School Characteristics and Replicable Practices

Academic Excellence

• Parent Portal for access to information regarding grades, attendance, homework
• Interdisciplinary teacher teams with common planning time.
• Grade level counselors remain with students for all three years
• Resource room models to provide optimal individualized support to special education students.
• Co-taught classes at all three grade levels including students in our most restrictive environment.
• 12:1:1 Classes at all three grade levels with grade level curriculum modified.
• Integrated performance assessments incorporating ACTFL communication standards.
• Literacy based projects in all content areas, including special areas classes
• Teaming Time - by team, fluid by department - interdisciplinary and key concept planning
• Inquiry Based Activities (social studies, ELA, science, mathematics, and 6^th grade)
• Rubrics that involve self-rating and teacher rating opportunities
• End of the year performance evaluations – band, orchestra, choir
• Vertical pull out instrumental music lessons based on lesson specialization matched to instructor
• My Learning Plan PD for all staff

Developmental Responsiveness

• Group counseling geared to social skills and conflict resolution issues
• Random Act of Kindness Certificates – PBIS Acknowledgements
• Surveys administered to all students in grades 6 & 8 to assess their mental health/at risk behavior.
• Flexible Weekly Teaming Time - for teaming within departments
• 50 weeks of health education in grades 6,7 & 8
• Breakfast of Champions recognition program – 3 times a year
• Over 20 clubs and 25 sports teams for over 500 students
• School-wide community service opportunities available to all students
• Staff Equity Committee
• Attendance Team consisting of administrators, counselors, review students with poor attendance
• Title I Activities – Pines of Perinton clothing drive / dinner with Santa
• Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week
• District Art Show – Fairport Public Library art displays
• Field Trips – 2 per grade level
• PTSA Reflections Art Program

Social Equity

• Over 600 students involved in clubs/intramurals/sports throughout the school year
• Lunch choir for students already in band/orchestra
• Restorative circles are used to facilitate a supportive environment.
• Teachers meet with students during lunch, before and/or after school for extra help
• Students are grouped by ability for instrumental lessons
• Self-contained special education classes included in general education classes
• Full-time school social worker, school psychologist to work with at risk students
• Integration of technology(SMARTboards, document cameras, mobile laptop carts), Ipad carts
• Online learning opportunities to support instruction
• Steering committee collaboration of K-12 staff members for each subject area Summer curriculum writing
• Counseling Office Coordinates free supplies, yearbooks, school trips and students
• Multiple opportunities in music: Band, theatre, voice lessons, instrumental lessons, orchestra, choir.
• Proactive library with full time librarian and full time teaching assistant
• All extracurricular activities open to all students
• FACS Home Meal Project – Encouraged to cook means that reflect cultural diversity
• Various works of literature representing different cultures
• Library embraces multicultural activities
• Staff led clubs – build relationships with students
• Brotherhood/Sisterhood Week: Emphasis on CARE; civility, respect, awareness, embrace
• Team based activities – pancake breakfasts, 1920’s day, Sprit week
• Frequent parent communication – emails, websites, parent portal
• PTSA support of many school wide activities
• Orientation/access to locker and classrooms before the start of school
• All rules/Code of conduct outlined in student agenda
• PBIS posters throughout the school with clearly stated expectations/Majors/Minors
• Grade Level assemblies by administration
• Counselors involved in all meetings with students administration regarding discipline

Organizational Support

• Principal Forum monthly meetings to allow parents to come in to school to talk with administration and guidance about middle school issues
• Developed literacy common language to support district/building initiative
• Monthly staff meetings/ lead teacher department/grade level meetings
• Building Level Lead Teacher Meetings
• Online Morning Announcements
• Staff empowered action teams: Budget, Core, Kid-2-Kid, Awards and Recognition, Sunshine Fund Committee,
•  Crisis Committee, SST & IST Committee
• Weekly E-News to parents
• Open Door Policy – administrators available to meet without appointments
• Lead teacher support – curriculum and building initiatives
• Young Adult Book Club
• Release time for school visitations
• District Mentor Program for teachers, administrators and paraprofessionals
• PD Opportunities:  Culturally Responsive Classrooms, Restorative Practices
• Thought Exchange Surveys to assess parent, community, staff concerns re: budget, programming, school closure
• Partnership with Strong Memorial Hospital for mental health services – satellite offices in two Fairport schools.
• Strong transition plans from 5th to sixth grade and 8th to 9th grade coordinated through guidance and lead teachers
• County based TIG (Trauma, Illness and Grief) Training
• ELA and math data analysis teams
• MAP assessment scores reviewed and used to direct instruction/NWEA Navigator
• Quarterly review of student grades with counselors, administrators and academic teams
• Youth at Risk Behavior survey – every 2 years grades 6-12
• Supervised instruction for kids who struggle instead of in school suspension
• Strong student support committees (SST, IST, RtI) to help students and staff