The faculty of Sevierville Middle School consists of twenty-five classroom teachers, six special education teachers, two physical education teachers, two band instructors, one computer/technology teacher, one advanced math teacher, one full-time guidance counselor and one half-time guidance counselor, one library/media center coordinator, a student coordinator, a special education coordinator, a student resource officer, one art teacher and one part-time art teacher, a music teacher and a part-time instructor. The administration includes one principal and one assistant principal.
A large percentage of the faculty at Sevierville Middle School has many years of experience in education. Forty-five percent of the faculty have at least ten years experience. Thirty-six percent have at least fifteen years experience. Thirty-one percent have at least twenty years of teaching experience. Nineteen percent have twenty-five years invested in teaching, and ten percent are true veterans with thirty years devoted to education.
This faculty has also shown dedication to Sevierville Middle School as fifty-seven percent have at least five years experience within the school, while thirty-one percent of the teachers have posted a minimum of ten years at Sevierville Middle School. The school is also pleased to have twenty-one percent of our teachers with fifteen years totaled within SMS, and twelve percent have twenty or more years accumulated at SMS. Loyalty, as these numbers show, provides strength and leadership each year within our building.
This staff has not only a wealth of experience, but also a knowledgeable background of learning from various universities. Of the forty-eight teachers and administrators making up the faculty, twenty-nine percent hold a master's degree, while twenty-one percent hold and EdS and six percent have a Ph.D.
The success of our school rests not only with these capable instructors, but is also made possible by a support staff which includes seven aides in Special Education, one secretary, one bookkeeper, one library assistant, an in-school suspension director and five custodians. We also share a wonderful cafeteria staff with Sevierville Intermediate School. All of these dedicated and caring people make up a group of adults who meet the needs of our students and provide them with a first-rate education. This faculty, administration and staff work hard each day to accomplish what the sign in front of our building proclaims: Sevierville Middle School-  "Where Young People Come First."

Students at Sevierville Middle School have a wide variety of programs and activities to meet their needs and interests. These include programs which encourage students to excel in academics, develop socially, and explore areas of interest.

The P.A.W.S. (Privileges and Awards for Worthy Students) program is in its eighth year of existence at SMS. In this incentive program students are awarded privilege cards based on their grades, conduct, and attendance. Students receive privileges within the school, discounts on school sponsored events, and eligibility to attend drawings for prizes. At the present time, fourteen local businesses help sponsor this event.

SMS P.R.I.D.E. (Program for Reaching Individual Developmental Excellence) is in its eighth year. Each faculty member and administrator participates in this activity. Groups of 16-18 students meet with their
P.R.I.D.E. advisors three times weekly for scripted and optional activities. Team building is an integral part of P.R.I.D.E. which promotes team cohesiveness and social skills. Special academic and emotional needs are addressed in special education classes including resource, CSA, CDC, and SDC. Some of the students in these programs participate in the Special Olympics each year.

Exploratory classes, classes in Social Studies, and special media programs are implemented in the curriculum to expose students to subjects of interest and current world issues. Exploratory classes are held weekly and change every nine weeks. Students may choose from such selections as cooking, arts and crafts, drama, SMS News, baseball card collecting, and many others.

Channel One News is a daily part of the curriculum. Many teachers do follow-up lessons from this broadcast. Eighth graders watch weekly episodes from DeGrassi Junior High, which is a series on social skills and decision making. Other required classes such as physical education, art, music, guidance, technology lab, and Hunter Safety are attended by each student during a daily activity period for a nine week block of time.

There are many clubs and programs in which SMS students may participate: “S” Club (a service club), National Junior Beta Club, Student Council, Yearbook Staff, Pause for PAWS (newspaper), 4-H Club, Drama Club, and the SMS Singers. Most club meetings are held after school. Both the SMS Singers and the Drama Club have performed at PTO meetings, special performances, and student assemblies.

Extra academic opportunities are provided for the students in various subject areas. In the area of technology all teachers have had specialized training for the Twenty-first Century Classroom program. SMS is online with TEN-Nash and the Internet and has developed a school website. Science and Social Studies fairs are held respectively in the fall and spring of each year. Students may also participate in the spelling bee, math bowl competition, academic field day, and athletic field day. The Environmental Center in Sevier County provides a two-day overnight visit for sixth graders. Each of these opportunities plays a very important part in meeting state curricular expectations.
 

Basketball, volleyball, and football are the competitive sports at Sevierville Middle School. The Cubs and Lady Cubs offer opportunities for participation in interscholastic competition and development of sportsmanship. The new football program includes players from two other schools.

The PTO of Sevierville Middle School actively sponsors fall and spring fund-raising events, involving all students. Rewards are given for top sales in a wrapping paper sale and for the highest amount collected during Dash for Cash.

Each grade level team has its own schedule for rewards and activities, including honor roll, perfect attendance, leadership, and good citizenship. Each team also plans at least two field trips per school year. A newsletter is prepared per grading period by each team, and progress reports are sent home at the midpoint of every six weeks grading period. Teams provide students with a sense of belonging and familiarity. There is also a great deal of planning which takes place within the teams in terms of the integration of subjects and continued communication between parents and teachers.

Sevierville Middle School works hard to include parents and the community in the activities at the school. This begins with parent orientation at the beginning of the school year. Teachers meet with parents to explain the curriculum, guidelines, and rules. Parents' questions and concerns are addressed at this time, and each is provided with a handbook for future reference. Conferences are scheduled throughout the year to address any additional needs. Sevierville Middle School also encourages parent involvement through parent volunteers. These volunteers may run off papers, file, chaperone field trips, or even help teach an exploratory course.
The Sevierville Middle School PTO has met and continues to meet the needs of both the children and the school. They have provided TVs, VCRs, computers, overhead projectors, calculators, filing cabinets, and maps for the school. They funded the construction of a new computer/technology lab and many other improvements to the school. They buy books for the library and sponsor the R.I.F. program. The PTO has also provided money for the teacher advisory program and for the incentive program. The PTO is currently planning to purchase a large number of reference materials for daily use in classrooms. Programs are in place to promote parental involvement and parent/teacher interaction.
Sevierville Middle School has been fortunate to be supported by several area businesses and organizations. This support includes discounts and rewards for our incentive program, donations and gifts for the building and events, and shoes and glasses for the children in need. The curriculum has also been enhanced by the participation of community agencies and businesses. The Sevier County Agricultural Extension sponsors the 4-H Club and activities. The Great Smoky Mountains National Park Service provides environmental education and various teaching material. There are several businesses that participate in our annual Career Day and provide guest speakers for classes. The location of Sevierville Middle School enables the teachers and students to participate in a wide variety of educational opportunities in Knoxville, Oak Ridge, Chattanooga, and or own county. All of these resources provide the opportunity to strengthen and demonstrate the learning that is taking place in the classroom.

The 1998-99 Terra Nova Complete Battery results are stated in two observable formats. The first format is based on National Percentile Scores and ranks the school as follows:
 

• Below Average - National Percentile Score of 1 - 24
• Average - National Percentile Score of 25 - 75
• Above Average - National Percentile Score of 76 - 99

 

• Proficiency - Performance levels of 4 or 5.
• Partial Proficiency - Performance levels or 1, 2 or 3

 

Student Data for Sevierville Middle School with regards to attendance rates and promotion rates.

 

Summary:

In the past three years Sevierville Middle School has developed programs to meet the needs of a wide variety of students from many different ethnic, economic, and social backgrounds. Sevierville Middle School strives to provide a safe and comfortable learning environment “Where Young People Come First.”
 
 

MISSION STATEMENT

Sevierville Middle School envisions the future opportunities and challenges that all students will encounter in a rapidly changing and increasingly complex society. The faculty and staff accept the challenge and responsibility to provide an educational atmosphere that will enable student to maximize his/her full academic, social, physical, and emotional potential.
 

OUR STAFF BELIEVES:

1. All students can learn, achieve, and succeed when provided with opportunities for success.

2. The middle school student is a valued individual with unique social, physical, intellectual learning, and emotional needs.

3. A student's self-worth is enhanced by providing opportunities for positive peer relationships and respectful interaction with adult role models.

4. The school and community must work cooperatively in developing a sound educational program to help students become independent, responsible, motivated learners.

5. A safe, disciplined, nurturing environment assists students in making responsible and appropriate decisions.

6. A supportive and challenging learning environment promotes student learning.

7. Each student should develop fundamental skills necessary for a useful and productive life.

8. Each student will recognize the value of learning as a life long goal.

9. Parents and students should be held accountable.

Student Desired Learner Outcomes for SMS

Desired Learner Outcome # 1: The students will develop a positive image of self, a respect for others, an acceptance of human diversity, and an understanding of the role of culture in values and behaviors.

Desired Learner Outcome # 2: The students will use available technology as an effective tool for communication and learning.

Desired Learner Outcome # 3: The learners will accept responsibility for his or her academic or personal actions with the understanding that choices result in consequences which impact the student, the home, the school, the community, and the world.

Desired Learner Outcome # 4: The learners will develop the skills necessary to become active citizens capable of effective participation in a democratic society.

Desired Learner Outcome # 5: The learners will participate in experiences that facilitate the transition from all grade levels into high school and the examination of career fields.

Desired Learner Outcome # 6: The students will participate in a curriculum that promotes academic performance beyond the state and national standards.

Desired Learner Outcome # 7: The student will demonstrate effective use of communication skills across the curriculum.

Desired Learner Outcome # 8: The students will recognize the importance of becoming a life-long learner through the application of acquired knowledge in diverse fields.

Analysis of Instruction and Curriculum

This is an analysis of our desired learner outcomes as well as an evaluation of the past goals of our previous School Improvement Plan. We want to address our progress on the goals and outline our new goals.

The process we are using to present this information is to identify our new goals as well as our previous goals and provide an analysis of the current status of school improvement at SMS.

Desired Learner Outcome # 1: The students will develop a positive image of self, a respect for others, an acceptance of human diversity, and an understanding of the role of culture in values and behaviors.

This learner outcome is a combination of Desired Learner Outcomes #1 and #2 of our previous plan.

Two goals were identified in these areas:

1) Students will be given a variety of curriculum experiences that will enhance the learner’s self image.

Students continue to participate in our Teacher Advisory Program called P.R.I.D.E. (Program for Reaching Individual developmental Excellence) Students, parents, and teachers continue to provide positive feedback regarding this program. The program is continually monitored and improvements are made each year. The SMS P.R.I.D.E. Committee continues to monitor and make improvements in many aspects of the program based on feedback provided by students and faculty. The P.R.I.D.E. Committee provides continuing on-going staff development sessions to teachers about the implementation of this program. Students have developed a more positive self image as a result of this program. A portion of the P.R.I.D.E. program is a team building component which provides an alternative to intramurals. The school’s P.A.W.S. Program (Privileges and Awards for Worthy Students) is on-going. Teachers continue to do positive contacts with students on a regular basis, and each teacher recognizes a Student of the Month who attends a breakfast with administrators. The Caught you Being Good program has been discontinued because it was ineffective. At present the School Committee identifies this desired learner outcome as a strength at our school, and that we have accomplished this goal, even though we continue to look for improvement in each of these programs.

2) To provide opportunities for students to accept their own personal worth and dignity, as well as the worth and dignity of others.

We expanded the P.R.I.D.E. Program. This is a multi-grade teacher advisory program that we incorporated into the school program in 1992. The P.R.I.D.E. Committee has changed our approach to required activities by providing optional ways to present selected material. We continue to expand our team building activities, considering the needs of all of our students in the development of programs. We continue to provide special programs for our students. Students participate in band, Model U.N., exploratory courses, career day, drama productions, pep rallies, guest speakers often working with classes on a variety of topics. We have initiated a chorus group called the “SMS Singers.” Our students participate in areas that competitive skills, leadership and community service. These activities include math bowl, Beta Club, S-Club, Student Council, 4-H, field day, awards programs, band competitions, etc. Teachers use global awareness throughout the curriculum. Students participate in the Social Studies Fair, suitcase projects, and Channel 1 broadcasts. These programs and implementation practices are evidence of our growth and achievement in this goal area.
 
 

Desired Learner Outcome # 2: The students will use available technology as an effective tool for communication and learning.

This goal is revision of Desired Learner Outcome #3 from the previous School Improvement Plan. Technology is an area in which some gain is evident, but it remains an area of need in our school. A technology lab is operational. All teachers except some special area teachers such as Art, P.E., and Music have at least a teacher computer station in their classroom. The library has several computers as well. Some of these computers are quite out dated and need a hardware upgrade. The Library system is automated. The school improvement team will be addressing this area in our Improvement Plan.
 

Desired Learner Outcome # 3: The learners will accept responsibility for his or her academic or personal actions with the understanding that choices result in consequences which impact the student, the home, the school, the community, and the world.

Previous School Improvement Goal: To provide guidelines and expectations for students’ academic and behavioral choices.

The committee examined what we have been doing in this area. We still utilize the P.A.W.S. (Privileges and Awards for Worthy Students) Program at SMS. We have had very positive remarks regarding our program. Parents tell us that their students are motivated to continue to complete quality, work and that they do not want to miss a day of school because it gives them a better chance of staying on a higher level. We still continue to monitor and improve the program as needed. The school, each team, and teachers have established assertive discipline plans. The plans are communicated to parents and students in a timely, regular fashion. Each year we evaluate discipline plans and make the adjustments necessary for creating a more positive school climate. The majority of people feel very good with the status of progress in assertive discipline. We continue to have a Career Day. We use a rotation plan for students and have developed a plan that allows students to choose and get information on a wide variety of careers. The committee feels that progress is appropriate in this area at present, but school staff will continue to make minor modifications and adjustments as needed with P.A.W.S, assertive discipline and career day.
 

Desired Learner Outcome # 4: The learners will develop the skills necessary to become active citizens capable of effective participation in a democratic society.

Goal: The learner will acquire necessary skills to become an active citizen and be able to participate in society.

This Desired Learner Outcome is stated in the previous plan as Learner Outcome #6. In examining the progress toward reaching this target goal the Improvement committee felt that we have been very successful in accomplishing the initial goal. We continue to provide activities that deal with character traits through the P.R.I.D.E. Program. Our P.A.W.S Program allows students to make realistic choices about goal setting and how to achieve goals. A variety of clubs and activities provide opportunities for students to participate in cooperative work groups. Students also run for certain offices in clubs. They conduct campaigns and make speeches in front of peers. We provide special activities such as drama productions, 4-H clubs, and other PTO sponsored events. The school has a new choral group, The SMS Singers. Another new program initiated last year at SMS was the Kids Voting Program. The school received recognition for having the highest participation in our area. Our curriculum includes classes on Family Life (8th), Hunter Safety (7th), and Personal Safety (6th). The committee feels that we have achieved this goal and we continue to strive to maintain this goal in a very positive manner. At this time this is not an area that needs to be addressed in our Improvement Plan.
 

Desired Learner Outcome # 5: The learners will participate in experiences that facilitate the transition from all grade levels into high school and the examination of career fields.

This is a newly developed Desired Learner Outcome In examining this area the committee concurred that our school transition program for 8th Graders moving to high school is appropriate. Classes through the guidance department provide career exploration options for 8th grade. P.R.I.D.E. Advisors assists each of their 8th grade students and parents in developing a four year plan for high school. Special education teachers assist those advisors who have special education students. We administer the Differential Aptitude Test (DAT) to our 8th graders. Information from DAT is shared with parents and students and is used in the development of the four year plan. Our 8th graders make visits to the High School that they will be attending. We provide a night for 8th Grade parents to participate in orientation sessions about the development of the four year plan and provide them with a copy of the High School Courses and paths they may select. The committee feels that we currently do a good job in the area of career exploration. We have exploratory classes that examine some of these. We have a career day on alternate years. The committee did feel that the model we currently use for transition from the intermediate school into the 6th grade at SMS is a possible area for growth in our school improvement plan.

Desired Learner Outcome # 6: The students will participate in a curriculum that promotes academic performance beyond the state and national standards.
This new desired learner outcome is added to the Improvement Plan based on an examination of our Terra Nova scores for this past year. We discussed criteria reference testing done by teachers in the classroom. From the examination of our test scores the committee recognized some good progress. Our value added scores for this past year show improvement in all areas except two. Our proficiency scores for exiting 8th grade students were above state and national norms. Our TCAP writing scores for this past year showed a tremendous improvement. We exceeded the state norm as well as the local system average in writing assessment. The committee recognizes these levels of achievement and feels higher levels are possible. This area will be addressed by the improvement plan.

Desired Learner Outcome # 7: The student will demonstrate effective use of communication skills across the curriculum.

This is an additional desired learner outcome added to our plan. The Desired Learner Outcome committee identified communication skills as an area of need. In examining this area the committee found positive evidence of achievement. Test scores from the TCAP writing assessment indicated a tremendous improvement over the previous year. We provide opportunities for students to communicate across the curriculum with writing. Language Arts teachers collaborate with Science teachers and Social Studies teachers as students prepare research papers and projects each year. Students have opportunities in the curriculum to make verbal reports and speeches to their classes on a variety of topics. Students have opportunity to make campaign speeches as Student Council candidates, 4-H Club Officers, and Jr. Beta Club leadership positions. We utilize the Channel One system to broadcast student speeches. We provide the opportunity for a local news broadcast that the students do on a rotating basis through exploratory classes. This is new a desired outcome, but the committee felt the evidence supports that SMS is doing an adequate job. After examining data available on this desired learner outcome, the committee concluded there is evidence that supports maintaining current levels of emphasis on this DLO.

Desired Learner Outcome # 8: The students will recognize the importance of becoming a life-long learner through the application of acquired knowledge in diverse fields.

This desired learner outcome has been slightly revised compared to #5 of our previous improvement plan. The committee examined this area and the evidence supports that we are doing an adequate job at this time. Students have opportunities to examine careers, provide guest speakers for the entire school as well as in individual classrooms, and participate in both a Science Fair and and a Social Studies Fair. Teachers provide students the opportunity to develop skills necessary to do research through our media center. Each teaching team implements an integrated unit on a thematic unit during the year. Teams provide educational field trips each year. Examples of these trips are the environmental field trips for 6th graders, Oak Ridge Science Museum, and Atlanta to see the cyclorama and the CNN broadcast building. The school technology lab has 15 different modules that students utilize in three year cycles. We have clubs that promote responsibility and group processing. Students view Channel One news broadcasts on a daily basis with supplementary classroom reinforcement. SMS continues to promote the ideal of a lifelong learning, but the committee feels it is unnecessary as this time to include it in our improvement action plan at this time.