Northside Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by encouraging standards-based learning environments that engage students in investigative processes through inquiry and that teach students to sustain wellness by supporting their own physical, emotional and social health. We understand that inquiry and social/emotional health are key skills that every 21st century student must have to be successful in our ever-changing world.
Northside is an outstanding school with high expectations and academic excellence as primary goals. We are committed to providing a learning environment where students are challenged to acquire the skills and knowledge necessary for future success. With standards-based instruction as a highest priority, teachers and administrators are in constant communication regarding student performance and best practice teaching strategies.
The first year of our newly established medical magnet has been successful with a cohort of 23 students completing a rigorous curriculum design to prepare students for opportunities in the medical field. This early exposure to medical sciences will begin to prepare our students academically to become healthcare professionals. Next year, Northside will add another 40 plus students in the medical magnet and look forward to partnering with local health care professionals in the Greenwood community. Students accepted into this program need a strong academic foundation in the areas of math and science. Integrated into the curriculum is an emphasis on soft skills needed to be successful in the workforce. These essential skills include decision making, problem solving, teamwork, communication, and work ethic. Our goal is to meet the academic needs of our students while preparing them for future success.
The twelfth year of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Magnet Program showed continued success this school year. The mission of AVID “is to close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.” This aligns with the mission statements of Northside Middle School and Greenwood School District 50. AVID students participate in quarterly goal setting, learn how to take and use Cornell Notes, keep organized binders, and research to learn more about college. They also receive instruction in WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) Strategies in all of their classes.
Northside teachers use AVID program strategies school-wide. Currently, all teachers use WICOR Strategies daily in their classrooms. Our classrooms are arranged to promote small group inquiry investigations. Students are taught how to ask higher level questions through the use of Costa’s levels of questioning. Students use questioning on a daily basis to push themselves to deeper levels of understanding. Also, all students participate in weekly binder checks through their scholar time class to encourage organization.
Students at Northside participate in a daily course called Scholar. During Scholar, teachers instruct students using PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports) lessons that teach students how to sustain wellness in their lives, how to engage one another as citizens and how to navigate conflict. Students also have access to school counselors, a school psychologist, a school nurse and a student support facilitator who reinforce these lessons and encourage students to support their own physical, emotional and social health. Furthermore, students participate in small groups with counselors to encourage social/emotional healing and citizenship as needed.
Maintaining a focus on investigative inquiry and social/emotional wellness has had a positive impact on student achievement at Northside Middle School. The efforts to encourage these competencies as well as others at Northside Middle School are helping all students to develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Jim Still, Principal
