Written by Phil Misecko, principal
Margaret Mead once said "Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed it is the only thing that ever has." Fortunately I'm allowed the opportunity to witness it daily. I'm referring to the Fegely Middle School family. They are an amazing, passionate, dedicated group of professionals that treat their time with our students as an opportunity to improve our world.
The Fegely staff differentiates instruction to reach all students at their level to meet their academic needs with developmental appropriate techniques that are research based and data driven. They deploy the 8-step process for constant assessment which leads to enrichment and remediation. Fegely's talented group of teachers implements interdisciplinary units which creates meaning and relevance within grade level curriculum. The overall preparation, data analysis, and implementation of effective lesson design are evident in both team and department meetings on a weekly basis, as well as the actual delivery of lessons that equate to improved student achievement.
The educators at Fegely Middle School recognize and understand the importance of supporting students far beyond their academic responsibilities. With this in mind, Search Institute's 40 Developmental Assets will be the framework used to develop happy, successful, and productive lives for our students. Our dedication to the overall well-being of our students includes the new addition of a Home/School Coordinator who will teach our students the necessary skills to navigate through the turbulent times in their adolescent lives. Furthermore, all students are involved in Adviser classes that focus on team building, goal setting, national awareness, decision making skills, and tolerance in a vast world that can be overwhelming for middle school students. Group counseling will be available for those working through more serious issues.
The overall goal of the educators at Fegely Middle School is to create an atmosphere for our students and families that share in the development and success both academically and socially. The Fegely family takes pride in incorporating programs that encompass the Critical Values of Portage Township Schools, courage, responsibility, respect, fairness, and honesty, while modeling the importance of these values in our daily interactions with adults and students alike.
There is no doubt that the laser-like focus necessary in meeting the academic and social needs of our students does not come without professional development and collaboration among all educators. We are fortunate to have a district of teachers who continually collaborate and share their expertise in effective grading and assessment, Science Notebooking to enhance literacy skills, adolescent development, differentiated instruction and so much more in order to enhance the overall skill set of Portage teachers which results in student success. Fegely teachers, in particular, will be participating in a workshop on effective co-teaching models to enhance the overall experience of the INCLUSION classroom. The ability to incorporate such training and expertise to better develop teachers' ability to meet the needs of students is the driving force that will continue to make Fegely a student-centered, family-oriented school that is granted the privilege to work with the amazing students and families in Portage.
There is no doubt the Fegely Middle School staff improves lives. Their commitment to lifelong learning and dedication to modeling critical values reflect the words of Gandhi, "We must become the change we wish to see in the world." It is my honor and privilege to lead such an amazing group of educators in their mission to change the world.