The school year is off to a strong start here at Everest Middle School. We’d like to thank all our parents and family members who helped our students successfully transition from their summertime adventures back to a focus on learning, exploring, and discovery. I am pleased to report that our students and staff have established the positive routines and practices centered around excellent middle-level instruction that will result in increased student achievement.
I don’t know about you, but the month of September seemed to fly by. With all our activities and beginning athletic contests, before we knew it October began. One observation I’ve had so far is that our newest fifth-grade learners have effectively transitioned to our middle school. They are navigating the building without any problems or assistance. Students are just now hitting their stride with their academics. It is fun to see how well and how quickly they become part of our student body.
I’d also like to share our BLT’s goals for this school year. The Building Leadership Team is a shared decision-making body that has representatives from all teacher groups here at EMS. Their mission is to bring our building together since we have three different schedules and it is hard for our teachers to all meet at one time. They strive to improve our educational environment using the process of shared decision-making. Our focus this year has been to increase our tier-one instruction through research-based strategies.
1. Really Great Reading - a program that is focused on decoding words and their meanings. Every student is using this program for five minutes in their ELA classes (5-8) as well as our Tier 2 and 3 interventions
2. RACE writing strategy- once again ALL our teachers are using this strategy to make it easier for our students to organize their thoughts and giving them a guide to put their thoughts into sentences.
As the days grow shorter, I encourage you to continue to engage with and support your middle school child and their successes here at EMS. If you have any questions or need any assistance, please contact our school counselor or myself. I look forward to seeing you at the events we have coming up. Until then, be well and thank you for all your support of our Everest Middle School community.
Travis Torkelson
EMS Principal