North Star Academy MS 340 Brochure

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Mission

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Our mission is to develop the whole child: intellectually and academically,

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personally and socially, physically and

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emotionally. We believe that all scholars

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can achieve their full potential the support of the school and their family. In

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working collaboratively, we can ensure that value is added to all scholars so that

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they achieve at high levels and develop as individuals.

NORTH S TAR ACADEMY M.S. 340

Vision

At North Star Academy, we see our school as a place where all members of our school community are lifelong learners. Collaboratively, we will support each other needs, celebrate our cultural diversity, and create an atmosphere that is safe and conducive to learning. We will be flexible, responsible, accountable, and adaptable to change. The members of our community will have respect for

NORTH STAR ACADEMY MIDDLE SCHOOL 340 227 Sterling Place ✶ Brooklyn, New York 11238 718-857-5516 • www.ms340.org Tamara M. Johnson, Principal Tenisha M. Johnson, Assistant Principal Naarah Yisrael, Parent Coordinator

✶ S CHOLARSHIP ✶ T ENACIOUS

✶ A CCOUNTABLE ✶ R ESPECT

themselves and others. We will work with different constituents to create a learning

@MS340NorthStarAcademy

environment where there is effective

@MS340NorthStarAcademy

NORTH STAR ACADEMY

@MS340NorthStarAcademy

227 Sterling Place ✶ Brooklyn, New York 11238

teaching and learning to improve achievement for all students.

Tamara M. Johnson, Principal

At North Star Academy, we believe our scholars are S.T.A.R.S., just as with stars in the night sky, EXPANDED LEARNING TIME

Principal Message North Star Academy Middle School 340 is a hidden gem in District 17. Nestled in a little red-house building, we are a small educational community with less than 300 scholars. At North Star Academy, we take our core values: Scholarship, Tenacious, Accountable, and Respect and put them into practice daily. Our schools priorities are focused on the foundation of Safety, Student Achievement, High Expectations, Collaboration, and building a strong School Family.

At North Star Academy, we offer a range of educational programs, learning experiences, and strategies to support student-centered learning designed to address unique learning needs, interests, aspirations, and cultural backgrounds of our scholars. We also offer a range of extra-curricular activities designed to develop new skills as well as enhance existing skills to further develop and challenge our students to tap into their talents. Please follow the links to learn more about teacher home pages, curriculum maps, student-family handbook, the North Star Academy Code of Conduct, Cell Phone Policy, Uniform Policy, and other important resources.

Our NSA scholars know that their academic success is important and their voice matters. Our parents feel confident knowing our school is committed to creating learners that are self-advocates.

Through collaboration and dedication, the staff of NSA is a team of professionals who go above and beyond to ensure our school community shines.

Sincerely, Tamara M. Johnson

Our S.T.A.R. SCHOLARSHIP: When people hear

the word scholarship they usually think of someone who receives high grades.

Here at North Star Academy scholarship has a deeper meaning. Scholarship does not just happen for high grades and recognition. Scholarship is developed as a result of having a love for learning.

TENACIOUS: The definition of

tenacious is not readily relinquishing a position, principle, or course of action; determined. Many people begin tasks, but there is no follow through. They give up because they get bored, tired, or it is too challenging. Here at North Star Academy, tenacious demonstrates the ability to persevere despite the challenges and difficulties faced.

EDUCATION PROGRAMS

■ It’s all in the name – At NSA, we refer

Core Values ACCOUNTABLE: The main difference

between responsibility and accountability is that; responsibility can be shared while accountability cannot. Here at North Star Academy being accountable not only means being responsible for something but also ultimately being answerable for your actions.

RESPECT: Some synonyms for the word respect are consideration, thoughtfulness, attentiveness, politeness, courtesy, civility, and deference. In the times that we live in this is in short supply. Here at North Star Academy respect comes in the form of good manners, patience, well-behaved, and consideration of other people’s feelings.

teaching and learning experience.

■ Accelerated Courses – In addition to

to our learners as “scholars.” For it is our expectations, that they enter high school, college, and beyond being extra ordinary in their field of study having received the foundation of success at North Star Academy.

our general courses, scholars entering in grade 7 are encouraged to take advance of our accelerated courses which results in scholars being able to take up to 4 High School Regent Exams by the end of their 8th grade year:

■ 21st Century Learning – At NSA, each

✶ Living Environment ✶ Algebra I ✶ United States History & Government ✶ English

student is provided a Chromebook for daily use at school. Every classroom is equipped with Smartboards and document cameras to enhance the

Alongside our long-standing partnership with University Settlement, our after school CBO, we provide opportunities for youth development at all stages of growth. As such, additional learning time—through extending the traditional school day or offering after school enrichment. NSA provides a robust program that our scholars enjoy and our families trust. Below are some of the offerings: ✶ Leadership ✶ Jewelry Making ✶ Culinary ✶ Visual/Digital Arts ✶ Dance ✶ Step Team ✶ Multimedia Arts ✶ Robotics ✶ Drama ✶ Coding ✶ Debate Team ✶ Sports ✶ Music

COLLABORATIONS

MSQI – Middle School Quality Initiative MSQI is a Department of Education initiative based on Carnegie Reading Next Report and recommendations. As a partner, NSA works with a coach to implement the MSQI framework to strengthen literacy practices and improve adolescent literacy. The following are the core pillars of this initiative: ■ Reading Screening and Monitoring:

Universal screening is conducted three times a year using the Degrees of Reading Power assessment to provide benchmark data in identifying reading levels.

■ Literacy across Content Areas: Social

Studies, Science, and Literacy teachers teach reading strategies and academic vocabulary.

■ Strategic Reading Periods: Scholars

are placed in small reading groups 3-4 times a week to serve as both an

intervention for struggling readers and acceleration for students reading above grade level.

■ Teacher Teams: Teachers collaborate

on their expertise, analyze work, and monitor progress.

■ Continuous Professional Develop-

ment: Teachers have opportunities to visit other classrooms and schools to see strategies in practice and attend MSQI literacy workshops.

■ SHSAT Prep – The D.R.E.A.M.

(Determination, Resiliency, Enthusiasm, Ambition, and Motivation) is a Department of Education initiative. As a partner, NSA works with DREAM to ensure our eligible scholars take full advantage of the program. DREAM is a Saturday and summer academic program that prepares eligible seventh-grade New York City public school students to take the Specialized High Schools Admissions Test (SHSAT) in the eighth grade.

SCHOOL SERVICES

✶ School Counseling Services ✶ At Risk Counseling Services ✶ Special Education Small Group

Instruction

PARENT ACADEMY

Provides families with ways to connect to the school community and each other. Workshops include: ✶ Emotional Supports ✶ Financial Literacy ✶ Academic Enrichment

Opportunities (family and scholars) ✶ Social Events

• Virtual field trips • Talent shows • Family Game Night

we work to make sure our scholars are supported to dream, lead and inspire!