General Information |
About our School
The Annandale Middle School (AMS) is the daytime home to 500 energetic adolescent students in grades 5, 6, 7 and 8. More than 30 special education and regular education teachers serve those students. A full compliment of adult teacher para-professionals, social workers, media center assistants, health office staff, cooks, custodians and Foster Grandparents provide valuable support to help make this school a wonderful place for children! We are small enough to provide a personal approach to education and large enough to offer a comprehensive experience for each of our students. We do operate as a middle school so we can meet the social and emotional needs of our students as well as their academic and intellectual needs. The staff of AMS have worked hard to earn the trust and respect of the students, parents and community members. We think we have established a fun, safe, and productive environment for learning.
Our discipline plan is based in William Glasser's Choice Theory and Restorative Justice. This plan is effective in helping develop each student's "internal controls". It also helps teachers and parents shift responsibility for positive behavior to the child. Since we have adopted this approach we have seen a significant drop in behavior problems. We will continue to improve our use of the discipline strategies this year.
The School Day
The 5th and 6th grade students are split into teams of approximately 75 students. Each team is taught by two or three core curriculum teachers and several "allied arts" teachers. Each day the students attend Mathematics, Science and Social Studies classes for 60 minutes and Communications for approximately 90 minutes. The 5th and 6th graders also rotate among "Allied Arts" (Music, Physical Education & Art). In addition, those students who need extra help in reading and mathematics have access to paraprofessionals within their classes. We have implemented a very helpful reading program called "Soar to Success" for students who need assistance in developing reading comprehension skills. Sixth graders also have the option of participating in band five days a week in addition to lessons more than once per week.
The 7th and 8th graders operate one a six period day model. Each student attends a Communications (language arts), Social Studies, Mathematics, Science and Health/Physical Education class for approx. 60 minutes per day. Students participate in Allied Arts classes (Art, Engineering Technology, Computer Technology, Healthy Living) for approximately twelve weeks. 7th and 8th grade students also enjoy "Allied Exploratory" classes on the day they are not in Allied Arts. Classes such as Band, Choir, Current Events, extensions of Science, Math and Communications are offered each quarter. We feel this greatly enhances the student's overall experience at AMS!
After school activities and social interaction are important to middle school students. We offer a variety of academic, arts, athletic and social experiences for our students after school. Our philosophy for these activities includes a no cut policy and a practice that each child will participate in each contest or event.
Parent involvement is critical to the success of any school. Our Parent/Teacher/Student Advisory Council has been very effective in influencing positive change at the middle school. The council meets once per quarter to discuss AMS issues and find ways to cooperatively meet the needs of our students. It is easy to get involved in a variety of volunteer efforts at AMS and we encourage you to share your time and talents with us. The middle school is host to the Annandale Youth First Coordinators. They help us provide opportunities for community members to connect with the school and its students. If you are interested in learning more about those opportunities, please contact Pam Wurm or Mary Barkley Brown at 320-274-8226 - ext. 2323.
Tim Prom
AMS Principal