Sherman Middle School

Address:	1610 Ruskin Street, Madison, WI 53704
Telephone:	(608) 204-2568
Fax:	(608) 204-0501
Principal:	Michael Hernandez
Sherman Middle School Web Site
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Online Staff Directory
Attendance Area Map \| HS attendance area: East
School Data Profile
School Supply List

Parent/Teacher Group President: Vacant
Parent Contact: Joe and Krystal Oby, (608) 242-8372; Kathy Cascadden, (608) 235-8023

Students — Click Here!

The staff at Sherman Middle School is dedicated to developing curriculum that actively involves the young adolescent learner and engages every student in applying their knowledge and skills toward topics and issues that are based on curriculum standards, grounded in the interests of young adolescents, and take into consideration the cultures of students.

Sherman Middle School is a comprehensive school reform (CSR) site that is influenced by the Turning Points Design. Turning Points middle schools are influenced by 7 principles that are translated into 6 practices:

Govern democratically by all staff members
Organize relationships for learning
Prepare teachers for the middle grades
Use instructional methods designed to prepare all students
Teach a curriculum grounded in standards
Involve parents and the community in supporting learning
Provide a safe and healthy school environment

These principles translate into the following practices:

Improve teaching, learning, and assessment for all students
Build leadership capacity and a professional, collaborative culture
Use data-based inquiry to guide decision-making
Create a collaborative school culture to support high academic achievement and personal development
Network with like-minded schools

The staff at Sherman also organize their work around the MMSD Educational Framework by focusing on high quality learning, high quality relationships, and engagement of students. Student equity is also a key priority at Sherman.

Site Characteristics

Location

Sherman Middle School, named after Roger Sherman, one of the authors and signers of the Declaration of Independence, is located on Madison's north side in a culturally diverse area with a wealth of human resources from many cultures, races, ages, social and economic backgrounds. The sense of community among residents is a special feature of the north side that is recognized by many city leaders.

Class Size

The average class size in core content area courses and exploratories is 23 students. In elective classes (e.g., music) size is based on student interest.

Neighborhood Bus Service

Metro fixed Route 22 serves Sherman Middle School from stops along Sherman Avenue. Routes 2 and 28 stop on Aberg Avenue at Ruskin Street. Supplemental Service Routes 102, 103 and 127 provide additional connections before and after school from Sherman Middle School attendance areas.

Hot lunch, Morning Snack Program, and Extended Day Snacks

Sherman offers a hot lunch program which includes pre-packaged and a la carte items each day. Sherman also offers a morning snack program that takes place each morning during homeroom/advisory time. Many Sherman students remain after school for homework centers, the Youth Resource Center, clubs, 8th hour classes and evening tutoring. Snacks and light meals are available for students who remain at Sherman until 5:00 or 6:15 p.m. for after school opportunities.

Academic Programming

Guiding Principles

Guiding principles and key components of the Sherman Middle School program include but are not limited to the following:

Standards-based curriculum
Integrated curriculum
Curriculum based on the needs, interests, and cultures of the young adolescents that attend Sherman
Inclusive practices
Team teaching and team planning
High quality exploratory courses
Student wellness and nutrition
Integrated technology programming
Student voice and student leadership
High quality professional development and collaboration among school staff

Technology

Sherman Middle School has a wide range of technology opportunities with a focus on technology that is integrated into the general curriculum. Sherman has two computer labs as well as Internet stations in the Library Media Center. Students in grades 6 and 7 spend one quarter in Sherman's Applied Technology Program. In 8th grade, Sherman students learn how to apply technology through the creation of a business and marketing plan. Sherman students also create an electronic portfolio to showcase their school work while learning a variety of technology skills. An advanced computer class is offered two times a year during 8th hour. A mobile computer lab is available as well as a variety of assistive technologies.

Talented and Gifted (TAG) Program

Student learning experiences include a broad range of opportunities that push a student to their next level of challenge and allows them to develop their individual talents. Programming for students with unique gifts and talents is determined through ongoing assessment and evaluation. For more information, please contact Sherman Middle School Learning Coordinator Christine Mitlyng at 204-2568.

Other Programs

Sherman Middle Student Equity Leadership Council meets monthly to identify and problem-solve concerns in the school and immediate neighborhood. Another important part of the school day takes place after school. Students can choose from 35 different clubs (including a homework center that meets every day from 2:50-3:25) and intramural sports activities after which they can attend the Youth Resource Center. The drop-in center is designed to provide a safe environment after school as well as a time when students can play games, listen to music, dance and hang out with their friends. The drop-in center is open until 5:00 p.m. A late bus is available. Evening tutoring is available Monday — Thursday from 5:00 - 6:15 p.m. Students are provided with a light dinner, access to university/college tutors, and bus tickets to get home.

School Climate

Safety Is Always A Priority

Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) is a proactive systems approach for creating and maintaining safe and effective learning environments in schools, and ensuring that all students have the social/emotional skills needed to ensure their success at school and beyond. The mission of Sherman Middle School PBIS Network is to build skills and capacity of PBIS district and school-based leadership teams through training, coaching and technical assistance. The focus is assisting schools in developing structures for teaching expected behaviors and social skills, creating student behavioral and academic support systems, and applying data-based decision-making to discipline, academics and social/emotional learning at the school, district, regional and state levels.

Sherman Goals:

Increase consistent use of positive teaching and reinforcement strategies among all school staff at school-wide, classroom and individual student levels.
Reduce use of reactive discipline measures in schools (i.e., office discipline referrals, detentions, suspensions, expulsions) for all students.
Increase data-based decision-making about behavior and academic instruction and reinforcement across all school settings.
Implement effective comprehensive supports/services/interventions for students with the most intensive behavioral/emotional needs through wraparound plans that address home, school, and community settings.

Peaceful Problem Solving and Conflict Resolution

When a student has a conflict with a student or an adult, staff work with the students to resolve the issue. Our support staff (guidance, social work, psychology, and nurse) teach classroom units on conflict resolution and problem solving. We bring in community speakers to help staff and students discuss communication, conflict and self esteem. Sherman students also work with Shabazz City High School peer mediators to encourage appropriate resolutions to conflict.

Partnerships

Family Partnerships

Sherman has a Parent Organization known as PACTS (Parents And Community, Teachers, Students) that meets the 2nd Wednesday of the month at 6:30 p.m. in the LMC. Special initiatives are established by the PACTS Board and these are shared through the school newsletter, special mailings as well as their monthly meeting. Sherman also has an active African American Parent group that meets on a regular basis and various supports and groups for parents of Sherman's English Language Learners. For more information on these two groups, please contact Kit Laibly at 204-2568.

Community Partnerships

Sherman staff have always regarded the community as a vital part of our future. We have a variety of partnerships with local neighborhood businesses, service organizations and a variety of agencies that serve the north side. These partners support our fundraising, tutor and mentor programs and many community service activities.

University Partnerships

Sherman Middle School works in collaboration with the Wisconsin University campuses of Madison, La Crosse, Platteville and Whitewater to provide training experiences for student teachers and interns. In addition, Sherman is a site for a variety of university studies and works with consultants from around the world to ensure quality middle school programming is taking place.

You Are Always Welcome At Sherman Middle School!

If you would like to learn more about Sherman Middle School, please telephone 204-2568 to schedule a tour or spend some time meeting with one of Sherman's grade level support staff.

Quotes

"What I like about Sherman is that the teachers are very nice and take their time with you." 8th Grade Student

"It's awesome! We have a great staff!" 7th Grade Student

"Sherman has a good learning environment and there are great teachers here." 7th Grade Student

"They have cool teachers and you learn cool stuff. We also do a lot of great activities here." 8th Grade Student

"We like Sherman because there are lots of after school and summer activities that anyone can do. We also have great school year trips, too." 8th Grade Student

"I like Sherman because it's a safe zone and everyone gets along." 8th Grade Student

Remember, you're "At Home At Sherman Middle School!"