School+Community

 ====__ **A.** **Overview of Snoqualmie Middle School**  __==== The SMS staff has developed core covenants to foster student achievement, celebrate successes, and develop quality character traits. At SMS, these covenants go beyond a simple “mission statement.” They are visible in what we, as a staff, say and what we do. These covenants are intentional. They drive our decisions, and they provide a solid educational foundation and generate our identity and work toward leaving a legacy as a great school.
 * II. Description of School Community & Team Members **

Students at each grade level are assigned to an interdisciplinary team of teachers for core instruction. Each team actively collaborates to design curriculum and establish consistent practices and common language designed to enhance student learning and accountability. In addition, educational specialists and adult instructional assistants provide quality instructional support for students in need of academic support. Additional academic support is designed through our Eagle Excel Class which provides systematic intervention to ensure students receive additional time and support for learning in areas they have demonstrated a need for growth. Snoqualmie Middle School functions around a trimester schedule in which each student has a core program and a rich and varied exploratory program that includes art, band, choir, technical education and physical education/health/fitness. In addition, we strive to provide experiences through our extra-curricular program at that are influential in developing positive personal characteristics, team work, sportsmanship and a competitive spirit. These programs, including our academic clubs, athletics, and the arts, help to produce an optimum opportunity to learn and practice respect, responsibility, honesty, fairness, courage, self-discipline, selflessness, persistence, all while living and learning with integrity. At SMS, we are in our second year of implementing Project Wisdom. Project Wisdom is an intentional effort of challenging our students to think about the choices they make in life and to foster responsible and caring behaviors. The centerpiece of the program is a collection of thought-provoking messages (termed “words of wisdom”) that is read during our morning announcements. The messages are rich in history, culture, and literature, and encourage reflection on journal topics such as integrity, courage, honesty, compassion, and caring. As part of our student recognition, Project Wisdom messages and journal topics are themed with our Students of the Month.