District Is Doing More With Less–Part Four: Middle School Incentives and Administrative Feedback

Monday night, board of education members watched a PowerPoint presentation, given by various district department heads. Representatives from math, science, social studies, language and more proved that this year's budget crisis hasn't stopped district employees from creating new initiatives and practice.

Students are already benefitting from new efforts, but the district's ultimate hope is that new practices will improve student performance on state tests, like the NJASK and HSPA. But new initiatives aren't only being used at the high school level—they're also being enforced at the middle school level.

"Each month, a different member of our staff talks to the board about new initiatives and such that are occurring throughout the district," said Superintendent Scott Oswald before the presentation Monday night.

All this week, Collingswood Patch will feature segments of Monday's presentation, each day highlighting a different district department. Part Four of the weeklong series, today's segment, focuses on middle school iniatives and administrative feedback.

Middle School Level Incentives:

To better student performance on state testing, this year is full of new programs and tactics—which begin at sixth grade and carry through high school.

And Monday night, Collingswood Middle School Principal John McMullin expressed positive sentiments about how new incentives are beginning in sixth through eighth grade classrooms.

"There are exciting things happening," said McMullin. "We feel that our students can compete with anyone—on local, regional and national levels."

McMullin credits teachers with enabling students' success.

"In the background of all this is a caring staff that centers around student achievement. The enthusiasm that our teachers have is just wonderful," said McMullin.

McMullin discussed topics that are being implemented in the middle school to further articulate student literacy and character achievement.

For example, McMullin said that on Jan. 12, the middle school will hold a Family Fun Night, complete with pizza and prizes. But the fun is centered around a deeper goal—the event's theme, literacy.

"We're trying to get the entire middle school family out there. We want to get them involved by setting-up literacy motivators throughout the room," said McMullin. "We'll have stations set up where kids can work on literacy-driven activities, and local merchants have done a wonderful job donating items needed to make Family Fun Night possible."

Board of Education Member Feedback:

As part four of Monday night's presentation came to a close, board of education members expressed approval for teachers' ability to make new practices a reality this year—even with this school year's state aid reductions.

"We are the ones who have to come up with funding to make these new projects happen," said board of education President Louis Cappelli Sr. "And when we see the product of that enthusiasm, in the form of real results, it feels good. You guys have all really done a number—for our kids, and for our community. And if anyone ever has questions or concerns, that's what this board is here for."