Middle school represents a significant turning point in students’ life. It is a time of transition from childhood to adolescence – a period filled with mental, moral, social, emotional, and physical changes. It is when the students seek to acquire distinct identities, a personal set of values and to assert their independence.

Because of the nature of this critical period in the students’ life, utmost support and encouragement are offered through providing a warm and friendly atmosphere within an environment characterized by flexibility and trust.

To develop and maximize student performance, teachers aim at achieving learning out comes that go beyond basic knowledge to encompass the development of p analytical, critical and practical thinking and to integrate different fields of knowledge. Teachers also aim at helping students to understand themselves and to forge personal sets of values, interests maintaining, at all times, respect for and understanding of others.

An interactive learning environment is stressed whereby students learn through experience. Research and projects are geared towards helping students become self-direct and self- motivated learners. Different instructional strategies are implemented to meet the needs of different students.

Assessment is an important process for teachers and students alike. A variety of assessment strategies are used ranging from traditional quizzes and tests to performance-based assessment, observation, and reflection. Students are encouraged to reflect on the learning process through reflective thinking, journaling or dialogues.

We educators, take into consideration the fact that students need to adopt hobbies and develop interests. We believe that a positive involvement in such activities reinforces the students’ overall achievement and enhances personal growth. Teaching students time management and organization of their daily tasks provides the time they need to pursue various other activities.