SETTING AN EDUCATIONAL TREND

Entry into high school is a critical period in the lives of students. Faced with more challenging academic programs, dynamically diverse environments, and higher expectations at this pivotal point in their educational careers, freshmen need the most support during this important adjustment period. With these and many other factors in mind, the Amityville Public School District has implemented for the first time a ninth-grade academy at Edmund W. Miles Middle School, and joins a select few Long Island school systems that have established such a program. “The creation of the ninth-grade academy benefits the ninth- grade students by providing them with the structure and support they need,” stated Superintendent of Schools Dr. John R. Williams. “Additionally, the reorganization of our grade-level system that occurred as a result of the academy has freed up some much- needed space at the high school; all around, this is a win-win situation.”

Although the academy has only been in existence for a few weeks, Principal Mark Pitterson and Assistant Principal Michele Darby explained that students are stepping up to take ownership of the program. “Our priority right now is to get the students settled in their new environment,” Ms. Darby commented. “We stress independence, self-advocacy, and uniqueness in this program, to make learning at the high-school level a successful experience for students transitioning to more difficult and more demanding academics.”

Academy students have been given their own wing at the middle school and take the same courses that are typically offered at the high school. “The entire 9th grade staff came to us from the high school already well-versed in 9th grade teaching,” stated Assistant Superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction Dr. Kathleen Gulbin. “Ms. Darby met with the teachers on staff development day and continues to convene with them on a regular basis regarding middle school procedures and expectations.”

Monthly assemblies focusing on college preparation are planned, and ninth graders can participate in their own student council. An afternoon bus leaves the middle school at 2:10 pm to deliver interested students to clubs and sports activities at the high school.

The ninth-grade academy structure also allows the ninth-grade teachers to accompany their classes to the high school building the following school year through a concept known as “looping.” As the teachers move to the high school with their students, other high school teachers move to the middle school to teach the newest members of the academy. This unique system allows for a more tailored support system as the students transition to their new surroundings at the high school.