• Category 1

    Selected in 2014

  • Grades: pre k - pre k
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 9,554
    Student Enrollment: 769
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 8%
    White/Caucasian: 78%
    Hispanic: 9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 2%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 3%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:29
    % Reduced Lunch: 32%
    % ELL Learners: 16%
    Founded: 2002
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Heidi Hill
  • CONTACT:
    100 Dragon Drive
    Jefferson, GA 30549
    706-367-2882
    hhill@jeffcityschools.org
Jefferson Middle School
Jefferson, GA
A strength of Jefferson Middle School is its commitment to continuous school improvement. The school improvement cycle provides a framework for the creation and implementation of change. Teachers readily embrace change and see it as a catalyst for maximizing student growth
Describe the most successful activity your school has initiated to strengthen ties to your community.
Jefferson Middle School has a strong commitment to the Jefferson community. While we historically have believed it is important to support and encourage national philanthropic organizations, the significance became very personal immediately after a former student and Principal's son were diagnosed with cancer. Our school and community joined together to raise awareness and provide financial support for these families. Students had the opportunity to observe how adults responded to these circumstances and began to ask, “What can I do?” This led to a focused commitment to help others in our school and community and resulted in several campaigns including hosting a bone marrow drive, decorating the community with ribbons, participating in local 5Ks, organizing Hearts for Katie activities, and competing in charitable golf tournaments to name a few.
Describe your philosophy of school change or improvement.
A strength of Jefferson Middle School is its commitment to continuous school improvement. The school improvement cycle provides a framework for the creation and implementation of change. Teachers readily embrace change and see it as a catalyst for maximizing student growth. All instructional decision-making is data-driven and focused on the diverse academic needs of students. Teachers regularly reflect on ways to improve by collaborating with one another and seeking professional development when needed. Changes are made through discussions in team, grade-level, leadership, and content-area department meetings after much honest discussion and agreement among staff. Awareness of vertical alignment is a critical factor in our success and drives instructional improvement. Teachers promote a philosophy of lifelong learning and improvement by modeling and sharing best practices with students as well as staff.

Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement, including closing achievement or opportunity gaps, if applicable.
Jefferson MIddle School has implemented a reading and math coaching program, which is designed to help struggling students experience success in these classes. Students who are most at-risk of not meeting the state’s academic standards are identified for participation in this program. Students have the opportunity for both remediation and acceleration based on their individualized needs. Student achievement data is used to determine which programs and activities will best address the skill deficits of students. Software programs include Classworks and Reading Plus. The success of the coaching program hinges on the close collaboration among the coaching teachers and the grade-level teachers. This gives students the opportunity to preview material and gain confidence in their abilities to perform successfully in the regular classroom. Jefferson Middle School maintains high expectations for all students, and student achievement data supports the effectiveness of the coaching program.
Describe how data is used to improve student achievement and inform decision making.
Disaggregation of student achievement data plays an important role in decision-making processes at Jefferson Middle School. Grade level and content area teams meet on an on going basis to plan collaboratively for instruction, assessment, data analysis, and interventions. Data teams meet regularly to review data from state and locally developed assessments which is used to determine needs for future planning and program improvement. A review of student performance data is conducted to determine optimum student placement and ensure academic growth and social development. Common formative assessment data is used to determine the alignment of instructional and assessment practices. An annual review of student performance data allows content area and grade level teachers an opportunity to determine strengths and weaknesses within the instructional program. Decisions regarding program changes are solely based on the analysis of student performance data.
Describe your school culture and explain changes you’ve taken to improve it.
Jefferson Middle School has a rich culture of high academic standards, positive whole student growth, and continuous improvement. All teachers are available for individualized tutoring in addition to classroom instruction. Monthly PRIDE days allow teachers to interact with students in a more informal setting and to discuss college and career goals. Academic success is honored through our Celebrate Student Success Day which occurs at the end of each quarter. We initiated a student leadership team. We encourage all students to participate in extracurricular activities such as maintaining the JMS Outdoor Classroom and Wildlife Habitat, designing the yearbook, auditioning for the student-led news team, and contributing to philanthropic causes. Additionally, our school culture understands the impact of technology and the need for students to be global participants. We strive to create a culture that exhibits our motto: “Exposure to Excellence Promotes Excellence.”

Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2014

  • Grades: pre k - pre k
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 9,554
    Student Enrollment: 769
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 8%
    White/Caucasian: 78%
    Hispanic: 9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 2%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 3%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:29
    % Reduced Lunch: 32%
    % ELL Learners: 16%
    Founded: 2002
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Heidi Hill
  • CONTACT:
    100 Dragon Drive
    Jefferson, GA 30549
    706-367-2882
    hhill@jeffcityschools.org