|
|
|
|
 |
Middle School Kids
|
 |
|
|
|
|
|
 |
Middle school years are perhaps the toughest. These are the years of major social, emotional and physical changes. During this time, students are struggling with thoughts of dropping out. They’re exposed to drugs, violence and other risky behaviors, and they’re becoming more independent. While these are the years of significant transformations and experiences, experts often refer to the middle school years as the forgotten or neglected period.
|
With that in mind, the Foundation set out on a mission to learn more about how to support and nurture these students “in the middle.” The Foundation received a three-year, $1.5 million grant from the Public Education Network and launched its Kids in the Middle middle school youth initiative in 2006. With a goal of generating positive youth development for the 40,000 middle school students in the district, the initiative is bringing schools and communities together to ensure all young people have the supports and opportunities they need on the road to adulthood.
Middle School Kids builds on the facts of life for our blossoming youth: that social and emotional learning is directly connected to academic achievement; that skills learned in school must be supported and reinforced by the community; that everyone our middle schoolers come in contact with contribute to the development of their values and principles; and that everyone plays a role in meeting the varied needs of our children.
The work of Middle School Kids centers on:
- Building on a proven-effective curriculum in classrooms and reinforcing teacher training. This was accomplished last year when the Foundation provided LifeSkills Training curriculum to the district’s 39 middle schools. The program provides a transition plan for middle schoolers and addresses positive social interaction, understanding different emotions, the effects of substance abuse and prevention strategies, and improving self-esteem.
- Developing and implementing plans for promoting life skills beyond the classroom. During the next two years, the Foundation will provide professional development to educators and community partners and engage everyone from parents to youth organizations. Work will be done to bring together students, parents, teachers, administrators and citizens to talk through, better understand and cope with issues, as well as to promote community resources.
More Information ...
For more information or to become involved, please contact the Foundation at 407.317.3200 x4286 or email Molly Piveral.
Public involvement. Public education. Public benefit.
Member, Public Education Network
|
|
|
|
|
|
Middle School Kids (formerly Middle Schools Youth Initiative) is supported by a grant from Public Education Network (PEN). PEN's mission is to build public demand and mobilize resources for quality public education for ALL children, especially poor and disadvantaged, through a national constituency of local education funds and individuals.
Middle School Kids is intended to be part of a broader community effort to develop a unified vision for youth development and preparing youth for college work and life.
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|