| Welsh Valley Middle School, houses three grades; sixth,
seventh and eighth, in individual buildings on a thirty-two acre site.
Throughout the years, Welsh Valley has maintained a tradition of recognizing
the special needs of preadolescents. Their particular and obvious
energies, as well as their ambivalence as they search for an identity,
demand a special curriculum and a sensitive, intelligent staff to
help them become independent and responsible members of society.
Welsh Valley also nurtures the best of public school traditions;
that is, it provides an academic program for students of various
backgrounds and abilities. One example is our challenge program.
This program offers seminars
in photography, film making, problem solving, computer languages
and possibilities for study in other academic areas. We also maintain
resource rooms for students with learning disabilities. Our varied
population is reflective of the Main Line, yet includes children
of many socioeconomic backgrounds.
The school is a microcosm of America's tradition of cultural diversity.
In June, 1984, the United States Department of Education recognized
the Welsh Valley Middle School by selecting it as a finalist in
the Secondary School Recognition Program. Only eighty-eight middle
schools in the country received such recognition.
This honor is bestowed on unusually successful schools in which
the faculty, students and community have demonstrated a commitment
to excellence and are dedicated to maintaining that commitment at
all times.
STAFF
Our seventy-three member professional staff, most of whom have
advanced degrees, represent study at more than fifty different institutions
of higher learning. Besides meeting as an entire faculty once a
month, the academic subject teachers, i.e., Math, Science, Social
Studies and English, meet as a team within their grade level to
discuss educational issues and to share concerns about students.
Welsh Valley teachers also contribute to the total development of
the student. Over 65% of our teachers support a coaching and/or
after-school activity.
Homeroom teachers provide a secure base for middle school students.
A thirty-four minute period each day not only allows for attendance
taking, but also permits time for extra help and guidance, as well
as sustained silent reading two periods a week.
Counselors work with all students and stay with their students
for the three years they are at Welsh Valley, thereby helping students
with scheduling as well as school-related problems. They maintain
frequent contact with parents. It is usual for counselors at each
grade level to know about every student's academic, social and emotional
development level. Besides meeting with the students on an individual
basis, counselors are also available in the cafeteria during lunch.
The administrative staff not only sets the tone for academic excellence
in a supportive environment, but also helps teachers with budgetary
needs, discipline problems, curriculum concerns and scheduling.
CAMPUS AND PLANT
The thirty-two acres allow for four tennis courts, a full-size
track and playing fields for football, soccer, field hockey, baseball,
archery and lacrosse. Besides individual buildings for the sixth,
seventh and eighth grades, there is a well equipped library, a commons
building which houses an orchestra-band room, a choral room, a home
economics suite for teaching sewing and cooking, a large shop area,
a spacious cafeteria and a well-equipped auditorium. There is a
separate physical education plant, which includes two gymnasiums
and an all-purpose room.
REPORTING
Frequent contact is encouraged between home and school through
telephone calls, email, and written messages by members of the
staff. Team
meeting time allows parents to meet with academic subject teachers
at parent or staff request. Formal conference time is scheduled
four times during the academic year. A, B, C, D, E, and F are grades
used for basic courses, whereas O, S and U are used for personal
development courses. Students who receive honors, are recognized
by their classmates at several assemblies throughout the year.
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