My name is Angela Murphy. This is my 21st year in education. I was a teacher for 12 years, assistant principal for 2 years, and am currently in my ninth year as principal. I have been married for 25 years and have 2 children. I truly enjoy working in the school setting and especially at Northern Middle. We have an outstanding school and strive daily to improve. Please join our TEAM in educating our children.
-Together Everyone Achieves More-
This is an article that will appear in "Kentucky Teacher" during this school year. We are thrilled to be named a Kentucky School to Watch for the second time.
Northern Middle School
The Renaissance Program at Northern Middle School recognizes students for their academic, behavior and attendance achievement. Three years ago when Northern was first named a School to Watch this program was a key feature at this school, and three years later it continues to have a positive impact. The teaming structure is embraced and emphasized at this school with the administration meeting with teams weekly. Academic Academies are held at the end of each grading period to help all students be successful, Salyers said.
Principal Angela Murphy said her school has a whatever it takes attitude to attain its high goals, including a willingness to embrace change. Over the past few years this is evident in every aspect of our school, she said. Some of the large initiatives that have taken place include: joining with Kentucky Center for Instructional Discipline to develop positive behavior interventions, facilitating a three-tiered mentoring program, implementing Systematic Supervision strategies throughout the building, and developing a thorough Response to Intervention Program.
School Characteristics and Replicable Practices
Academic Excellence
A full-time curriculum specialist is available to assist teachers
Lesson plans are reviewed weekly by the administration with immediate feedback
Multiple intervention strategies and programs are used to promote success
Instruction is designed to provide for student movement during class
Developmental Responsiveness
Every teacher sends home a positive postcard each week
99 percent of students participate in district random drug testing program with parent approval/request
Full-time school resource officer and gifted-and-talented teacher
Social Equity
Full inclusion of special needs students with collaborator included as part of each team
Special education teachers send school videos to incoming special needs students so they may see the school before they actually enter the building for the first time
RTI Committee provides interventions individualized for each student
Teachers make home visits prior to first day of school for identified at-risk students
Organizational Support
The principal has a desk located in the central lobby as well as in her office
Faculty schoolwide book study conducted each year
Flexible schedule that provides freedom to teams
The pictures in my photo album were taken at my recent 25th Class Reunion. It was a great evening of sharing wonderful memories with life long friends.
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