Jefferson Middle School (Midland, MI)

Jefferson Middle School is located on the north side of Midland, Michigan and teaches students in grades 6, 7 & 8. Jefferson is one of three middle schools in the Midland Public School system and the main feeder school for Herbert Henry Dow High School. [ [http://mi.localschooldirectory.com/schools_info.php/school_id/43126 Michigan Local School Directory.com: Jefferson Middle School, Midland] ]

History

Jefferson is the newest middle school in Midland, opening in 1963. It was originally called North Intermediate and included grades 7, 8 & 9, but was renamed for nearby Jefferson Avenue to resolve confusion with Northeast Intermediate. In 1997, the school changed from grades 7-8-9 to 6-7-8 and the name was changed to Jefferson Middle School. Jim Clark and Clayton Wetmore were the first principal and assistant principal, respectively.

Curriculum

*All sixth graders are required to take the following classes: Reading, Writing, Math, Science and Western Hemisphere. Electives include: Orchestra, Band, Choir, Spanish, Art & Physical Education.
*All seventh graders are required to take the following classes: English, Math, Science and Eastern Hemisphere. Full year electives include: Orchestra, Band, Choir, Spanish, French & German. Semester electives are Physical Education, Careers/Health, Art, Keyboarding, World of Technology, Life Management & Learning Strategies.
*All eighth graders are required to take the following classes: English, Math, Science and US History. Full year electives include: Orchestra, Band, Choir, Spanish 1&2, French 1&2 & German 1&2. Semester electives are Physical Education, PE/Swimming, Topics for Teens, Art, Business Computer Applications, Theatre, Computerized Design Technology, Life Management & Learning Strategies. [ [http://www.jms.mps.k12.mi.us/ Jefferson Middle School homepage: Curriculum] ]

ports

The team mascot is the Husky (dog breed) and colors are red and white. Seventh and eighth grade students have the opportunity to participate in a variety of athletic activities. Sports for girls include basketball, swimming, volleyball & track. Boys sports are basketball, football, wrestling, & track.

Arts

Music is the primary artistic activity at Jefferson. The Band, Orchestra and Choir all perform concerts during the year.

Extracurricular Activities

* [http://www.headtoheadtesting.com "Head to Head"] is a competitive testing & performance program with high student participation in which 6th, 7th and 8th grade students compete in:
- written tests in eight subject areas
- a live quiz show-style event
- black & white and color art performance events
- vocal music solos and ensembles
- Instrumental music solos and ensembles
- Public speaking individual and group events
Other available activities include:
* Drama Club
* Computer Club
* Forensics
* Student Council
* Yearbook
* Newspaper
* STAND (Students Taking a New Direction, a community service group)

Demographics

#Enrollment: 887
#Teachers: 41
#Student/teacher ratio: 22:1
#Racial makeup: Asian: 4%, Black: 2%, Hispanic: 1%, White/Other: 93%
#Economic makeup: Free lunch: 9%, Reduced price lunch: 2%
#Gender mix: Male: 53%, Female: 47%
#Enrollment by grade: 6th: 297, 7th: 307, 8th: 283 [ [http://www.publicschoolreview.com/school_ov/school_id/41416 Public School Review.com: Jefferson Middle School] ]

References

External links

* [http://www.JMS.mps.k12.mi.us Jefferson Middle School website]
* [http://www.mps.k12.mi.us Midland Public Schools website]