NORTH SHORE MIDDLE SCHOOL NAMED A NEW YORK STATE AND NATIONAL MODEL SCHOOL TO WATCH

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By Shelly Newman

​Congratulations go out to Principal Dr. Marc Ferris and Assistant Principal Rachel Green as well as the entire North Shore Middle School community for being the only school in NY State this year to be named a 2016 Essential Elements School to Watch.  

​In a letter to Dr. Ferris, Marybeth Casey, the New York State Department of Education's  Essential Elements: School To Watch Director, wrote, "this prestigious designation recognizes your continued commitment to enhancing your school program and practices. You have developed a model educational program in New York State that is consistent with the Regents Policy Statement on Middle Level Education, the Essential Elements of a Standards Focused Middle Level School, and the National Forum’s Schools to watch criteria.” (See letter on right)

Principal Dr. Marc Ferris said “I am so proud of the work that our teachers and students at North Shore Middle School are accomplishing every day. The NY State Department’s site visit gave us time to reflect on our practices and how we can continue to improve as an exceptional school.” 
After participating in a rigorous application process, North Shore Middle School received word that five educators from the EE: STW visitation team would be spending two days at the school. During this time, they visited classrooms, observed students and faculty, viewed team staff meetings, talked to students, secretarial units, custodians, principals, and administrators, observed the daily operations of the school, and conducted focus groups with parents as well as students in grades 6-8.  
Through the Schools to Watch® initiative, forum members believe that three things are true of high-performing middle schools.
  • They are academically excellent - these schools challenge all students to use their minds well.
  • They are developmentally responsive - these schools are sensitive to the unique developmental challenges of early adolescence.
  • They are socially equitable - these schools are democratic and fair, providing every student with high-quality teachers, resources, and support.
North Shore Middle School was highly rated in these areas (as well as others) and the administration, faculty, and staff were specifically commended for the following:
  • Instruction aligned with the Common Core Learning Standards, common units of study and common assessments in place
  • Articulation of graduation standards that were used to determine the essential skills for middle level students
  • All students are accelerated in 8th grade science, math, LOTE, and have the chance for that in studio art
  • A wide array of instructional strategies are utilized including project based learning, cooperative learning, co-teaching, Differentiated instruction, Socratic Circles, overnight field trips, and reader/writer workshops
  • The use of technology is infused into almost every lesson including iPads for instantaneous student feedback, peer work on SmartBoards, QR codes, and/or Garage Band during music class
  • The E3 philosophy (Everyone Matters, Everyone Cares, Everyone Learns) is integral to the success of the students and the building
  • The acceptance of student voice as well as student choice is unique and unprecedented
  • Communication between the superintendent of schools and principal is exceptional 
  • The principal has created a wonderful culture in the building in which all constituent groups feel comfortable and supported
  • The principal creates a climate of professionalism where teachers are not afraid to take risks and are supported by the administration
  • The principal is open to meeting with parents to ease concerns and create an environment that the parents will know and understand that their child will be safe and appropriately challenged
Principal Ferris added, “It is a really nice feeling to be recognized as a model middle school in both N.Y. State and across the Nation. In the near future, representatives from other middle schools across the United States will visit our school and learn what a truly outstanding middle school looks like.” He concluded by stating, “This high honor sends a clear message to our students that when adults in an organization collaborate and work hard, it pays off.” 
North Shore Middle School will be formally recognized and honored at the upcoming National Schools to Watch Conference, on June 22-25, 2016 in Washington D.C.Dr. Edward Melnick, Superintendent of the North Shore Schools, said, “Congratulations to our students, parents, faculty and staff of North Shore Middle School for being designated as a 2016 Essential Elements School to Watch (EE: STW). This honor is truly well-deserved.”

For more information regarding the New York State Essential Elements: Schools-to-Watch Program, please visithttp://www.p12.nysed.gov/ciai/mle/eestw/and www.schoolstowatch.org. To read the letter, click here.

Article by Shelly Newman

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