An Introduction to Pequannock Valley Middle School

 

Pequannock Valley Middle School is a community of learners consisting of approximately 600 students in Grades Six through Eight. All grades are organized around a teaming approach where teams of teachers are assigned to common groups of students in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs). These PLCs allow for a coordinated approach to instruction, interdisciplinary or “thematic” approaches, and better use of student data to drive instruction. Through PLCs, teachers collaborate in helping students reach their highest educational potential.

 

Each of our grades is organized into two PLCs. Each PLC shares four to six academic teachers who provide instruction in the core subjects to all students in that PLC. For the 2007-08 School Year, we retooled our instructional program to devote larger chunks of time to core disciplines while creating time in the schedule for daily PLC time. Teachers are now able to carry on a continued conversation about instruction, curriculum mapping, lesson planning, active learning, and most importantly, about their students. We are focusing instruction on the acquisition of essential skills and the extended learning time has allowed for greater depth of understanding by all of our students. Our teachers have worked hard to use these extended time periods effectively to engage students in authentic learning.

 

Core academics for all of our students include English (Language Arts), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. English and Math classes have extended time on a daily basis, whereas Science and Social Studies meet for extended time every other day. English and Math courses are divided into two levels. In the sixth grade, advanced students are recommended for Enrichment sections in English and Math where there are extension activities in every unit of study to stretch the learning for those who are academically able. Honors English courses are offered at the seventh and eighth grade levels. The curriculum for these courses is more challenging and students are expected to master additional course proficiencies particularly in the area of writing. Pre-Algebra and Algebra I courses are offered to our advanced math students in Grades Seven and Eight respectively. These students are typically able to conceptualize math concepts and may be the group that will aspire to AP Calculus in High School. Science and Social Studies students can be recommended for a “Gifted and Talented” elective which is taken in addition to the students’ regular science or social studies classes.

 

To balance the rigor and high expectations of our academic program, we have introduced a series of electives which are meant to pique our students’ interest in special subject areas such as World Language, Art, and Music. These electives allow students to focus on an area of interest while gaining exposure to a wide range of special subjects. The high quality of our new elective program is related to the interests and abilities of our special subjects faculty. These teachers developed elective courses to build student interest and challenge student ability in the various subject areas. Some examples of successful electives include guitar and piano classes, music tech classes, cartooning, figure drawing, world drumming, robotics, solar power, pneumatic and hydraulic power, creative dramatics, creative writing, restaurant design, and entrepreneurship (Kids, Inc.) to name only some of our elective offerings. Student interest in these programs is high. In addition to our academic and elective programs, our students can participate in a variety of co- and extra-curricular programs to pursue individual interests in athletics, fine and performing arts, school government, world language, school publications, and special interest clubs. All of these activities also enjoy high student interest and participation.

 

The focus of our instructional program (both core and elective) is to help our students become independent learners in high school and beyond. The acquisition of essential skills is most important as students move through our educational system. We recognize the importance of active learning and higher level thinking skills and use a variety of instructional approaches to construct knowledge in the classroom. Cooperative learning, active participation, student research, and long-term projects are typical of the activities that help students achieve these goals.

 

Pequannock Valley Middle School strives to prepare our students for our technology-rich society. Our staff is committed to infusing the use of computer technology in instruction throughout the curriculum. Computer technology is infused into our instructional program. This year, we added 120 laptops which are available for use by each of our PLCs. These laptops connect wirelessly and can be used in various subject areas including electives.

 

We realize the importance of shared core values and beliefs and continue to stress character education in our school. Character education has had a strong positive impact on our school. In fact, Pequannock Valley School has been honored as a “National Finalist School” by the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C. and as a “2006 New Jersey School of Character” by the New Jersey Center for Character Education and the New Jersey Department of Education. Pequannock Valley School served as a coach school in a grant program called “Fostering Change in School Culture through Character Education” and worked with the Oxford Central School in Oxford Township to help them build stronger character education programs in their school. Two more of our programs were recognized this year as “National Promising Practices” by the Character Education Partnership in Washington, D.C.

 

We are blessed with a high level of parent and community involvement in our school. The Home and School Association actively supports our educational program and offers parents a chance to become directly involved in a variety of projects. Our high level of community support was most evident in helping us become the first middle school in New Jersey to adopt and implement a voluntary random drug testing program. This program encourages our students to make a personal commitment to remain drug and alcohol free. Our voluntary program enjoys a 80% participation rate and has become a national model for random student drug and alcohol testing programs.

 

Pequannock Valley Middle School recognizes its role in supporting the many changes that occur in the middle years of child development. We recognize the importance of providing support for the whole child to foster academic, personal, physical, emotional, and social growth. We welcome your feedback and your participation in our program. By working together, we can help each child strive to reach his or her highest educational potential and make Pequannock Valley Middle School a great place to learn and grow!