The use of technology in instruction is an expectation for all classrooms at GMS, to include tools such as Google classroom, Smart boards, Kid blogs, Apple TV’s, and many others. Teachers utilize over 10 Google Chromebook carts to ensure that students are learning how to participate in digital learning communities and develop their technology skills. Our EAST (Environmental and Spatial Technologies) classes are open to students in both 6th and 7th grade, who demonstrate an interest in using tehccn9ology to learn problem solving skills as well as participate in project based learning, to conclude projects focused on serving the overall community. Students are encouraged to keep their own data notebook throughout the year, where they are able to reflect on their own individual test scores including the NWEA MAP, ACT Aspire interims and classroom assessments, grades, and work samples. Students have a data day on the last Wednesday of each month where they work on developing a SMART goal A variety or courses are available to students to differentiate as based on student needs including Pre-AP in all core subjects, co-teaching for math and literacy, and Learning Strategies courses to further met student’s individual learning needs and provide remediation. Teachers work to use a variety of instructional methods with emphasis on cooperative learning and projects. Middle School OEP Awards 2014 Grade 7 Literacy-GMS #8 Overall in Arkansas 2014 Grade 7 Math Achievement-GMS #1 in Central Arkansas Region 2014 Top 5 Overall Middle Schools by Grade in Literacy Benchmark Achievement-GMS #2 2014 Top 3 Schools by Grade Level in Central Arkansas-Literacy Achievement-GMS #1 2015 Top 25 Schools in State based on the Science Benchmark Exam-GMS #4 2015 Top 5 Schools in the Central Region based on the Science Benchmark Exam-GMS #1 2016 Overall High Achieving ACT Aspire-GMS #6 2016 Overall High Achieving ACT Aspire Central Region-GMS #1 2016 Overall High Achieving in Math ACT Aspire 2016-GMS #8 2016 Overall High Achieving in Math ACT Aspire Central Region-GMS #2 2016 Overall High Achieving in Literacy ACT Aspire-GMS #8 2016 Overall High Achieving in Literacy ACT Aspire Central Region-#3 2016 Overall High Achieving in Science ACT Aspire-GMS #6 2016 Overall High Achieving in Science ACT Apsire Central Region-#1 Developmental Responsiveness Greenbrier Middle School evidences high performance in the realm of being sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescents. The environment of Greenbrier Middle School is personalized in many ways. Intellectual development is supported through strategic creation of Fast Focus groups so that students receive enrichment and/or remediation based on their current levels of learning. Through these groups, each student also creates a data notebook that identified their current progress in learning through many data sets, such as through student and family input in selection of elective courses. Every GMS student has an advocate via their Fast Focus teacher. Fast Focus is a period built into the school day that incorporates relationship building, teamwork, personal and academic growth, goal setting, and more. Each teacher also identifies “claimed kids” on our assessment wall who are in need of an additional adult advocate, and writes SMART goals on how to specifically build stronger and better relationships with those identified students Core teacher and student teams in 6th grade and math/literacy teacher and student teams in 7th grade are created for smaller communities with the goal of increasing and improving collaboration and communication to support students. Content teams with elective teacher members make up several professional learning communities throughout the school, who meet at least weekly on topics to improve teaching and learning. These PLCs created team identities based on individual strengths identified in Marcus Buckingham’s Stand Out Strengths assessment, then created charters in order to establish norms, responsibilities, and goals. The Student Intervention and multiple other teams and committees collaborate regularly to support students, families, and improvement. Staff members participate in training on how to handle student problems prevalent for this age group,, such as the book study of AMLE’s This We Believe and connecting each school initiative and program to one of the 16 characteristics. Ruby Payne’s poverty research and materials have provided additional support for staff members, while they also receive specific professional development on suicide prevention, identifying abuse or neglect, bullying, and more. Teachers are trained in the Response to Intervention model, SIT procedures, and a wide variety of instructional strategies in order to maximize support for academic problems. GMS offers many co-curricular activities such as the Clubnections described above, 7th grade athletics (basketball, football, volleyball, track, cross country), other clubs and student groups (books clubs, ACS, G4, student ambassadors, student council). Interests in the fine arts are also supported through many Clubnections (Drama, Art, Photography I, Photography II, Voices, Fashion with Attention to Details) as well as courses (art, band, general music, choir). Unique fitness and health opportunities exist through Clubnections such as Movin’ and Groovin’, Baton Twirling, Weight Lifting, and Lifetime Sports. The school wide fitness program increases interest of these students as well with morning courtyard fitness, brain break, Google Classroom for embedding physical activity across the curriculum, and stability balls. Through many of these groupings students are continually involved with other students with very similar interests and goals, and therefore increasing opportunities to practice effective social skills outside of the regular classroom setting with peers with whom they are comfortable. In addition to science labs taking place at least weekly, a Maker Space Classroom, Mobile Makerspaces, choice boards, Ignite 360, coding in business classes, student and teacher facilitated Digital Learning Day, and other opportunities outside of the classroom further develop interests of students with such focuses. A goal for the VIP program is for students to understand appropriate behavior, attire, and social skills for various settings, and therefore lessons on etiquette, hygiene, ordering from menus, use of formal table setting, etc, are embedded into bi weekly VIP sessions after school. Social Equity Greenbrier Middle School is socially equitable, democratic, and fair, and provides every student with highquality teachers, resources, learning opportunities, and supports. Positive options are continually open for all students. All faculty and administrators are committed to helping each student produce proficient work and master skills. Essential questions and student learning objectives communicate the learning expectations, rubrics are used across the content, students have opportunities to improve their work and re-take tests, and teachers focus on the quality of work even when turned in late because of our ICU program. Teachers specifically plan for differentiation for co-taught, regular, and pre advanced placements classes in order to help all ranges of learners reach proficiency. Other opportunities include before school Homework Club, lunch time and after school tutoring, Very Important Panther after school program, learning strategies courses for students to receive double blocks of math or literacy instruction as needed, pre advanced placement core courses, Clubnections, Destination Imagination, Quiz Bowl, Chess competitions. Protected time and teachers for accelerated, short term interventions for students with similar needs is provided through Fast Focus built into the master schedule. Math & literacy teachers facilitate small, fluid intervention groups while all other students participate in tier 1 instruction or enrichment activities with assigned teachers. All students participate in any of the services that support their learning, regardless of ethnicity, disability, language proficiency, or gifted status. Teachers include methods for differentiation for co-teaching, regular, and pre advanced placement classes in their lesson plans, including time, processes, learning products, student choices, level 2 co-teaching strategies, learning environment, etc. A wide variety of learning experiences include integrated Literacy Design Collaborative modules, science labs, interactive notebooks, extensive cooperative learning, field trips, service based learning projects, hands on activities, use of manipulatives and equipment, and a variety of digital and technology tools. Every GMS student is recognized throughout the school year with academic, PRIDE, and/or Clubnection awards at quarterly awards assemblies based on their strengths, growth, and/or achievement. Teachers also nominate students weekly who are noticed going above and beyond in PRIDE. Conversations and collaboration about students are results oriented with the 95/5 mindset (5% problem, 95% solution). Conversations about late, missing work are directed by four common questions used by all staff that are all focused on completing the work rather than irresponsibility or organization. GMS’ PRIDE matrix gives multiple positive examples of what each character word looks like in action rather than a list of “do not” rules, which is an asset in discussions about behavior and choices. Every student has an adult advocate through their Fast Focus teacher. While our assessment wall tracks achievement and growth with quantitative data, it also uniquely tracks qualitative data of relationships and connections with students. Students with minimal or no connections with adults at school are selected by each teacher as his/her “claimed kids,” and teachers write SMART goals on how to strengthen the relationships with those students. Greenbrier Middle School has well established norms, structures, and organizational arrangements to support and sustain its trajectory toward excellence. Staff members, students, parents, and community all shared input in the process of creating the GMS mission, vision, and core beliefs. Question stems regarding what the perfect school looks like, sounds like, and feels like to each shareholder group guided the creation while the leadership team crafted the statements. The GMS Vision, “To be the turning point in teaching, leading, and learning,” describes the mindset of constantly looking down the road to how we want to be described 10 years from now. GMS strives to be the most effective turning point for middle school age students as they transition from elementary to secondary school, from childhood to teenage years, while also be the leading trend setter and model school locally to nationally. The shared mission and vision is the foundation of our culture of distributed leadership, including student leadership via student council, ambassadors, Student Leadership Team, Clubnections, and academics. The Student Leadership Team was a leading force in communicating problem areas on campus in regards to behavior and developing the PRIDE matrix. Leadership is distributed to parents through Parent Advisory Council, PTO, and the abundance of parent input tools used. PAC has the specific goal to become more informed about aspects of GMS and tell our school story in the community, while also giving input and parent perspectives to the parent involvement facilitator. Evidence from its impact include when PAC shared confusion between Home Access Center, Google Classroom, and ICU, which led to a technology family night to teach parents the purpose and how to use each. Community members are included in leadership through our Smile Starters program, allowing for them to serve as door greeters at school, continue the morning with learning walks through classrooms, and debrief with administrators or lead teachers about current education topics, our school or district, and any other questions they may have. Community members also share leadership as they are connections to each Clubnection. A teacher leadership team represents each grade level and content/team, including elective teachers and special education, who studied Professional Learning Communities at Work, lead PLCs, developed initiatives such as Clubnection, Walk in My Shoes Night, etc. A branch of this team is the Arkansas Leadership Academy Team, which is participating in year 2 of Team Institute for its own leadership development and to develop school improvement goals. An evidence example is this team moving GMS from a weekly intervention period to a daily intervention period built into the master schedule (Fast Focus). “Be the Turning Point” and related arrow logos are posted on newsletters, communication tools, throughout the campus, on apparel, on social media. GMS continually collects, analyzes, reflects on, and uses data to make decisions, with data sets from pre/post Measures of Academic Progress assessment, ACT Aspire assessments, behavior data, SAI and other perception surveys, ICU, IXL intervention/enrichment, Edutyping, assessment wall, relationships/connections as qualitative data, Stand Out results, interest inventories, and more. This data is used to identify areas of growth and make improvements, such as tally marks used on student assessment wall photographs to communicate which teachers have a strong relationship with each at risk student. Teachers then “claimed” students who needed to be more connected with adults at school and wrote SMART goals to carry this out. MAP data analysis completed by all teachers helps them identify whether each of their course sections need more support in vocabulary acquisitions or informational text components. Other other data sets are used for the same purposes, to improve our school and student learning. By these constant cycles of action research taking place throughout the school, staff members continually strive to meet the mission and vision collaboratively created and determine which actions may or may not be meeting the expectation set out in core beliefs. The leadership team and family night committee facilitate Walk in My Shoes Family Night each May so that families of all entering 5th graders can tour the campus, meet and have conversations with staff members, receive important information about programs and courses, and ease the transition to secondary schools. Throughout the summer, families attend fluid, flexible registration days to better familiarize themselves with the campus, set up and practice lockers, complete paperwork, etc, and then are invited to a formal Parent Orientation to further communicate with teachers. Similar transition occurs through Career Action Planning conferences for exiting 7th graders going to GJHS. The district supports all of the above mentioned adult learning experiences and funds ALA Team Institute, the annual retreat, PBIS, EAST, and other specific professional learning experiences. Time is allowed to visit other classrooms and even other schools as requested to broaden networks and support continual improvement. District wide focuses on RTI, power standards, curriculum development, use of assessments, and PBIS maintain solid collaboration between GMS and the district, showing GMS as an integral part of our district and educational system. GMS’s extensive collaboration with the larger Greenbrier community and region is evidence through Clubnections and Smile Starters, while in the educational realm both teachers and administrators present GMS’ work from regional to national levels while also hosting several other schools on campus to learn from our programs, hence striving towards our vision “to be the turning point.” Organizational Support Our practice of shared leadership across the building helps ensure that we work every day to fulfill our mission statement and provide the best possible environment for student success. As a Professional Learning Community, we have embraced the belief that "all" means "all" and that learning cannot be optional for students. Content specific collaborative teams meet weekly to determine essential learning outcomes, create assessments for those outcomes, and analyze data to identify which students need additional time and support to reach proficiency, as well as which students are ready to extend their learning. As a leadership team, we are intentional about modeling for our staff the characteristics of continuous learning, experimentation, and reflection on a daily basis. We continually read about and expose ourselves to new ideas, then share with each other what we are learning. At Elmwood, we work hard to develop relationships with all the members of our larger educational system. We work very closely with our feeder schools to host events that invite families of future raiders into the building to begin learning about our culture.

2017-2018 Helen Tyson Middle School 2017-2018 SCHOOL STATISTICS Designated in 2008 Re-Designated in 2011,2014,2018 Demographics Hispanic 51% White 30% African American 3% Asian 3% Native American 1% Pacific Islander 13% Filipino 0% Two or More 0% Other 0% School Characteristics and Replicable Practices Academic Excellence Foundational to our success is to set expectations for high student academic achievement. Communicating daily/weekly in a clear manner to both students and parents, displaying exemplar samples of student work when teachers model expectations for daily lessons and assessments, and providing rubrics to students which set the standard of excellence and expectations for performance. Staff use multiple points of data to provide support and intervention to their students. Layers of a variety of supports for students and staff members including English Language Arts, English Language Learners, and Math. After school scholars program, before and after school opportunities as well as 21st CLC is available for all students. Prime Time is the glue that holds all supports together, combining the affective and academic needs. Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) are focused on student improvement. All students held to high expectations including English Language Learners (ELLs) and Special Education Students who are taught grade level standards. English Language Development (ELD) program is crucial to the needs of our ELLs and migrant students. Our staff encourages students to participate in programs such as ACT Honors Challenge and Duke TIP. All students receive personalized learning. Developmental Responsiveness At the heart of Responsiveness is communication. There is a consistent whole-student focus. Service learning opportunities for all students are available to give back in a variety different clubs. Teaming has led to the development of strong student-teacher bonding and close, respectful relationships between and among students and the adults. We have strong partnerships with outside agencies. A variety of club offerings are available for students. Students are provided with multiple opportunities for leadership avenues and the administration is open to students’ ideas including CREW and LEAD. Teachers offer opportunities for student voice in day to day learning. Family nights are well-attended and are focused on different themes such as literacy and social studies, math and science, multicultural, sports, and movie night. Social Equity The cornerstone of Helen Tyson remaining an achieving school is how we assure that every student experiences a coherent and content-rich curriculum. In our district, “All means All”: All children will learn.This entails a solid education for “all” student within our building, regardless of the skill level they arrive with. Guest speakers, student led performances and others in the community are utilized to enhance academics. The Dynamic program focuses on Balfanz research to proactively target students in specific areas such as attendance, grades, and discipline. Cultural diversity is ingrained in the school climate. Students have a voice and feel heard, acknowledged, and respected. Incoming students are provided orientation to ensure a smooth and orderly transition to the middle school. Curricular decisions are made based on the diverse needs of our students. Faculty and administration are involved in teaching a Prime Time as well as interventions. Organizational Support The cornerstone of Helen Tyson remaining an achieving school is how we assure that every student experiences a coherent and content-rich curriculum. In our district, “All means All”: All children will learn.This entails a solid education for “all” student within our building, regardless of the skill level they arrive with. Master schedule indicates blocking for maximum instructional strategies and use of time. Teachers meet consistently in data driven PLC’s. Student-focused transition systems are in place and parents reported a welcoming enrollment process that is family oriented. Student leaders can be the teachers in classes. Community partners are alive and well in our school including the University of Arkansas, profit and nonprofit organizations and cultural leaders in the city. The leaders and staff have a spirit of continuous improvement and reflection.