It’s fairly quiet in January and February at La Grande Middle School, and Principal Chris Wagner is okay with that. Traditionally in the school calendar, the winter months of January and February are a time in which a lot of academic work, student growth and long stretches of teaching and learning take place.
At LMS during this time, they have been working on mid-year assessments, celebrating student growth and reassessing interventions for students.
LMS Principal Chris Wagner estimates that about 50 percent of what students learn during the year is done in January, February, March. “This time really focuses on strong, uninterrupted teaching and a large amount of quality learning by our kids,” Wagner said.
During the 24-25 school year, LMS restructured its math and language arts interventions, groups that provide additional instruction for students who need it. They have incorporated new strategies like pre-teaching concepts, having extra time to practice fundamental skills and working in smaller classes when possible. “We have really tried to create an environment where the learning is more conducive to asking questions, students feel more confident asking those questions and students get a jumpstart on concepts that are being introduced before lessons start,” Wagner said.
He said the changes have been effective and he has been impressed with the academic growth of students this year.
Keep up the good work, Wildcats!
