Students in the Middle Making Choices to Start the Day in a Positive Way

Students and staff at STMA Middle School West help create a positive school culture while providing academic opportunity; even before the school day begins.

By, Lynn Jennissen, STMA Middle School West Assistant Principal

During the middle level education experience, one of the most important things parents and educators can do is provide guidance and direction to our students in making good choices.  Walk the hallways at St. Michael-Albertville Middle School West from 8:00 to 8:25 a.m. and you will see a flurry of activity – middle school students and staff moving in all directions.  Where are they going?

It is the hope and mission of the St. Michael-Albertville Schools that all students will become self-directed learners, purposeful thinkers, effective communicators, and responsible citizens.  In the three years since the STMA Middle School West staff, students, and parents have transitioned the building that was formerly STMA High School into a middle school, utilizing every piece of the day to achieve our mission has been paramount.  In a collaborative effort to maximize resources, the beginning of the day has slowly evolved to include many options that encourage students to make good choices.

However students arrive, it is expected that they organize themselves in a way that best prepares them for the day ahead.  For most, this means first stopping by their locker to drop off and organize homework and materials for the day’s activities.  Once this is accomplished, students can choose to socialize with friends and connect with our supervision staff that actively supervises the hallways.  Although walking the hallways and socializing can be a healthy and positive choice, students are encouraged to take advantage of one of the following academic or community building activities offered.

• Individual Instruction:  The teaching staff at West keeps office hours posted and updated on their individual websites.  Students are encouraged to schedule an appointment or stop by in the morning if they need academic guidance or help during this time.
• The Zone:  The Zone is a new offering at West designed to help students who need a quiet place to work, but do not need individualized instruction from their teacher.
• Media Resource:  Students have the opportunity to check out books, read, or work on schoolwork in the media computer lab.
• Music:  Band and Choir students have the opportunity to extend themselves by trying out for Jazz Band or Select Choir.
• Community Building – Dance Club and Open Gym:  Students are welcomed into the gymnasium two days a week to polish their dancing skills, listen to music, and be active!
• Walking and Talking:  Students are given plenty of hallway space to walk, talk, and interact with peers and staff.

The offerings listed above are just the beginning of what has developed into an exciting way to start the day.  As our school community works toward a successful academic day, we are excited by the continued extension of opportunities to help our students.  In offering choices and encouraging students to make good ones, the staff at Middle School West believes all students can reach their full potential.