The faculty and staff at Rocky Run Middle School are committed to creating the conditions that bring each student to full academic potential by providing a high-quality education that produces capable and productive citizens for the 21st Century. We collaborated to develop a clear, shared vision of the school characteristics that we believe are essential to accomplishing this mission. Our continued improvement and ultimate success will depend on the extent to which each of us fulfills our respective professional responsibilities in regards to reaching this end. The following vision statement describes the standards that we strive to achieve:
Rocky Run students experience an academically challenging and supportive learning environment that promotes the realization of their full potential. The community supports the school’s mission, instructional goals, and priorities. These shared beliefs guide decision making and shape operational practices. Rocky Run Middle School sets high expectations for students and continuously monitors their progress toward achieving these standards.
The Rocky Run staff recognizes the developmental uniqueness of the middle school child and demonstrates a commitment to foster the conditions necessary for student achievement. All faculty members are highly qualified, understand the curriculum they teach, and engage in a continuous process of professional development. School personnel model the qualities and characteristics they expect to instill in students.
Rocky Run Middle School creates an inviting, safe, and purposeful environment that is conducive to learning. Parents and staff work together to provide students with the time, support, and encouragement they need to achieve. Honesty, consideration, and a respect for the value of human diversity distinguish the student-centered relationships at Rocky Run. Channels for open two-way communication are clearly identified. The contributions and accomplishments of all members of the school community are recognized and celebrated. The middle school approach at Rocky Run helps students bridge the gap between the single-classroom structure of elementary school and the departmentalized setting of the high school.
Rocky Run Middle School is organized to promote meaningful professional collaboration with a focus on learning. Teams, staff members who work with a common grouping of students and are united by a shared purpose, are viewed as the building blocks for a strong learning community. Teams develop a sense of family where students and teachers know one another well, feel safe and supported, and are encouraged to take intellectual risks. The benefits of teaming are promoted for all members of the school community. Rocky Run Middle School places a priority on protecting instructional and collaborative planning time, maintaining reasonable class size, limiting occurrences of cross-teaming, and providing supportive student services during the regular school day.
Rocky Run Middle School provides a core curriculum that can be enriched, extended, or differentiated to meet the individual learning needs of students. Education in the fine and practical arts, physical education, and language study are valued as integral parts of the instructional program. The curriculum is designed to stimulate intellectual curiosity and develop the critical thinking skills necessary for students to enjoy a full, productive, and satisfying life. Rocky Run’s standards-based learning environment identifies what students will know and be able to do as a result of completing the instructional program and clearly establishes the criterion for subject mastery. The scope and sequence of the curriculum reflects a continuum of offerings that challenge all students.
Rocky Run Middle School teachers develop and implement a wide array of strategies to optimize student learning. Instructional emphasis is placed on connecting verbal explanation and visual modeling with hands-on application. All members of the organization demonstrate a commitment to the concept of continuous improvement and model the importance of lifelong learning. Instructional best practices are determined on the basis of objective results. Teachers view researched-based innovation and lesson design experimentation as essential aspects of their profession. Technology is integrated into the instructional process as a means to achieve specific curricular outcomes. Rocky Run teachers engage in an ongoing process of vertical articulation with their elementary and high school colleagues to ensure a continuum of instruction.
Rocky Run Middle School employs a variety of methods to measure the learning progress of every student. Teachers, in collaboration with their department, develop consistent grading practices in support of their instructional programs. Assessment information is used to guide the learning process, refine instructional plans, and inform parents regarding their child’s academic progress. As a result, all members of the school community receive the information they need to foster a quality learning experience for students.
The Rocky Run community promotes active student participation in co-curricular programs. The middle school years offer students their first real opportunity to enjoy a range of extracurricular activities, engage in exploratory study, and participate in the performing arts. Research demonstrates that students who are active in the life of their school achieve at higher levels across the curriculum. Rocky Run Middle School recognizes the potential of these programs to enhance the health and fitness of young adolescents, improve academic performance, and build positive links between the school, families, and the local community. These opportunities are made available to all students.