Blake Middle School Academic Year in Review: Goals for 2011-12

Editor's Note: Medfield Patch will provide a summary of Robert Parga’s end of the report for Blake Middle School and take an in-depth look at goals for the 2011-12 academic year; Blake’s upgrades in technology; the school’s China Trip; A new bell schedule and personnel changes. We will conclude the series with the transition from Parga to as Blake Middle School principal. This is part three of our seven-part Blake Middle School series.

One of Robert Parga’s last tasks as principal of Blake Middle School was to present the school’s goals for the 2011-2012 academic year in six different themes: Facilities, Equipment and Technology; Curriculum and Assessment; Student Life; Personnel and Professional Development; School Management and Communication and Community Outreach.

Theme 1 Goals: Facilities, Equipment and Technology:

• Epson interactive presenters will be installed in 45 instructional spaces.
• 55 new computers will be purchased for teacher use.
• Restructure the technology staff, including a new full-time position (Technology Integration Specialist). This position will cover grades 6 through 12.
• Replace the gym divider door. This work will be conducted over the summer.

Theme 2 Goals: Curriculum and Assessment:

• Introduce Mandarin as a new 8th grade foreign language class. In addition, foreign language will now be offered to incoming sixth grade students.
• Review bullying policy and other professional development opportunities. Explore other research-based programs.
• BCAP (Building Curriculum Accommodation Plan) will be implemented.
• Staff will develop a pre-referral process and Child Study Team.
• Physical Restraint training will be provided to staff.
• Continue to analyze data related to AYP.
• Continue to work in related to common assessments.

Theme 3 Goals: Student Life:

• Analyze data related to the most recent Metro West Health Survey. Provide families with information.
• Continue dialogue with the community related to student stress and homework.
• Continue developing the advisory curriculum to ensure that it meets the social/emotional needs of the students.
• Nine students and two teachers will visit Bengbu, China.
• Continue to review and analyze the school’s bullying policy.

Theme 4 Goals: Personnel and Professional Development:

• Administrative leadership transition – the new principal and dean of students will work together with the staff and the district leadership team to become more familiar with their new positions.
• Technology Integration Specialist – This new position will provide classroom teachers with support in implementing technology into the classrooms.
• Physical Education Staff – Three new teachers will receive support throughout the school year.
• Technology – Staff will be provided training on the use of the Epson interactive presenters.
• Administrators and content specialists will continue to identify various workshops and conferences that teachers can attend that will enhance the learning experience for students.
• Bullying training for all staff will continue.
• Continue to work in the area of common assessments.

Theme 5 Goals: School Management:

• New schedule – both middle school and high school will implement a new bell schedule that will allow opportunities to share staff.
• Both middle school and high school principals will work closely together to share resources and professional development.

Theme 6 Goals: Communication and Community Outreach:

• Site Council – work closely with members of the team. New members will include three staff and two parents.
• Continue regular communication to the community via Newsflash and Thursday packets.
• Continue to provide transition information to parents.

To read part one of this series, .

To read part two of this series,