Schools to Watch - Mint Hill Middle School

Mint Hill Middle School
Schools to Watch 2006

Mint Hill Middle School
11501 Idlewild Road
Matthews, NC 28105
(980) 343-5439
(980) 343-5442 FAX

Principal: Denise Watts

Website: http://www.cms.k12.nc.us/allschools/minthill/index.htm
Click here to see a PowerPoint presentation on Mint Hill Middle from the 2007 Closing the Gap Conference.
Untitled Document

Mint Hill students and faculty used the theme "Over the Rainbow" to show why they are a School to Watch.
Here's a sample from their celebration:

Every student in the school made a tissue paper flower for the occasion.

Visitors to the school got to "Follow the Yellow Brick Road"
and meet the welcoming committee.

Mayor of Munchkinland
As the mayor of Mint Hill City
In the district of C M S
We wish to welcome you most regally
Munchkin
But we've got to verify this legally
Mayor
To See
Munchkin
To See
Mayor
If we
Munchkin
If we
Mayor
Are morally, ethically, spiritually, physically, positively,
academically, undeniably, and reliably good.
The Mayor
Schools to Watch Chairman John Harrison
Has thoroughly examined them
He says that they're not merely good
They're really most sincerely good
Then this is a day of celebration
We are one of the best in all the nation
Let the joyous news be launched
Mint Hill Middle is a Schools to Watch!

Scarecrow
I can while away occasions by solving math equations
Intelligence obtained
And my head I'll be scratchin' while my thoughts are busy hatchin'
Because I have a brain

I can unravel every riddle for any individual
So please let me explain
While engaged in critical thinking science and math, I'll be linking
Because I have a brain

Oh, I could tell you why, poets use metaphors
I can think of things I never thunk before
And then I can sit and think some more

I can understand the history, the conflicts, life and mystery
The writings of Mark Twain
With the thoughts I am thinkin' I could be another Lincoln
Because I have a brain.

Tin Man
When a kid is in the middle
School is like a riddle
We don't know where to start
With our friends will be feudin
Parents think we're barely human
We just want to feel a part.
At my school they understand me
And truly care about me
They know that I am smart.
More than books, more than quizzes
Teaching me that is their business
Because they have the heart.
Picture me a bit lonely
A teacher's voice I hear
Wanna talk , I'll lend an ear.
Understanding my emotions
Jealousy…devotion
And really feel the part
Caring teachers guide our choices
And they always hear our voices
Because they have the heart!

Lion
Even though opinions vary, middle school is often scary
Without the vim and verve.
But we are taught to use our prowess, be a lion not a mou-ess
Because we have the nerve.

I am afraid there's no denying students here are really trying
Distinction we deserve.
Challenges-Dont'cha worry, counselors here in a hurry
Giving us the nerve.

Oh I can tell you why, why we all get along
Relationships---are very strong

Determination and persistence, we always have assistance
Teachers here to serve

We persevere through the drama, overcome all the trauma
Because we have the nerve!

Dorothy & friends
"Ease on Down the Road"
to Schools to Watch recognition.

Principal Denise Watts expresses her joy about Mint Hill Middle,

and the Schools to Watch banner is presented.

Mint Hill Middle School, a School to Watch!
Introduction: Mint Hill is a "bedroom community" in the Matthews area east of Charlotte. The school is exceptionally well-run from top to bottom, with effective leadership at the office and classroom level, and strong support from central office. It is difficult to engage in a visit from an objective viewpoint because visitors keep finding themselves drawn into the lessons they are observing. Visitors to Mint Hill leave with many, many ideas about how to strengthen their own programs and practices.
Here are some of the things that make Mint Hill Middle School a School to Watch.

Evidence of Academic Excellence We can't tell the ability level of the classes, "good to great" is evident across the board Vertical & horizontal articulation is evident in departmental and subject-area meetings Use of Bloom's Taxonomy is evident in all assignments, strong use of word walls, station teaching, integration of technology, multiple wireless labs, cooperative learning, science labs, and more Authentic assessment is the norm, and students use and understand rubrics Tutoring sessions are offered before and after school and even on Saturdays All teachers were teaching different novels, and students have much choice and voice in assignments Teachers have very, very high expectations for themselves and their students
Evidence of Developmental Responsiveness Student work and club/sports announcements are everywhere. This is clearly the students' school, and their presence is everywhere Students performed a wonderful welcome skit/musical that was written and directed by their own class. Students are able to articulate clearly why the school is a STW In every class we observed regular movement between tasks (no 90-minute lectures) and each class engages students in a variety of activities Students have many opportunities to voice their opinions and concerns. There are over 80 students in the Student Council--which is set up to be inclusive and is quite effective There are many activities and clubs to engage students regardless of interests
Evidence of Social Equity The school has a list of "Non-Negotiables." Chief among them is "All students are scholars." This is deeply embedded in the school culture Classes are rigorous and challenging for ALL students The staff of the school is diverse and reflects the makeup of the students The school has multiple forms of student behavior management and does not "warehouse" students in In-School Suspension Students and families are clearly a part in planning the direction and vision for the school
Evidence of Organizational Structures & Processes "Good to Great" is found throughout the building. Their mission statement is posted on every hallway Vision is not top-down, but is shared. There is much individual autonomy within well-defined structures Administrators engage in periodic 4 min. walk-throughs of classes to look for specific criteria. This is done with a "coaching," not "Gotcha!" spirit Parents and the community are not just welcome, they are expected to be part of the team in planning for student and school success Assessment is well-organized, and there is frequent benchmarking to check student progress
Closing Comments Mint Hill is a wonderful school that meets the criteria at a VERY high level. Students, and the adults with whom they work, are involved, engaged, and happy to be a part of Mint Hill. We very much enjoyed this school, and several members had a hard time leaving. The atmosphere and excitement here is contagious!

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Last Updated March 3, 2007
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