Excellence Program in the Middle School

The Excellence Program in the Middle School is intended to help students with their schooling. Research shows that when groups or individuals strive for excellence, they are empowered by their success.

At the beginning of the year advisories look at what it means to be excellent in three areas: in the classroom, beyond the classroom, and in modeling the middle school vision. Each quarter students write and work toward a goal in one of these areas.

Student excellence goals are used to guide self-reflection and help celebrate success. As students reach their goals they receive an excellence award and recognition at an assembly. Through class discussions, personal reflection and assemblies students ask themselves, "How can I demonstrate excellence?"

Recognizing Excellence Rubric

	Emerging	Developing	Proficient		Advanced
Beyond the Classroom This can be athletics, activities and/or community service projects. This should not be limited to school sponsored events.	I don't like to participate in personal development or group well-being. I arrive late. I don’t like to listen during meetings and activities. I don't really care. I have a bad attitude.	I occasionally participate in personal development or group well-being. I try to arrive on time for meetings and activities but I need to try harder. I sometimes listen to what is going on. I only care when I am interested	I really try to participate in activities that promote personal development or group well-being.  I am almost always on time for meetings or activities. I listen in meetings and activities. I have a positive attitude.	I invite others to participate in activities that promote personal development or group well-being. I always arrive on time for meetings or activities. I listen during all meetings and activities. I share leadership roles during group work.
Modeling This should be seen as students promoting conduct that is outlined in our MS Student Vision Statement and our student handbook.	I have a bad attitude. I don't model behaviors/ attitudes in the MS Student Vision Statement and handbook. When bad things happen it is never my fault. I don't take responsibility for personal decisions and actions.	I occasionally model behaviors and attitudes in the MS Student Vision Statement and handbook. I try to take responsibility for my actions but prefer to blame others.	I really try to model behaviors and attitudes in the MS Student Vision Statement and handbook. When a situation is bad, I try to figure out how I can make it better.	In group situations, I help others model behaviors and attitudes that are consistent with the MS Student Vision Statement and the student handbook. I encourage other to take responsibility for personal decisions and actions. I always help my friends to make the Middle School a great place.
In the Classroom This area of focus speaks to a student’s desire to do well in class.	I don't do my best work. I am late to class and unprepared to work. I really don't care if I succeed.	I occasionally try to do my best work. My homework is usually complete but with minimal effort. I arrive late to class. I rarely seek out help when I need it.	I push myself to complete assignments with good effort and detail. I try to do my best work. I consistently arrive to class prepared and on time.	I know what my best work is and I frequently work to exceed it. I recognize and analyze areas of personal weakness and try to improve. I like to help others be the best they can be.