Dear Students and Parents:

As Principal of Jean Farb Middle School, I believe that students make their best progress in an atmosphere where academic achievement is a priority, and where students are safe and supported by caring teachers and staff. Most importantly, the staff and I believe that our students should be able to come to school every day and receive an exemplary education that meets high academic standards and provides learning opportunities that foster success for all students. Our school goals include increasing reading and writing proficiency in all classes; developing schoolwide multicultural activities that foster an appreciation of the unique gifts of every culture; increasing positive peer relationships; initiating alternative ways to assess and monitor student achievement using authentic, standards-based products; and developing new ways for students to become "involved" in their school. Increasing the effectiveness of our parent involvement program is also a priority. We believe that greater parent involvement enhances the academic success of our students. Our monthly "Principal's Tea," as well as Parent Teacher Association (PTA) meetings and School Site Council (SSC), are a few of the venues for parent communication. Additional opportunities for parents to "meet and discuss" will be available next year.

Because the staff and I believe that the middle school experience should provide increased time-on-task in mathematics and literacy, as well as providing an opportunity for exploration in elective subjects, we have developed a new master schedule and program for the 2004-05 school year. With the implementation of a "4 x 4" block schedule, students will have literacy and mathematics each day for 90 minutes. Students will also have either science or social studies each day for one semester. In addition, every student will take physical education and also be able to choose an elective subject. The faculty and community enthusiastically support the new schedule as well as the addition of art, band, orchestra, technology, Spanish, chorus, and drama to our program. Because of our award-winning band, we have seen an increased interest in our music program. In addition to our new schedule, the physical arrangement of classrooms will be changed, allowing each grade level to be housed separately. Students and teachers will work together as "families." We look forward to the implementation of the new schedule, as well as increased opportunity for students.

Sincerely,

Susan Levy
Principal