By Michelle Miller

Principal

New Ulm Middle School

In September of 2016, New Ulm Middle School opened its doors for the first time with a new school program specifically designed to meet the needs and developmental characteristics of the district’s 5th -8th grade students. One of the key elements of the middle school concept is that every student in the building is assigned to a house or team of students who share the same core teachers and general location of the building. New Ulm Middle School students now identify with one of six team names including the Huskies, Dragons, Gophers, Mustangs, Cougars and Mavericks. Each team has a colorful mural of their mascot painted in their house area. Throughout the school year, New Ulm Middle School students have demonstrated school pride by dressing up in their team colors and engaging in house competitions.

Another way that New Ulm Middle School is building a positive school culture is through its Advisory program. The school day begins each morning with a 20 minute advisory period in which students connect with their advisor and peers. The advisory program is centered around 7 Mindsets, providing students with character building lessons that help them to be successful in school and life. At the end of each month, New Ulm Middle School celebrates with an all school advisory assembly in which students are recognized for positive behavior, Student of the Month and other accomplishments.

With the goal of meeting the individual needs of all students, New Ulm Middle School has set aside a block of time each day in which students receive either enrichment or intervention programming. This period is titled Positive Intervention and Enrichment, or P.I.E. for short. During P.I.E., students are working on what they need to be successful. Some examples of enrichment courses include Coding, Public Speaking, German, Current Events and Genius Hour, while intervention is focused on improving skills in math, reading, organization, and studying. A recent review of student assessment data indicates that the P.I.E. period is having a positive impact on student academic performance.

New Ulm Middle School has also added a wide range of after school clubs and activities. The clubs are supported by community education and are open to all 5th-8th grade students in the district. Activities include robotics, cooking club, book club, French club, sign language and Technology Club.