Here at Stoltenberg Memorial Middle School we seek to create a community of all types of learners with active

and creative minds. We seek to also create a challenging learning environment that encourages success through developmentally appropriate instruction that facilitates

individual differences and learning styles. Our school promotes a safe, orderly, caring, and supportive

environment for all students. Each student's self-esteem is fostered by positive relationships with other students and staff. We strive to have our parents, teachers, and

community members actively involved on our students' learning and development.

What is the middle school teaming concept?Students and teachers are divided into teamsTeachers work closely with the students on

their teamTeachers teach multiple subjectsCore subjects are taught by the team

teachersMath, language arts, social studies, and

science

What is the Team Planning Concept?

Utilizes collaborative teaching teams. Teachers of different subject areas work

together to meet the needs of a common group of students.

Teams work together to evaluate, plan, and implement a curriculum for their group of students.

Size of Team and OutcomesTeams can be of different sizes

~40-60 students = 2 teacher team~150-190 students = 6 teacher team

Factors that determine the size of the teamsNeeds of the students

Socially and academicallyNumber of students per gradeDesign of the buildingDivision of teaching responsibilities

Advantages of having smaller teamsCloser teacher-student relationshipsStudents know each other betterLess scheduling difficulties

What Characteristics Make Up an Effective Team?

• The focus must be student-centered.• Academic achievement must be attained.• Accountability systems must be in place.• Collaboration and a strong sense of team

community must be evident.• Communication with parents.

How to Organize a Successful Team

• There must be sufficient individual and team planning time for teachers.

• Teams should be manageable in terms of numbers of teacher and students.

• Teams should have the flexibility to arrange their students’ schedules.

• Teams should have their own designated areas in the building.

• The teachers who make up the team should be permitted to work together for multiple years.

Why is Teaming Beneficial for Students?

• Bonding within a group• Students’ needs can be better met• Organizational and time management skills are learned• Interdisciplinary units create motivation• Behavior and attendance issues can be better

monitored• Sense of belonging• Rules are consistent

Why is Teaming Beneficial to Teachers?• Provides daily meeting times for teachers

to:monitor students’ progresscoordinate assignments, tests, projectsdiscuss student needs/behaviorsexamine accountabilityconfer with parents

• Teachers get to know their students• Field trips and interdisciplinary units can

be carried out without missing academic instruction from other teachers.

Evidence of the Effectiveness of Team Teaching• The evidence supporting the positive

impact of interdisciplinary teaming on middle grades schools and students is growing (Arhar, 1990; Arhar, Johnston, & Markle, 1989; Dickinson & Erb, 1997; Flowers, Mertens, & Mulhall, 2000; Felner, Jackson, Kasak, Mulhall, Brand, & Flowers, 1997; Flowers, Mertens, & Mulhall, 1999; George & Shewey, 1994; Lee & Smith, 1993).

• Students and teachers in schools that have implemented teaming and its associated practices with some degree of integrity consistently report more positive and productive learning environments (Arhar 1990, 1997; Dickinson & Erb, 1997; Lee & Smith, 1993).

Should 5th Grade Teachers Operate as a Team?

Yes! The team can help smooth the transition of 5th

graders to the middle school. Student needs can be monitored. Students can bond with and feel comfortable with a

core of teachers

Middle School Block Schedule• A group of students have their core classes

with the same team of teachers.• The core class periods are usually scheduled

one after the other so an academic subject can extend an activity such as a lab into the next class period and borrow time from that core teacher.

• The block schedule allows for all grade field trips, full grade instruction, speakers for full grade, etc. with little or no disruption to other teachers .

Exploratory Programs• Agriculture• Tech Ed• Computers• FACE• Foreign Language (Spanish/French)• Business• Green Literacy• Art

7th Grade Monday Tuesday Wednesday Thursday Friday7:45-8:00 Bfast/Ann Bfast/Ann Bfast/Ann Bfast/Ann Bfast/Ann Bfast/Ann8:05-8:50 1st Math Math Math Math Math8:53-9:38 2nd S. Studies S. Studies Computer S. Studies S. Studies

9:41-10:26 3rd P.E. Study Hall P.E. Study Hall P.E.10:29-11:14 4th Science Science Science Science Science11:17-11:42 Advising Advising Advising Advising Advising Advising11:45-12:10 Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch Lunch12:13-12:58 5th Band/SH/GM Chorus/SH/GM Band/SH/GM Chorus/SH/GM Band/SH/GM

1:01-1:46 6th Lang. Arts Lit & Comp. Lang. Arts Lit & Comp. Lang. Arts1:49-2:34 7th Exploratory Exploratory Exploratory Exploratory Exploratory2:45-3:15 Tchr Teaming Tchr Team Tchr Team Tchr Team Tchr Team Tchr Team

Day A Day B

5th Grade ClassesRequired:

English/Writing(3)Math(3)Science (3)History(3)Reading/Spelling(3)Physical EducationGeneral MusicArtComputers

Elective:Chorus on Friday

6th Grade ScheduleRequired:

Language Arts (3)Math(3)Science (3)Social Studies(3)Reading (3)Physical

Education/HealthArtGeneral Music

Exploratory/Elective:Band/ChorusAgricultureTech EdFACEGreen LiteracyForeign LanguageComputersBusiness

7th Grade ClassesRequired

Language Arts (3)Math(3)Science (3)Social Studies(3)Lit and Comp(3)Physical Education

Exploratory/ElectiveBand/Chorus/General

MusicArt*AgricultureTech EdFACEGreen LiteracyForeign LanguageComputersBusiness

* Art is required as one of the choices

8th Grade Schedule

Required:Language Arts (3)Math(3)Science (3)Social Studies(3)Physical Education

Exploratory:Band/Chorus/General

MusicAgricultureTech EdComputersForeign LanguageBusinessFACEGreen LiteracyArt*

*Art is required as one of the choices

Integrated CurriculumEducation that is organize in such a way that

it cuts across subject-matter linesBrings together various aspects of the

curriculum into meaningful association to focus upon broad areas of study

It views learning and teaching in a holistic way and reflects the real world, which is interactive

6th grade ancient world7th grade stores

Integrated Programs5th grade – Animal Unit

•Science- learning about the animal•Art- making the animal•English- researching the animal and writing a paper on the animal•Math- population graphing

Integrated Programs8th grade- Everything your heart desires

•Math- help kids read labels and figure out the amount of calories and such in a meal.•English- Read poems dealing with feeling/emotions. Have them write poems about feelings/emotions•Health/P.E.- Inform them about heart disease. Discuss healthy choices in life, from eating and working out to drugs. •Music- Discuss lyrics in music about feelings, everyone pick a song.•Art- Make a diagram of the heart.•Science/History- Discuss heart transplants.

Green Initiatives for SMS• Student & Community Participation

• Earth Day Open House, green literacy exploratory program

• Staff Participation• In-service and advisory programs

• Infrastructure• Compost, solar panels, plaques

The organization of a staff member and a small group of students meeting to discuss important issues.

Philosophy of AdvisingEach student has one staff member they can

go to about anything

Staff creates an environment based on:WarmthConcernOpennessUnderstanding

Effective Advising BuildsSocial

Promotes communicationBuilds peer relationshipsGives students roles and responsibilitiesImproves school environment

EmotionalGives sense of belonging Builds self esteem

BasicsWho

Staff assigned advisory groupWhen

5th/6th have 25 minutes after lunch7th/8th have 25 minutes before lunch

WhereAny available classrooms

HowEach grade covers different themes applicable

to that age group11-12 students drafted by advisor

Potential Advising ThemesBullyingOrganization and Study SkillsThink Green!Team building & CommunicationMannersSelf EsteemStress Management

The progression from one phase to the next. More specifically from one grade level to the next.

Transitioning Support• Assisting students

• Provides opportunities to thrive

• Includes Staff, Parents, and Peers

• Requires a listening ear

Effective Transitioning BuildsSocial

Structure Opportunities to discuss concerns Friendships

EmotionallySelf confidence Reduce anxiety

Basics • Where

– The school to which they will attend

• Who– Incoming 5th graders– Out going 8th graders– Parents/Staff/Community are involved to make

effective

• When– Semester before the transition– Summer – Advising Programing

5th Grade• Student Survey

– To be completed 1st February

• School orientation – Peer mentors – School tour– Parent meeting– Address survey– Late April

5th Grade Continued • Academic Fair Night

– Performances – Extracurricular opportunities available– Address other concerns with panel – Late May

• Scavenger Hunt Night– Week before school begins – Icebreakers– Scavenger hunt– Parent information

• Changes of a middle school child

8th grade• Survey Quiz

– 1st of February

• Advisee Assistance– Class schedule – Two weeks prior to scheduling classes

8th grade ContinuedFreshman Orientation Night

At high school Middle school staff attendAddress student concerns and surveySchool tourHigh School student council members

8th Grade• 8th Grade Field Day

– Student organizations from high school talk– Extracurricular groups– Principle pep talk to include VP, Guidance

Councilor, and School Nurse– How to get involved/ Importance

Transitioning Improvement Self Study Survey

Completed by staffAssists in reflectionImprovement in transitioning program

Student Activities• Activities performed by students that fall

inside or outside of the normal realm of curriculum of student education.• Gives opportunities to build:• Social skills• Interpersonal skills• Self-esteem and confidence• Teamwork skills

Year Long Student Activities• Student Council-All Grades• 5th/6th Grade Student Council • 7th/8th Grade Student Council

• Drama Club-All Grades• 7th/8th Fall Musical• 5th/6th Spring Play• Forensics in the Spring

• Academic Olympiad-All Grades• Cougar Club (Community Service) –All Grades

Fall Student Activities• 7th and 8th Grades Only• Football (Boys)• Volleyball (Girls)• Cross-Country (Both Boys and Girls Combined)

Winter Student Activities• 7th and 8th Grades Only• Basketball• Boys: before winter break• Girls: after winter break

• Gymnastics• Boys and Girls before winter break

• Wrestling• Boys and Girls after winter break

Spring Student Activities• 7th and 8th Grades Only• Track and Field• Boys and Girls

In-Service for TeachersAn in-service committee is a group of teachers

that work together and have the responsibility to professionally develop themselves and ideas

During in-service time teachers:Investigate ideasGive input Learn to problem solveLearn strategies to better support their

studentsBuild teamwork skills

Summer In-ServiceTwo full days prior to the start of the school

yearRequired In-Service Activities:

Health and Safety TrainingTechnology Updates and TrainingNew School PoliciesMotivational/Keynote SpeakerAdministrative Address

In-Service During the Academic YearBook ClubTechnology workshops

SMART Board trainingCompass LearningDragon DictationEducational Websites

Incorporating the Green Initiative into the schoolDecrease paper usageMonitor utilitiesEco-friendly products Renewable energy sources

Additional In-Service ActivitiesDiversity Training

Students with DisabilitiesStudents of diverse cultures and

ethnicities SchedulingState Testing Preparation and Score

AnalysisState Education Conventions

TransitioningAssisting teachers in the process of converting from a junior

high school to a middle school formatResources:

CEYA-Center of Education for the Young Adolescent On UW-Platteville campus

AMLE-Association of Middle Level EducationVisits to other middle schools for helpful ideasAcademic ResearchIn-Service for Teachers

Shane KielerGroup 4:Conflict Resolution, Peer Mediation, and Health & Fitness

The Courage RetreatLength: 5 - 5.5 hoursActing with CourageFear–Following the CrowdCourage–Following your HeartThe Pebble In the Pondhttp://www.youthfrontiers.org/programs/

courage/

The Courage CallbackLength: 50 minutesRemind students of retreatStudents keep their Acts of Courage pledges

Outline of Bullying PolicyConsequencesStrategies for Behavioral ChangeStrategies for Environmental Change

Examples of Consequences

Strategies for Behavioral ChangeFraming the aggressive behavior as a failed

attempt to solve a real problem or reach a goal. Restitution and restoration Transformative conferencing/restorative justice

practices Supervised peer support group Corrective instruction or other relevant learning

or service experience Supportive discipline to increase accountability

for the bullying offense Supportive interventions, including participation

of an Intervention and Referral Services team, peer mediation, etc.

Other Strategies for Behavioral ChangeBehavioral assessment or evaluation,

including, but not limited to, a referral to a Child Study Team, as appropriate

Behavioral management plan, with benchmarks that are closely monitored

Involvement of school disciplinarian Student counseling Parent conferencesStudent treatment Student therapy

A consideration of using peer mediation as a conflict resolution method

History Teaching Students to be Peacemakers (1960’s)

First Peer Mediation program. Taught the students how to deal with and mediate

conflicts. Children’s Creative Response to Conflict (1972)

Taught all students that the power of nonviolence lies in justice, caring, and personal integrity.

Current style of peer mediation programs began in early 1980’s.

Peer Mediation ProcessStep 1: Agree to mediate, make

introductions, state ground rules.

Step 2: Gather Information by asking each person what happened, ask each person if they want to add anything.

Step 3: Focus on common interest, determine and summarize shared interest.

Peer Mediation ProcessStep 4: Create options by brainstorming

solutions and asking disputants what can be done to resolve the problem.

Step 5: Evaluate options and choose a solution, again ask the disputants what they feel the best resolution would be.

Step 6: Write out the agreement for each of the students to sign, have them shake hands.

How would it be ran at Stoltenberg?An adult supervisor would be present in

every mediation.Peer mediation would most likely take place

during advisory.The group of mediators would consist of

seventh and eighth grade students only.Mediators would have to apply for the

position and then go through an interview process.

Example of Peer Mediationhttp://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PxCLtFWB

74EClip starts at (1:39)

Advantages to Peer MediationA recognition that only the parties choose to

resolve conflicts, not forced reconciliation

Parties must feel comfortable in order to work out differences, trust and respect must be fostered between disputants

An open exchange of information

Advantages Cont’Acknowledgement that the parties are

ultimately the best judge of a resolution to a conflict and understanding that implementation of a resolution is more likely if it has been crafted by the disputants

Does it really work?A vast majority of peer mediation programs

report a resolution success rate between 80 and 95 percent.

Around 85 to 95 percent of resolutions remained successful

Suspensions for fighting decreased between 45% and 70% at five New York City high schools during the first year of a peer mediation program.

At a high school in Minneapolis suspensions decreased by 55% and suspensions specifically for violent behavior decreasing 52%

OppositionSome conflicts are not appropriate for peers

to settle.

Quite often there is a lack of training of the mediators due to time constraints.

Other students tend to think of mediators as police officers and dislike them.

OppositionOften mediators are rotated through after

one semester or one year not allowing them to improve through repeated practice.

Some students will choose peer mediation as the easy way out and not reap any benefits.

Decision At this point in time we are not ready to say

yes or no to a peer mediation program. The administration will continue to research all the options and facts and make a decision within the next year.

SourcesCohen, R. (1995). Students Resolving Conflict. New

York: GoodYearBooks.

Emerson, J. (1990). Conflict Resolution for Students: A Study of Problem Solving and Peer Conflict Management. Unpublished doctoral dissertation, University of Oregon, Eugene.

http://wik.ed.uiuc.edu/index.php/Peer_Mediation

http://www.studygs.net/peermed.htm

http://www.lassd.org/peer_mediation.htm

Following the USDA guidelines for a healthy meal is our main objective

Each meal will consist of the appropriate caloric value based on the specific food group.

Example Meal• Catch of the Day

• Fish-shaped tuna sandwich with lettuce on whole

wheat bread

• 10 baby carrots with 2 tablespoons ranch dip

• Small plum

• 1/4 cup whole-grain Goldfish crackers

• Milk Choice

IntramuralsWide variety of organized sportsFocus on students needs and interestsMake sports accessible and available to all

studentsCompetitive and recreational activities

Benefits of IntramuralsImprove self-esteemAcquire new skillsRefine previous skills learnedBecome a team memberImprove health and fitness levelsTo have fun and enjoy physical activity

Types of IntramuralsEncourage students to concentrate on

personal improvementTrack and FieldSwimmingBowlingDisc GolfTennisGymnastics

Our main goal at the Stoltenberg Middle School is to keep the school and community interconnected

through the teachers, students, and the arts.

Community Outreach• Parents Groups

• To educate parents on their middle school students. • Book Club

• To include and benefit parents and students in reading.• English as a Second Language Parent Support

Group• Classes or assistance school materials and improve

communication• Monthly Community Newsletter

• Good way for the parents to stay current on school and student issues.

Community OutreachBig Brother/Sister ProgramFamily Camping TripSchool sponsored physical activitiesNational Heritage MonthsBully Outreach Program Career Fair DayOpen School FacilitiesOpen Gym Night

School and the ArtsFine Arts Classes

Band/Chorus/Art• After School Art Programs

– Orchestra/Jazz Band/Show Choir/Madrigal ChoirBand and Choral Boosters Program.Community Music PerformancesJazz Band and Show Choir Silent AuctionCabaret Night/Madrigal DinnerMusicals and Theater ProductionsCommunity TheaterCommunity Art CrawlFine Arts Festival

English Language Learner ProgramProgram Goal

Students of Different NeedsHigh NeedModerate NeedLow Need

Community Connections for ELL Students

Why Do We Have a True Middle School?TeamingExploratory programs and the curriculumAdvisingOther

Resources http://www.amazon.com/Middle-School-Healthy-Hearts-Zone/dp/0736041761 http://www.fitness.gov/betterhealth/ppar_a20.pdf

•http://www.ncsu.edu/meridian/sum2005/asynchronous_discussion/page_2.html •http://www.amle.org/Research/ResearchSummaries/Summary21/tabid/250/Default.aspx

•http://www.bgcs.k12.oh.us/Schools/BowlingGreenMiddleSchool/Teaming •http://highlandjr.spps.org/Teams.html

Images:•seplessons.org•jglmc.com•resultrix.com•seb.mec.edu•dreamstime.com•aperfectworld.org

•mail.clevelandcountyschools.org