It is with great pride we share the following article featuring Mountain View Middle School from the National Forum to Accelerate Middle-Grades Reform first edition Schools to Watch newsletter titled STW Connections. This national newsletter will be published four times per year and is filled with promising practices from some of the STW schools, as well as other pieces of important information related to the STW program.
Social Equity at Mountain View MS
A formalized Advisory program has been implemented based on the best practice series developed by the Origins Program’s Developmental Designs approach. Students meet twice a month in small groups to integrate social and academic learning. Monthly themes highlight effective communication, organizational skills, making and keeping friends, emotional well-being, critical thinking and leadership, and embracing diversity.
Mountain View continues its commitment to the EEE Program (Extension, Enrichment and Elective). EEE is a block at the beginning of each day, which offers teachers the capability of offering extended learning, enrichment activities, and elective opportunities to all students. EEE courses encourage students to continue to challenge their minds in an ungraded and social environment. Topics include introduction to design, civic engagement, and “passion projects”.
Mountain View also offers two transition programs; one for incoming fifth graders, and the other for rising 9th graders. Coordinated by the Guidance Counselor, rising 5th graders participate in activities with 7th and 8th grade student mentors, which includes a visit to the elementary school and a move-up day at Mountain View, where students meet their teachers and tour the school. In collaboration with the Guidance department at West Morris Mendham High School, 8th grade students work with high school peer leaders to learn about course selection and extra-curricular activities. All 8th graders and their parents meet with their assigned high school counselor in late winter to select their courses.
