Highland Middle School
Our School Improvement Plan
Literacy
Our Core Teachers embed subjects across the curriculum. Students learn specific skills like creative thinking and problem solving in literacy. Each teacher has Grade Team long range plans that focusses on 6 threads of inclusive design and overall curriculum expectations. All students are welcome to participate in the Accelerated Reading Program. An active and well-equipped library, with internet access, teacher -librarian partnership is new this year with a direct focus on research and inquiry. Building skills to transfer to all areas of the curriculum. Independent reading is encouraged both in class and through the AR program. Enrichment activities include virtual live theatre performances.
Numeracy
Students' real life experiences, integrated with other subjects helps to transform students' learning in Math. Students engage in everyday mathematical problems in math to develop their critical thinking and application skills. Using on-line resources such as Math Up keeps Highland students in engaged in learning mathematical concepts, which helps to develop their knowledge. Students use 3 part-math strategies to assist in solving real life problems and allows for students to share step by step solutions with each other. Concrete materials are used to facilitate the development of more abstract reasoning. One form of enrichment involves the preparation for and writing of math contests such as the Caribou and Waterloo Gauss tests.
Pathways
A series of virtual assemblies and parent evenings are offered at the grade 8 level to help students with transition and course selection. New this year is the Middle Years Student Success Counsellor so that our underserved students can access the extra help in class during the school day. Our MYSSC also provides some guidance support.
Community, Culture & Caring
Our newly established Student Voice Character Trait assemblies have been working hard to increase student voice within the school. Students are encouraged to take part in their education, personal experiences and participate fully in all school activities. Goal setting to develop independence, self-advocacy and creativity is a part of school life at Highland MS. This year as part of our School Improvement Plan each student will be creating a "Stress Tool Kit" to support mental health and well-being along with creating three goals for achievement and success. Success criteria will be established for each goal.