The new school year begins for students on August 27, 2007.  We are anticipating an enrollment of close to 770 students at Highland Middle School (grades 6, 7, and 8). Our district continues to grow approximately 4% each year.

In response to growth and a strong commitment to continued academic excellence, the Board of Education adopted a new Strategic Plan to help guide the district for the next 5 - 7 years. The plan is vital to setting the direction of the school district and focusing our resources to best meet the needs of our students. 

The Strategic Plan was developed by over 130 community members from January to May of 2006. The specific strategies are:

1.  We will develop and implement a planned response for growth to ensure a productive ratio of teachers and learners.

2.  We will develop and implement a plan to provide facilities that allow us to anticipate and accommodate the growth of our district.

3.  We will develop and implement opportunities for all students to explore and experience a wide range of extra-curricular interests.

4.  We will develop and implement educational opportunities to propel students into the challenges of the highest academic pursuits.

5.  We will develop and implement programs and activities to promote interaction between the school and community.

6.  We will develop and implement on-going staff collaboration and professional development to support the mission.

At the middle school, students have opportunities to choose electives aimed at providing experiences in preparation for high school while exploring possible career goals.

Foreign Language Exploratory - an 8^th grade elective course developed to provide students an overview of foreign languages, cultures, and history. The semester-long course will assist students in making a decision about what language to study in high school or college.

Technology Education - all 8^th grade students will participate in this 9-week course designed to introduce students to the use of modern technology in problem solving, data analysis, material production and communication. Students will also gain an awareness of career opportunities that exist in this field.

8^th Grade Elective Art  - 8^th grade students may elect Art as a semester class (18 weeks). Students will work in many media (sculpture, drawing, painting, graphic design, etc).

6^th Grade Teams - Our 6^th grade teachers are structured into 2 teams. Each team of 4 core teachers will share approximately 25 students. Teams are heterogeneously grouped. Both teams have gifted students as well as students with special needs. The teachers have common time to plan instruction and discuss student progress. The hallmark of teaming is the implementation of flexible scheduling, since all the students share the same teacher, the same space in the building and the same time blocks throughout the day.