At White Knoll Middle School, we are committed to helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics outlined in the Lexington One Graduate Profile. Through a rigorous academic program delivered by knowledgeable and compassionate educators, we strive to create an engaging and supportive learning environment for every student.
Our district vision — Empower Each Child to Design the Future — drives everything we do. At WKMS, we focus on two key priorities to turn this vision into reality. First, we believe that students must believe in themselves before they can achieve their goals. We encourage students to dream big, set ambitious goals, and take ownership of their learning. Second, we emphasize social-emotional development. Through advocacy time, guided by iLead and Advancement Via Individual Determination philosophies, students participate in activities that promote being personally and socially responsible, independent learners through goal-setting and future-ready literate.
As an AVID school, we are proud to offer AVID elective classes across all three grade levels. These courses help students strengthen skills in organization, goal-setting, and academic achievement while nurturing their aspirations for the future. We currently offer two AVID classes per grade level and have implemented AVID strategies schoolwide by becoming creative thinkers and collaborators. This initiative supports our goal of expanding access to honors-level coursework and preparing students for a successful transition to high school and beyond. Students who participate in AVID at WKMS can continue their AVID journey at White Knoll High School, further developing as confident and capable leaders.
Throughout the year, WKMS celebrated our students and promoted core values such as empathy, thoughtfulness, and respect for others. We also partnered with local mental health organizations to support our students’ well-being and hosted monthly family lunches to strengthen our home-school connections. These events were a great success and deeply valued by both students and families.
To foster a positive school culture, we implemented a recognition system that celebrates the achievements of both students and staff. Our positive referral program allowed teachers and students to acknowledge acts of excellence and character, with more than 1,600 positive referrals celebrated publicly through social media and lunchtime announcements. Each quarter, we hosted student-led celebrations honoring AVID skill growth and academic excellence, with strong attendance from families and community members. We were able to focus on our students’ resiliency in their learning.
Academically, our teachers focused on improving instructional clarity by reflecting on learning targets and aligning lessons with both academic standards and student profile goals. Teachers participated in multiple classroom observations throughout the year, receiving targeted feedback on clarity, rigor, and engagement to enhance student learning. This feedback helped teachers challenge our students to become better communicators and collaborators throughout the year as they grew in their problem-solving skills.
WKMS continues to offer a world-class curriculum that challenges students academically and creatively. In addition to core academic subjects, students have access to courses in Spanish, Latin, and Chinese, as well as classes in coding, robotics, dancing, band, orchestra, chorus, and the arts.
At WKMS, we believe that every student should leave middle school with a dream for their future and a plan to achieve it. Because when students believe in themselves, they can accomplish great things.
Don Hardie, Principal
David Ford, SIC Chair
