Middle School Philosophy

Mars Area Middle School exists to provide a variety of learning experiences, which enable students to develop intellectually, emotionally, socially and physically in a safe and caring environment.

The Experience

Mars Area Middle School, which houses students in seventh and eighth grades, is the logical place for a student to make a smooth transition from the elementary to secondary level.

The National Middle School Association has defined effective middle schools as an educational response to the needs and characteristics of youngsters during adolescence and, as such, deals with the full range of intellectual and developmental needs. Our middle school experience places great emphasis on a student’s increasing ability to understand one’s self, skills, values, attitudes, ambitions and personal worth.

Our Foundation

The Mars Area Middle School program is designed to meet the physical, emotional, social and intellectual needs of its “citizens.” Emphasis in our school is placed on motivating students toward 1. academic achievement; 2. positive self-concept; 3. greater responsibility to self and others; 4. growth in self-discipline; and 5. increased involvement/participation in their environment.

Every attempt is made by the staff to accommodate the various stages and rates of development of the transescent child within the learning program. Learning skills, emphasized as the internalization of such skills during this transitional period, will provide a basis for greater student success in high school and, more importantly, in life.

With the intent to attract and sustain students’ participation, our middle school continues to offer a variety of programs and opportunities within a safe and caring atmosphere. Therefore, Mars Area Middle School believes its students will experience success within the school’s community of learners.

Teaming for Success

Mars Area Middle School utilizes grade level and curriculum teams that focus on the total development of the child. Although subject areas are taught by individual teachers, teachers of a particular (seventh or eighth) grade meet to discuss strategies for individual student progress.

Curriculum teams (science, social studies, etc.) meet to discuss building curriculum as well as special projects (Medieval Fair, Presidential Election, etc.).

In addition to the above, teams, teachers, the Principal, Counselor, and support staff also work via the Student Assistance Program and IPT Team to address individual student problems of an academic or behavioral nature. The focus is on determining ways in which the school can move each child toward success.

Curriculum for the Total Child

The Middle School curriculum focuses on the academic skills, affective domain and the arts. The academic component includes language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and computer technology. The affective domain is concerned with patterns of physical, emotional and social growth. This area includes physical education, counseling, health, human beings’ individual and cultural achievement, and career education. Affective domain aims to help the student formulate a personal value system and to encourage community service. The arts component stresses self-expression. Media include art, family consumer science, technology education, creative writing, graphic arts and music. The Instruction Media Center (IMC) serves as the hub for the Middle School’s instructional program. A large variety of educational materials and equipment is utilized to the utmost by students and staff for class time, individual research and their learning pleasure.

Grading System

Report cards are posted at nine-week intervals throughout the school year; progress reports may be posted near the middle of a marking period or when teachers feel it is necessary for a parent to be advised of a student’s progress. Parent conferences may be scheduled with the counselor and/or teacher by calling the school.

Publications

The Middle School Yearbook is an annual publication that captures pictures of students and events that occur during the school year.

A Student Assignment Book/Handbook familiarizes students with the school plan and rules/regulations as well as aids students in organizing their work requirements on a daily basis.

Annual Events

Annual events for middle school students sponsored by Student Council include Midi-Day; Elections; Book Fairs; Grade Level Field Trips; Talent Show; Special Assemblies; and more.

Interscholastic Sports

Fall

• • Cross Country — Boys & Girls 7th/8th Grade
  • Football — Boys 7th/8th Grade/7th Grade
  • Soccer — Boys & Girls 7th/8th Grade 

Winter

• • Basketball — Boys & Girls 7th/8th Grade
  • Wrestling — Boys 7th/8th Grade 

Spring

• • Softball — Girls 7th/8th Grade
  • Track & Field — Boys & Girls 7th/8th