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Eagle Update: Refining the Middle School program

Eagle Update

The excitement of a new school year could be seen on the faces of New Ulm Middle School students and staff as as they returned to the building the week of Sept. 5.

New Ulm Middle School first opened it’s doors last fall, introducing a new middle level program specifically designed to meet the needs of the district’s 5th through 8th grade students. Highlights of the middle school program include organizing students by houses, a daily advisory program, exploratory and electives and a positive intervention and enrichment block designed to meet the learning needs of all students. This year New Ulm Middle School administration and staff look forward to refining the middle school program and building upon the structures that were put into place throughout the last school year.

One initiative that the middle school is focused on this year is the full implementation of Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports or PBIS. PBIS strives to improve student academic and behavior outcomes through a schoolwide system of supports creating a positive school environment. The school received a grant from the Minnesota Department of Education which will allow for eight staff members to be trained over a two year period, leading the school to the state designation of a PBIS school. The school will use the train the trainer model in which staff members trained in PBIS will use their expertise to train the rest of the staff.

New Ulm Middle School is also working on developing more opportunities to meet the individual needs of students enrolled at the middle school. At the 7th and 8th grade level, an enriched math course has been added for students who demonstrate a need for a greater challenge in math. Additionally, new intervention and enrichment classes have been added to the positive intervention and enrichment period. These courses provide students with individualized instruction that supports all students in making academic gains.

Lastly, the New Ulm Middle School staff is working on refining and adding to its school wide advisory program. The middle school advisory program ensures that each student has at least one positive connection with an adult in the building. The program centers around 7 Mindsets for success, community building and academic advising. Each month New Ulm Middle School celebrates students an all school advisory assembly where students are recognized for demonstrating the mindset of the month, positive behaviors and participating in school activities.

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