Program of Studies Program of Studies 2019-2020 | Page 5

MIDDLE SCHOOL SERVICES
Student Services
Thornton Academy Middle School creates an exceptionally student and family-centered culture that values and
encourages curiosity, respect, responsibility, honesty, courage, and compassion. Faculty, students and parents
collaborate to sustain a school environment that is:
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Committed to partnership
Fun, engaging and creative
Safe and structured
Supportive of the personal and academic growth of each student
Academically challenging and developmentally responsive
Respectful of individuals
Social responsible and community oriented
Services are available to help all students feel a sense of community connection and find success academically,
socially and emotionally.
School Counseling
A full-time school counselor serves the middle school student population, and assists in the following ways:
• Discussing academic progress with students and families
• Teaching a unit within the academic schedule that addresses issues such as bullying, conflict resolution,
relationship questions, high school readiness and early career exploration
• Discussing personal problems, providing a “listening ear” and referring students to other professionals as needed
• Directing students and families toward needed resources based on the nature of the challenges presented
• Meeting with parents or guardians
Response-to-Intervention (RTI)
• The RTI program assists students in building the skills they need to be successful both academically and
behaviorally. The three-tiered system provides increasing levels of support depending on individual student
needs, strengths and patterns of achievement.
• Tier 1 interventions are designed to determine how best to help students achieve success when they are having
difficulty progressing.
• Tier 2 or Tier 3 interventions are indicated when the development of a very individualized Personal Learning
Plan (PLP) becomes necessary.
• Personal Learning Plans (PLPs) highlight specific student-centered goals to address focused areas of difficulty.
Extra help through the RTI program can be provided in most classes and during study halls; additional one-on-one
and small-group support is available after school.