School Overview
Dr. Sherry Holub, Principal
Mrs. Bethany Koenig, Assistant Principal
Mr. Joshua Thatcher, Assistant Principal
Student Day: 7:30 a.m. - 2:15 p.m.
Just over 1000 students, grades six through eight, attend Whitehall-Coplay Middle School. In addition to the core subjects of math, English, social studies, and science, several exploratory courses are offered. Family and Consumer Science and Technology Education are co-educational courses available to all students in grades 7 and 8. Other exploratory courses include computer instruction in grades 6, 7, and 8; German and Spanish, grade 8; health in grades 6, 7, and 8; library, grade 6; and Academic Strategies, grade 7, and Study Skills, grade 8. We also continue to build on the students’ elementary experiences in art, music, and physical education.
The Middle School is based on a philosophy that is both transitional and exploratory in nature. Utilizing a variety of organizational patterns, grouping arrangements, and instructional teams, students are able to gradually make the transition from an elementary to a high school setting. Students work with a team of teachers who plan for coordinated instruction and support students academically, socially, and emotionally. A variety of team activities are planned by core teachers to support team-building among teachers and students. Further, the Olweus Bullying Prevention Program will include class meetings as a class-building activity. Appropriate behavior and effort are rewarded through the School-Wide Positive Behavior Supports Program (SWPBS). Everything we do aims to help students make a healthy connection to the school and their lives.
The Middle School employs additional support services to help meet the needs of students who may be experiencing difficulty. The Student Assistance Program (SAP) is designed to help students who are experiencing school-related problems (academic, behavioral, social, or emotional), which may be due to alcohol or drug involvement, possible depression, or other concerns that may arise from in- or out-of-school conditions or situations. A student, parent, or staff member may refer individuals to this program by contacting the administration, guidance department, or a SAP team member. Several counseling groups are also available. These are listed below. Response to Instruction and Intervention continues from elementary buildings into our 6th grade. RtII thinking then extends into interventions in our seventh- and eighth-grade reading support program.
MARKING SYSTEM
Middle school pupils receive a report card at the end of each nine-week period that indicates their achievements and attitudes for each of their courses. Following is a key to the marking system: A - Mastery of Subject B - Above Average C - Average D - Minimum Required Work F - Consistent Failure. Grades are based on overall performance, effort, and participation.
COUNSELING SERVICES
Mrs. Lori Galucy - Counselor, grade 6
Ms. Allison Slate - Counselor, grade 7
Mrs. Nicole Layton - Counselor, grade 8
Mrs. Laurie Ganey-Pash - School Psychologist
The Middle School counselors work with individuals and groups of students to provide opportunities for educational, personal, social, and vocational development. To meet the specific needs of students, consultations are conducted with teachers, parents, administrators, and special service personnel. Counselors also place new students, maintain records, coordinate special programs and services, and conduct group guidance classes. These group guidance classes are held on a scheduled basis within the classroom setting. Topics include, but are not limited to, the following: 1. Conflict resolution 2. Developing friendships 3. Promoting tolerance of others 4. Career awareness 5. Developing study skills 6. Social and emotional development 7. Relevance of education to future plans While individual counseling is provided both in crisis situations and on an ongoing basis for students in need, counselors also are involved in various group counseling situations.
ACTIVITIES
Student Council, band, and chorus are offered for pupils. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a variety of clubs throughout the year. Seventh and eighth-grade students are eligible to participate in middle school football, girls’ field hockey, girls’ and boys’ volleyball, girls’ softball, junior high wrestling, girls’ and boys’ basketball, coed cross country, coed soccer as well as the high school band. The middle school enjoys the support of our very active Parent Teacher Organization PLUS, which sponsors numerous assemblies, Accelerated Reader rewards, SWPBS rewards, and field trips. Parents are encouraged to participate in school activities.
