Tyngsborough Middle School

School Improvement Plan

2006-2007

School Council Members

Faculty Representatives Parent Representatives

Stephen Coughlan, Principal

Eileen Mayo Lorri Davy Co-Chair

Diana Rogier Mary Jane Caron

Nancy Senecal Robin Day

Table of Contents

Introduction................................................................................................................................................................ 3

Civil Rights Statement............................................................................................................................................... 4

Eight Essential Principles of a Middle School Model.............................................................................................. 4

Mission Statement of Tyngsborough Middle School.............................................................................................. 5

Vision Statement for Tyngsborough Middle School............................................................................................... 5

Demographic and Achievement Data....................................................................................................................... 6

Student Demographics.............................................................................................................................................. 6

Faculty Demographics.............................................................................................................................................. 7

Student Extra-Curricular Activities........................................................................................................................... 8

Student Achievement Data........................................................................................................................................ 9

2006-07 Strategic Objectives.................................................................................................................................... 16

2005-06 School Improvement Plan Review............................................................................................................ 24

Foundation Program................................................................................................................................................ 30

Introduction

The 2006-2007 school year finds the Tyngsborough Middle School community having to re-define itself again in response to budget cuts and staff reductions. The vision and mission of a comprehensive middle school continue to be our focus. Building on a solid foundation of a vibrant student body, dedicated staff, and involved families, the community has set to the task of building a school where all students are constantly challenged to achieve to their potential. We have focused on four goals this year that are both ambitious and attainable. They range from increasing communication to ensuring our environment is safe and conducive to meeting the unique needs of middle school students.

The passage of a warrant article appropriating money to the school district in October has enabled the middle school to restore some positions that had been eliminated due to budget cuts. The new positions at TMS include a part-time assistant principal, and two classroom teachers. The original plan was to reinstate foreign language for all eighth grade students, but we were unable to find qualified teachers at that time of year. The two classroom teachers enabled us to reorganize the seventh and eighth grades into teams and help restore a middle school model. Some students and parents have expressed a “Why fix it, if it isn’t broken?” sentiment regarding schedule changes during the school year. Although the staff had done an excellent job in light of cuts, this was an opportunity to improve the quality of education in the classrooms with smaller classes and a team approach.

An important issue facing the development of Tyngsborough Middle School, which is not addressed in the strategic objectives, is the physical plant itself. Built in 1968, the building shows obvious age and wear that effects the operation and expansion of current programs. George Trearchis and his staff have done an excellent job of keeping the building on its feet, but there are areas of concern. The seating in the auditorium is obsolete which makes repairs difficult or impossible. The windows are not energy efficient. The heating and cooling in the office suite is inadequate and inefficient. Although we have begun to systematically upgrade the computers in the school, the infrastructure is inadequate and a hindrance to maximum utilization. We realize that Mr. Trearchis, Mr. Hawkins and the school committee are aware of these issues and continue to address them in their planning. On a positive note, the present intercom and clock system is scheduled to be replaced in June of 2007. This is a major step forward in building safety and coordinated daily operation.

Our hope is to build on the programs we have, develop new initiatives and enable students and staff to work towards the vision established for TMS.

Civil Rights Statement

Tyngsborough Pubic Schools strive to prevent, oppose, and prohibit discrimination and harassment on the basis of race, religion, color, age, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, genetic information, ancestry, homelessness, or disability in its educational programs, services, activities or employment practices

Eight Essential Principles of a Middle School Model

Defined by the Carnegie Corporation’s Task Force on Education of Young Adolescents

• Large middle grade schools are divided into smaller communities for learning.

• Middle grade schools transmit a core of common knowledge to all students.

• Middle grade schools are organized to ensure success for all students.

• Teachers and principals have the major responsibility and power to transform middle grade schools.

• Teachers for the middle grades are specifically prepared to teach young adolescents.

• Schools promote good health: the education and health of young adolescents are inextricably linked.

• Families are allied with school staff through mutual respect, trust and communication.

• Schools and communities are partners in educating young adolescents.

Mission Statement of Tyngsborough Middle School

The mission of the Tyngsborough Middle School is to provide an environment where students are valued, accepted and given challenging instruction that is aligned to meet their unique developmental needs so they may develop into responsible, contributing members of society.

Vision Statement for Tyngsborough Middle School

The Tyngsborough Middle School strives to be a place where:

• Students are the focus and are supported to achieve at high levels.
• Students are expected to be responsible, organized and the agents of their own learning.
• The school is organized into small learning communities where teachers know their students well.
• Curriculum is challenging, differentiated and based on the state frameworks.
• Best teaching practices are agreed upon by the staff and are based on research done on effective middle school instruction.
• Teams of teachers meet regularly to discuss the curriculum and students in their charge.
• A plan for professional development is agreed upon and actively pursued.
• A policy of shared decision-making rather than top down decision-making is adopted.
• Partnerships with parents and community agencies are in place to better serve the needs of our students.
• A variety of assessments are on going and serves not only to gauge success but also provide direction for school improvement.
• Students are given opportunities in after school activities that enrich their lives and experiences.

In the end, the Tyngsborough Middle School strives to be a superior academic institution guided by the principles of the “Carnegie Report” and brought to life by caring teachers, parents and community members.

Demographic and Achievement Data

Student Demographics

Students in Need of Special Services
Grade Level	I.E.P.	504	L.E.P.
Grade 6	19	5	0
Grade 7	24	4	0
Grade 8	23	3	0

2006-07 School Population
Grade Level	Male	Female	Total
Grade 6	78	94	172
Grade 7	88	74	162
Grade 8	79	82	161
Total School Population: 495

2006 – 2007 Free/Reduced Lunch Population
Grade 6	19
Grade 7	10
Grade 8	9

I.E.P. = Individual Education Plan

504 = Plan for non special education students who need classroom and testing accommodations

L.E.P. = Limited English Proficient

Faculty Demographics

Total Faculty
Teachers	27
Paraprofessionals	13
Academic Support Teachers	4.5
Guidance Counselors	1
Administrators	1.5

Current Years of Teaching Experience
1 year	3
2 years	4
3 years	0
4+ years	25

Educational Level (Teachers)
Bachelor’s Degree	18
Master’s Degree	12
C.A.G.S.	2

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