General Info

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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 proven 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 liasons.

The common core curriculum (Humanities, 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 Physical Education curriculum. Our peer mentorship and ASB programs are moving ahead at top speed. The Theater Program, The Squak Valley Players, and the Music Program have gained reputations for excellence throughout the Eastside. Our staff members do not fit "the norm." They are risk takers and child-centered folk.

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 the annual Spring Forum, work with the staff to publish the parent newsletter and student directory, write grants, and work behind the scenes in theater and fine arts productions. Their commitment to the school is an invaluable asset.

We are proud of the program here 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. We need our parents to keep us on our toes, to give us feedback, to critique what we are doing, and to improve and modify our actions and progress based on new knowledge and information. 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

School Council (Site Council), which meets regularly, is composed of IMS teachers, parents, students, staff, and administrators. This group shares the communication and decision-making process needed to keep IMS functioning within a school setting. Community members, parents, and students are invited to attend at any time.

The Parent-Teacher-Student Association (PTSA) welcomes all parents to participate. This group has a monthly Board meeting where community input is sought and school information is shared. The PTSA presidents meet semiweekly 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 and curriculum, make an important enrichment contribution to students’ education. Parents are asked to fill out the volunteer sheet provided in the First Day Packet and are expected to volunteer a minimum of 20 hours during the year. Volunteer opportunities are designed to fit each family’s life style and time frame.

Open House, The Panther Press and Student Directory, Principal’s Coffee

The Fall Open House is designed to allow parents to meet their students’ teachers and gain an overview of IMS classes and programs. After staff introductions, parents visit their students’ classrooms where they learn about class content and expectations and have an opportunity to talk to 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.

Each Thursday morning at 10 a.m., Principal Corrine DeRosa is available for a Principal’s Coffee. She meets with parents to share their observations and concerns.

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