Magothy River Middle is a middle school that functions along the guidelines proposed by the Carnegie Council on Adolescent Development in their study and subsequent publication, Turning Points, 1990. We believe in a team concept, or schools within schools, as a solution to large and impersonal middle schools. Each team at Magothy contains only about 150 - 180 students who will get to know, and be known by, their teachers and form close associations with their peers. Teachers are encouraged to integrate curricula across content areas and plan together to give students quality educational experiences. Teaching subjects grouped around integrating themes helps students to see systems rather than disconnected facts. This ability to think critically is further encouraged through instruction built on the Dimensions of Learning framework (developing positive attitudes and perceptions about learning, acquiring and integrating knowledge, extending and refining knowledge, using knowledge in a meaningful way, and developing productive habits of mind).

We believe in shared decision-making and involvement by parents, students, teachers and staff. The School Improvement Team is the primary planning group providing directions for the school. The S.G.A., P.T.S.0., C.A.C., Human Relations Committee, Faculty Council, Team Leaders group, and Department Leaders group also contribute significantly to the overall school organization and operation.

We believe today's young people need to experience the satisfaction of giving service to the community, and all Magothy students will be involved in curriculum-based community service learning each year. Building community ties to the school will result in a stronger school, more responsive to the needs of the community it serves.

Magothy River Middle School teachers are encouraged to participate in professional development activities annually. Outside workshops and course work are supported with registration reimbursement where finances allow and in-house inservice opportunities are presented several times a year. Magothy teachers also learn about and become sensitive to cultural diversity as they are increasingly teaching children of diverse backgrounds.

We believe middle level students are at a stage in their development where they still need structure and limits but can begin to explore the many academic and extracurricular offerings that will help them make intelligent, informed choices in their high school years. Students are thoroughly oriented to policies and procedures of the school and school system. They are taught that there are consequences for behaviors - both positive and negative. We celebrate their academic and social successes in the team settings as we believe that good behavior and positive accomplishments can be promulgated through recognition.

Mrs. Donna Miller-Clingan

Principal