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Diocese of ErieErie Catholic School System
Embedded Middle School
Features of an Embedded Middle School Strategies
1.Variety of spiritual experiences that relate to the
faithdevelopment of students of this age
Create a Campus Minister position for the system; offermiddle
school Masses for 6ththrough 8thgraders; host annualretreats for
each grade level combining campuses.
2. Opportunities to serve and lead within the school andlarger
community
Provide opportunities for interaction with younger students
inthe role of leaders; service activities to the community
withseveral middle school campuses working together andpartnering
with community agencies.
3. Students have the opportunity to build relationships
withadults in building
Assign each student an adult mentor who checks in withhim/her on
a regular basis.
4. STEM* focus for lessons across curriculum areas:a. Lessons on
real-world issues and problemsb.Lessons are guided by the
engineering design process -students define problems, conduct
background research,develop multiple ideas for solutions, develop
and create aprototype, and then test, evaluate, and redesign
themc.Lessons immerse students in hands-on inquiry and open-ended
explorationd. Lessons involve students in productive teamworke.
Lessons apply rigorous math and science contentstudents are
learningf.Lessons allow for multiple right answers and
reframefailure as a necessary part of learning
Design and furnish science labs for middle school activitiesand
classroom lessons.
Design and furnish a library / media center for studentresearch,
presentations, and independent reading.
Equip classrooms with one-to-one technology, whiteboards,and /or
projectors.
Supply classroom resources for math labs and literacy
circles.
Create assignments that promote solving problems in
multipleways.
Develop students public speaking skills and offeropportunities
for debates among campuses.
5. Learning environment is aligned with the developmentalstages
of students in middle school
Provide space for personal belongings; desks and chairssuitable
for middle school students; and cafeteria space forsocial
interaction.
*STEM: Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics
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6. A consistent code of conduct is adopted that teachersadhere
to with fidelity
Adopt a student Code of Conduct specific to middle school.
7. Strong emphasis on career education and exploration
withcommunity businesses
Invite community business leaders to volunteer time;
utilizeCareer Street resources; and offer job
shadowingopportunities.
8. Opportunities for students to develop a high regard for
personal wellness
Promote collaboration among the physical education teacher,
health teacher and guidance counselor to develop
wellnessprograms.
9. Activities which offer students physical movement, ahealthy
sense of competition, and chances to interactsocially
Offer an intramural sports program, in addition to
thecompetitive sports teams.
10. Professional development for teachers that is targetedfor
the middle school level
Increase professional development opportunities specific
tomiddle school. Create professional learning communitiesbetween
teachers at different campuses teaching the samesubjects.
11. Common planning time for teacher teams Arrange common
planning time for teachers to work together
to develop cross-curricular projects, discern student
concerns,and to strategically plan schedules.
12. Opportunities to learn international languages anddevelop
talents in the arts
Offer International Languages (Spanish, French, etc.),
Art,Music, and Band. Gather students from multiple campuses
foreducational activities which explore the arts.
