North Gwinnett Middle Grows Up Quickly

Wanda Law, principal of North Gwinnett Middle School, along with a charter faculty, first opened the school's doors to students in August 2009.

At dinner time on a Tuesday night, 1 1/2 school years later, the building still feels new. But the  parking lot is packed full of cars with parents, students and other music appreciators assembling to enjoy three winter concerts being given by the middle school's orchestras. The music program, open to all students, is part of an award-winning curriculum implemented by Law and the teaching staff during the school's enormously successful first year.

North Gwinnett Middle's achievements during its first school year have been spectacular.  The school was recently awarded two of the highest honors a school can earn through the Georgia Association of Secondary School Principals (GASSP) for the 2009 -10 year. The GASSP named North Gwinnett Middle one of five Distinguished Breakthrough Middle Schools. Also, there was an award placing the school among Georgia's 13 Breakthrough Middle Schools.  The GASSP organization recognizes schools that embody best practices to support student achievement.

"This is a wonderful award for our students and staff," Law said.  "As a first-year school, we started strong with some new initiatives and the support of our community." 

At first glance, the school's curriculum may not look all that different from others in Gwinnett. But by implementing best practices within a progressive curriculum, the educators have been able to create breakthrough change. "The dedication of the staff to try these new ideas, to recognize students as leaders, to collaborate with one another, and to challenge students to their highest achievement levels are all reasons why our school is being recognized," Law explained.

Halfway through the 2010-11 school year, effectiveness of the school initiatives continues to impress parents and educators across Georgia. This week, the North Gwinnett Middle Orchestra earned the Georgia Music Educators Association (GMEA) Exemplary Performance Award. To be considered for this honor, the orchestra must participate in all GMEA-sponsored events, including Large Group Performance Evaluation, Solo and Ensemble Performance Evaluation, plus an all-state competition.  It also helps explain why there were no parking spots left at the school orchestra's recent winter performances.

Music is part of the school's Connections program, with individual classes in band, chorus and orchestra offered to all students.  Also falling under the program are classes in art, computer science, family & consumer education, physical education, print journalism, Spanish, Latin and technical education.

Exemplary to the school's best-practice approach are initiatives in acceleration, mentoring and clubs.  The opportunity to participate in accelerated math and science classes is available to all students. Mentoring includes eighth-graders working to help sixth-graders academically and socially. The many club-program choices are highlighted by the fact they are offered during the school day, making them easier to attend and more inviting to participate in.

The school's list of subtle yet significant best-practice approaches to its curriculum may be best exemplified by its philosophy to recognize students as leaders.  North Gwinnett Middle has created a learning environment with the flexibility and opportunity for students to pursue multiple interests, discover their gifts, build on their strengths and develop their leadership potential.