Building Positive School Culture Through Service Activities

https://blog.nassp.org/2019/04/17/building-positive-school-culture-through-service-activities/ Middle level students are at a crucial age, consciously developing their identities while trying to understand how they fit in with their peers. Teachers, administrators, and staff have the opportunity to provide a compass for students navigating these difficult times. As middle level students develop their sense of self, they often begin looking for …

Most Improved: Our Journey With Student Awards and Recognition

https://blog.nassp.org/2019/05/29/most-improved-our-journey-with-student-awards-and-recognition/ When I became principal at Downingtown Middle School, it surprised me to find a heavy emphasis on end-of-year academic awards. At the end of the year, a student could win eight different awards simply for making honor roll. Over 80 percent of the student body qualified for honor roll. Each of those awards were …