Issaquah Middle School Program Philosophy
Issaquah Middle School is a special place! The teachers are
dedicated and passionate about learning and teaching. Their belief systems are
based on the clear notion that all children can learn and grow and that teachers
do make a difference in the lives of middle school youth. They are especially
gifted with adolescents who are coming to terms with their identities as young
people. Parents have proved to be strong supporters of the IMS program, which is
academically rigorous, broad-based, and current. Students are expected to do
their absolute best, take responsibility for their learning and their behavior,
and serve their school community through meaningful work as leaders, teaching
assistants, peer helpers, and community liaisons.
The common core curriculum (Humanities, Language Arts, Social Studies, Math and
Science) comes first at IMS. It is our focus. Common core classes are
challenging and comprehensive. They encompass the reading, writing, critical
thinking, mathematical, science, and technology skills our students need to gain
a competitive edge.
Our teachers have agreed over the years to participate in pilot programs in
Science, Technology, Math, Humanities, Fine Arts, and Physical Education and
Health. Several years ago we included swimming as a required component in the
6th grade Physical Education curriculum. Our WEB and ASB programs are moving
ahead at top speed. The Theatre Program (The Squak Valley Players) and the Music
Program have gained reputations for excellence throughout the Eastside.
IMS is also fortunate to have a dedicated group of parent and community
volunteers. They work in classrooms and the office, organize and participate in
vital school programs such as WalkAbout, the annual Panther Passage, work with
the staff to publish the parent newsletter (The Panther Press) and student
directory, write grants, and work behind the scenes in theatre and fine arts
productions. Their commitment to the school is an invaluable asset.
We are proud of the programs at IMS. And there is no doubt that the initiative
and collegiality of the staff, along with the dedication of the IMS parent and
community volunteers, are the keys to its success.
The Role of Issaquah Middle School Parents
The task of connecting parents and families
and schools to support student learning must be more than a polite nod to
political correctness. Today, both families and educators find themselves
strapped for time. Many families and parents find this age a difficult time as
their middle school children struggle with their identities.
At IMS we are dedicated to our parents as well as our students, and we work to
involve all of our parents in the educational process of their children. We need
them to do more than just volunteering, fundraising, or participating on
committees, even though those contributions are absolutely invaluable. Middle
school years are a time when parents need to allow their students to take
responsibility for their school work, their actions, and their goals. Our
parents’ role in nurturing independent, self-assured individuals is invaluable.
We also want parents to feel supported within our school culture. Parenting
middle school youth is a challenge and IMS can help parents feel self-confident
as they support, encourage, and help students at home. We strive to hear our
parents’ voices within our school decision-making, and we want our parents to
share their experiences and connect with other families. IMS parents help us by
connecting us to the community and by bringing the community to us. What a
wonderful partnership we have!
Parent and Community Participation and Expectations
Site Council, which meets regularly, is composed of IMS
teachers, parents, students, staff and administrators. This group advises the
principal on how to advance student learning through strong shared planning,
communications and problem-solving.
The Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) welcomes all parents to
participate. This group has a monthly meeting where community input is sought
and school information is shared. The PTSA president meets monthly with the
principal to share parent, community, and school information. Parents are urged
to contact PTSA Board members if they have questions or concerns or if they wish
to get involved. Parent volunteers, an integral part of the IMS program, make an
important enrichment contribution to students’ education.
Curriculum Night, The Panther Press and Student
Directory, Coffee with Corrine
Curriculum Night in the fall is designed to allow parents to
meet their students’ teachers and gain an overview of IMS classes and programs.
Parents visit their students’ classrooms where they learn about class content
and expectations and have an opportunity to hear from their students’ teachers.
The PTSA and IMS join to publish The Panther Press, a monthly newsletter, and
the Student Directory. The Panther Press discusses pertinent issues and covers
general school news. The Panther Press and the Student Directory are invaluable
sources of information for families about IMS.
Principal Corrine DeRosa is available for a
Principal’s Coffee on the first Thursday morning
of each month at 10:00 a.m. She meets with parents to answer questions, discuss programs
and listen to their observations.
About the Issaquah Middle School Web Page
The IMS web page was originally developed by
a former teacher,
Kelly Bowen, who has since moved on to Microsoft. It is now maintained by
the IMS
librarian, Brian DeBroux.
General Info