Middle School

The middle school department comprises grades six through eight. The middle school program offers a variety of academic, athletic, and extracurricular programs that are designed to meet the learning and social-emotional needs of all students. 

Academics

There are four core subject areas which are taught in the middle school, including English Language Arts ELA), Mathematics, Science, and Social Studies. Middle school students receive two periods of instruction in both ELA and Mathematics while receiving one period of instruction in Science and Social Studies. In addition to these core subjects, students also participate in elective classes such as Art, ASL, Deaf Studies, Physical Education, and Robotics. Curriculum and instruction aligns with Pennsylvania’s Common Core Standards, which can be found here. 

WPSD uses a multi-tiered systems of support (MTSS) approach in supporting and developing the whole child. The MTSS approach focuses on identifying areas of challenges, developing, and implementing interventions to overcome such challenges. Areas of focus include academic, behavior, social and emotional, and attendance. 

Response to Intervention

Using data from classroom and school-wide assessments, interventions are provided in the classroom to address the unique learning needs of each student. Such interventions include small groups, 1:1 instruction, or after school tutoring. 

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS)

Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a school-wide system focused on establishing positive student culture and individualized behavior supports necessary to create a safe and effective learning environment for all students. The positive school-wide expectations for WPSD are: Ready, Organized, Accountable, Respectful, and Safe (ROARS). 

Social-Emotional Learning

Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) is an integral part of human development as it supports students in developing knowledge, skills, and attitudes needed to develop self-awareness, self-management, social awareness, relationship skills, and responsible decision-making. The Counseling and Evaluation team works in collaboration with the middle school teachers in providing instruction in SEL using CharacterStrong. 

Athletics

Middle school students are invited to participate in the following athletic programs offered by WPSD: 

• Fall: Soccer or Volleyball
• Winter: Basketball or Cheerleading
• Spring: Track and Field

Students participating in athletics must have completed a physical and must be a student in good academic and behavioral standing. 

Extracurricular Activities

Middle school students can participate in a variety of extracurricular activities, including but not limited to: 

• Junior National Association of the Deaf (Junior NAD)
• Mini Signshine (a signing performance group)
• Student Body Government (SBG)
• Yoga Club

Extracurricular activities have been designed to support student’s leadership development and to meet the interests of students. 

For more information, please contact:
Greg Mendenhall, M.A., M.Ed.
Principal, Middle School and High School
412.371.7000 (ext. 214)