Most people in the community and school personnel alike would identify the middle school setting as being one of the most challenging educational environments with which to cope.

“When looking for the reasons, some point to the dynamic nature of the students they serve; others to the natural concerns of parents watching their children turn into adolescents; still others to the transitional nature of the institution itself, which bridges the nurturing environment of the elementary school with the competitive demands of the high school.” (NASSP 4/98)

Regardless the reason, middle schools continue to be a focal point of school improvement initiatives across the nation. It is no different in Jones County.

Transitioning out of the elementary setting and dealing with the pressures of the middle school can be very challenging to students. The degree of responsibility required of the child increases significantly.

Carol A. Forster, M.D., has been quoted as saying that the onset of puberty can be an extremely difficult time for both parents and the school.

“New middle schoolers are taking on both more freedom and more responsibility,” she said. “At the same time, they are undergoing tremendous emotional, social and physical changes. Middle schoolers will begin to separate themselves from the adults that are involved in their daily lives in their attempt to establish their independence.”

Wes Cavender, principal of Clifton Ridge Middle School, spoke to the unique concerns of his school.

Cavender noted that there were two areas that were pinpointed for needed attention -- respect and responsibility.

“We’re helping our kids gain skills with these by developing a culture that models what we expect,” he said.

School counselor Kim Lanford emphasized that, “We’re trying to embrace the community and develop relationships with all our students and their families. We feel that if the kids understand that we care about them and that we have high expectations, they’ll be more willing to put forth the extra effort needed to meet their goals.”

Ruby Payne, respected across the nation for her expertise in understanding the impact of culture within a school, noted that “relationships are the key motivators for learning. For students to be successful, they must be provided support, assistance, and high expectations.”

CRMS is living this philosophy. Both students and their families are methodically being offered opportunities for engagement with the school community. Lanford recently hosted a ‘Coffee with the Counselor’ session.

“Parents seemed to really appreciate this time,” she said. “As a parent, it’s important to know that the school is willing to listen.”

The school is also hosting a series of Parent Universities in an attempt to provide useful resources and information to parents. Grade level showcase nights are in place during the year so that the public can view a variety of student work, art, and talents. Graduation coach Debbie McClendon noted that the school also offers PAC time for the parents of sixth-grade students.

Developing relationships with an age group that is striving for independence can be quite a challenge, but the efforts of the CRMS faculty demonstrate what can be achieved if focused attention is given to a goal.

Teachers serve as advisors to their students. Once a week, they discuss topics that are relevant to them regarding life skills and career choices. In an attempt to instill the importance of graduating, the school is engaged in a service learning project in which students will interview willing former high school dropouts. Interviews will target the challenges that were faced in order to become successful within the work force without a diploma.

“We’re hopeful that students will make a connection between the impact of their current decisions and the outcomes these decisions will have upon their lives,” said Patti Wells, a former Jones County Teacher of the Year.

The school discipline plan itself reflects the staff’s understanding of the need to train students to become self-reliant and self-motivated. Students earn points for demonstrating positive behavior and good character traits. Incentives are rewarded to those students who are successful in meeting the standards in place for good behavior.

Clifton Ridge failed to meet AYP this past school year due to the Student with Disabilities (SWD) population not meeting the required percentage of standards. Math was a noted weakness. In order to address this and to make academics relevant and interesting, the faculty has been trained to use the latest technology and resources.

Math teachers are in a partnership with Georgia College and State University in an effort to enhance classroom teaching skills. Instructional coach Stephanie Haynes said teachers are engaged in target teaching in order to address specific student weaknesses.

“I’m so proud of the group of teachers here at Clifton Ridge. They’re top notch at what they do,” said Cavender.

His sentiments were reflected by two of his newest faculty members. Michael Goddard and Natalie Doyle both agreed that the faculty of CRMS was very devoted to the students they serve.

“I’ve seen things put in place here that I haven’t seen anywhere else,” said Goddard.

He also noted that the practices in place at Clifton Ridge give the students a feel for their teachers on a more personal level.

“They know that we really do care about them.”

The true test of any school success ultimately rests with the students. If the opinions of Nick Landon, seventh grade, and Janeen Singleton, eighth grade, mirror those of the other Cougars at Clifton Ridge, the school is well on its way to achieving its goal of establishing a positive learning environment.

“The teachers here are great. I think they support us and really care about us. They even support our sports program,” reported Landon.

Singleton agreed the teachers really care.

“They are willing to work with you, tutor you and will listen to what you have to say. They want you to be here every day so you can learn the standards and have a good understanding of what they talk about in class. I think this is a great school.”