Strengths

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The school environment is inviting, safe, inclusive, and supportive for all

In order for a school to retain its students, it is clear that administrators need to create an atmosphere that scream welcome. We can create this atmosphere by ensuring that staff members talk among each other with consideration and respect. In addition, staff members can greet every student by name so that they know they are wanted and welcomed. In Mr. Hunt's classroom, he stands by the door and greets every student that walks into his class. He does this by not only saying 'hello' or 'welcome,' but he inquires more about their personal lives. It is important that students feel cared for and valued as individuals in order to promote in-depth learning while also ensuring that their physical and emotional well-being are well developed (AMLE, 2010, p. 33). Derry Middle School also has welcome signs in multiple different languages to promote and welcome students from different areas of the world.  When I checked in with the receptionist, she greeted me with a big smile that instantly made me want to be there. This atmosphere symbolizes the time and hard work that staff members dedicate to ensure that every person that walks in the building is satisfied with his or her experience.

Comprehensive guidance and support services meet the needs of young adolescents

Many young adolescents at this age are facing rapid maturation and physical growth, hormonal changes, social development issues and questions of self-identity, all while searching for friends and interests. Therefore, comprehensive guidance and support services are crucial for students who are at this critical stage in their development. Derry Middle School offer specialized professionals who are easily available for any student needing assistance both in and out of school. They also have guidance counselors, school psychologists, social workers, and school nurses to help students with learning difficulties, social adjustments, family issues, and health problems (AMLE, 2010, p. 37). Therefore, I would feel confident and safe knowing the amount of support services Derry Middle School offer to ensure the well-being and academic success of students during this critical transition in their lives. 

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Weakness

The school actively involves families in the education of their children

Many parents become less involved when their kids grow older and advance to middle school because they believe that they are not as needed. However, this is exactly the opposite because continuing parental-involvement is as important as ever in ensuring the success of their children. In additional, parents are often uncertain about how they can be involved in a new, foreign-like atmosphere.  To overcome this problem, there are many ways schools can encourage parental involvement such as, sponsoring parent education program, initiating volunteer programs, holding meetings in community centers, and using language interpreters. Unfortunately, many of these methods are not offered at Derry Middle School. This explains the lack of parental-involvement that Mr. Hunt sadly shared. He hopes that improvements will soon come to allow more parents become actively involved in their students' work because family-involvement can lead to higher levels of student achievement, improved student behavior, and greater overall support for schools (AMLE, 2010, p. 40).