Willow Glen Middle

Willow Glen Middle School is a unique learning community focused on engaging students in academics that are intellectually challenging as well as athletics, the arts, and service opportunities. We empower our students to discover and develop new talents and skills.

WGMS uses data-driven instruction to provide an enriching academic experience. Students take courses such as Pre-Algebra, Algebra 1, Geometry, Algebra 2 & Trigonometry, Solar Energy, Leadership, High School equivalent Spanish 1 / 2, Spanish 3 / 4, French 1 / 2 , French 3 / 4, Introductory French and Spanish, Choir and Concert Choir, Beginning and Intermediate Band, Drums, Speech and Debate, yearlong science in 6th, 7th, and 8th grades, and 3D and 2D Art. Teachers collaborate weekly to share best practices and discuss teaching strategies.

Learning at WGMS continues outside of the academic day. Students attend After-School All-Stars for homework help, sports and enrichment. Students have opportunities to travel to France and Spain as well as New York City, Washington, D.C., and Boston to experience history and culture.

Homework

Teachers follow the SJUSD Student and Parent Information Handbook in assigning 20-30 minutes of homework per academic subject area per day. Each student receives a Ram Planner at the beginning of the school year that includes a daily calendar where students record their Language Arts, Reading, Social Studies, Science, Math, P.E. and Elective assignments.

Textbooks

Textbook adoption is done by the district, providing both state-approved / SBE-adopted textbooks in all core subject areas. Textbooks align with the California Content Standards. San Jose Unified School District purchases one textbook per student. All students have access to the state-adopted textbooks. In addition to these books, the students have access to many published supplemental enrichment books. The English Language Development department has many texts that support English Learners’ acquisition of English as well.

Extracurricular Activities

Students are encouraged to become involved in after-school activities that include Robotics, Band, Applause Show Choir, team sports and drama productions. These activities provide students the chance to further develop interests, skills and friendships. Leadership opportunities are developed in Student Government and WEB (Where Everyone Belongs) activities.

7th Period Courses

WGMS is the only middle school in San Jose Unified that offers 7th period courses such as Leadership, Band, Choir, Yearbook and Robotics.

Academic Traditions

Students participate in many unique WGMS traditions. One example is the Golden Book signing where students who’ve achieved all A’s or A’s and B’s are honored at a ceremony which culminates in their signing of the Golden Book, a fifty year tradition. There are also several awards assemblies during the school year for the distribution of certificates or awards recognizing specific achievement.  

Transition to High School

A solid transition from middle school to high school better prepares students to continue their studies in the academically challenging years of high school. Transition is facilitated through an Academic Counselor.

RECENT ACADEMIC NEWS

Student Schedules for Second Semester
The second semester begins on Wednesday, January 21. Student schedules will be distributed on Friday, January 17th. Students will not see much change in their schedule as most classes are year long courses. The only classes that will change are semester long electives. The second semester elective is based on the elective choice form that was filled out in the spring of 2008. Since our classes are full and staffing complete, requests for changes in schedules are not possible. Have a great second semester!

December 2008 Updates
- Thomas Rousseau, Assistant Principal of Instruction
Carol Ann Tomlinson writes, “Every child, in addition to challenge, needs success. One of the problems with a classroom that is not differentiated is somebody is challenged and has a chance to succeed, but somebody is under-challenged and succeeds without challenge, while someone else is over-challenged and does not have the opportunity for success.” The staff at Willow Glen Middle has been looking at ways to foster success for all our students this semester.

WGMS is engaged in the delivery of a standards-based instructional program for its students in accordance to state and federal guidelines. We use the district-adopted or board-adopted curriculum on a daily basis. We adhere to pacing calendars and benchmark testing in Language Arts, Mathematics and English Language development, at outlined by SJUSD, which is required for all classrooms and schools.

Benchmark tests are an important part of looking at each student’s success in mastering standards. Benchmark tests give you a “dipstick” measurement of individual and group preparedness for the California Standards Test. Benchmark tests assure students will have the opportunity to learn content by keeping the curriculum pacing guides. Benchmark tests are diagnostic tools for teachers. Teachers can evaluate the instruction and curriculum, and ask diagnostic questions about student learning. The questions posed need to center around both the learning needs of the students as individuals and as a group. The teacher can evaluate the teaching of content looking for strengths and areas for improvement.

We have looked at student data and have instituted academic interventions for students who fall below grade level performance. Students involved in academic interventions will be administered pre/post measurements to assess growth in mastering standards and in basic skills necessary for success.

As a staff, we have been looking at grades, specifically students who receive Ds and Fs. We have brainstormed why students are not succeeding and have generated strategies to improve student performance. Most recently we held a homework challenge. Students who turned in all their homework over a period of time, received a free dress day. One period was selected and students from each class that period were given a writstband to show they had completed their homework. Teachers provide further help with homework after school and at lunch, as well as during a new Homework Center after school.

As a school, WGMS will prepare students for high school where they will need to complete all a-g requirements and successfully pass CAHSEE, and will prepare students to meet the annual AYP targets and show continuous improvement through the use of goal setting, test chats, data walls, reading campaigns, and test preparation activities, etc. Success for all of our students is a goal that we strive for on a daily basis. We thank WGMS families for their support in achieving success for all.