Schoolwide Programs and Services

ADVISORY

Ted Sizer, an educator and education reformer, once stated that every student in any school ought to have at least one adult that knows him/her well. The standard he cited was that the adult should be able to write a comprehensive essay that says something of significance about the student’s interests, aspirations, aptitudes, and educational and life goals. The Mt. Ararat Middle School Advisor Group Program serves to assure that such an adult exists for each student. 

Almost every member of the professional staff is assigned a group of students that are grouped by grade level. Each school day starts with a ten minute Advisor Group meeting. Some of this time is allocated to morning announcements, and other administrative tasks. The primary purpose of this time, however, is for the Advisor to create a familial setting that gives each student a sense of belonging. 

On Wednesday mornings, the day begins with an extended, thirty minute advisory. Advisors lead students in I-Time activities based on the BARR (Building Assets, Reducing Risks) program. Topics of these activities include Social Awareness, Relationship Skills, Responsible Decision-Making, Self Management, and Self Awareness. More information on BARR can be found HERE.

TARGET/RTI 

As a part of our Response to Intervention (RTI) plan, the school’s schedule includes a period for every student called Target Time. During this period, teachers focus on increasing student achievement by assigning instruction based on the need for structured and direct support for students not meeting standards in reading or math. Teachers will be actively engaged, working with students during this time. Students excelling in their reading and math standards will have opportunities to participate in enrichment activities appropriate to their proficiency level.

SPECIAL EDUCATION SERVICES 

IEP programming is individually based on the students academic and functional needs. These supports can include related services as determined by the IEP team. Special Services provides an integrated educational program for students with documented disabilities, determined through an Individualized Education Plan (IEP) process. For additional information about identification, support, or Special Services, please contact the MAMS Special Service Coordinator, Kay Kessler at 729-2950 x7224 or the MSAD #75 Special Services Director, Amy Hall at 729-9961  

GATEWAYS

At Mt. Ararat Middle School, teachers provide for the unique learning needs of identified students in consultation with our Gifted & Talented educators. G/T educators work collaboratively with teachers to differentiate learning opportunities, as needed, and to ensure that identified students make adequate yearly progress. G/T educators also work with students and parents to help identify the central strengths, needs, and interests of each child, and to then provide both guidance and advocacy to connect each child with appropriate learning opportunities. G/T educators are the case manager, consultant, advocate, and facilitator for identified students.

You can find more information about this program at the following website: Mainegateways.org. 

For additional information about identification for Gifted & Talented support services, visit our website or contact our Gifted and Talented Coordinator, Kerry Bailey at 729-2950 ext. 7730.

ALTERNATIVE ED 

Team Sheepscot (our Alternative Education program) is composed of 7th and 8th grade students at Mount Ararat Middle School, selected for their hands-on learning style, creative problem-solving abilities, and willingness to contribute to the growth and success of the team. These students attend Team Sheepscot during their assigned science and social studies blocks and learn the same content standards as the other Teams at MAMS; however, the approach to learning is uniquely their own!

Learning is project-based and hands-on, borrowing from some established teaching models such as experiential learning and service learning. The projects are determined by practical needs that will contribute to the MAMS community and beyond. Activities are coordinated with the input from the MAMS curriculum leaders to ensure that students have the opportunity to meet their science and social studies learning goals.

For more information about this program, please contact your child’s school counselor. 

Grading and Reporting 

MAMS uses Infinite Campus as its grading and reporting system. One great feature of Infinite Campus is the Parent Portal, which allows parents to see assignments, to monitor grades, and to view attendance data. We encourage all families to check their child’s progress regularly. 
 

If you haven’t yet registered for the Parent Portal, please email the parent name and student name to [email protected]. If you have any difficulties with the registration process, please reach out to MAMS Principal, Megan Hayes Teague at 729-2950 ext. 7222.