Our mission at Garrison Middle School is centered on the importance of providing a positive and safe environment that allows all students to achieve academic excellence. We strive to carry out this mission through focusing on the following key areas: student-centered environment, high-powered instruction, continuous assessment, data-driven decision making, collaboration amongst peers and involvement of parents and community. The staff of Garrison Middle School is dedicated to doing "Whatever It Takes" to insure students benefit from their time with us.

It is a privilege to work with middle school aged children and we are fortunate to have a staff who is committed to this particular group of students and their academic, emotional and social development. These needs are cared for in a variety of ways throughout the building and throughout the school day.

Academics and the importance of preparedness for high school and beyond is a driving force behind the work we choose to do during our collaboration time on Wednesday mornings. This work includes a focus on results. Teams of teachers are concentrating on the effects of formative assessment data on student learning and growing their knowledge in being able to find the student evidence to support and reinforce quality instruction. The concept of working together around formal goals and providing accountability for the work is an exciting endeavor. We are in our second year of team goal setting and we are excited about the impact we are making with student learning through this model.

Many of your students may have shared with you about our advisory program called "Trooper Time". This is truly a return to the philosophy behind the middle school movement and an opportunity to bond, participate and celebrate the uniqueness of the middle school aged child. A commitment was made in the spring of 2007 to build time into our yearly schedule to develop relationships, formally establish an opportunity for students and teachers to participate in the school together and to foster an environment where students feel ownership in their school. "Trooper Time" has hit the target on all of these criteria, as teacher and student feedback alike are positive and supportive of these opportunities to grow and learn.

Social development is incredibly important in the maturation of students from grade 6 though grade 8. We are not born knowing how to navigate life and its many different complexities. It is our distinct goal to assist students through these transitional years between elementary and high school by capitalizing on the opportunities to teach and re-teach expected behavior, social skills and problem-solving strategies. Mistakes are a part of life and always looked at as an opportunity to learn and grow as people. Through participation in clubs and activities, sports and study table, kids learn to navigate and make the kinds of choices that help them be successful at the next level and in life.

It is my pleasure to work with the Garrison staff, your student and family to help provide an environment where students are successful, cared for and productive.