Wright Middle School

Address:	1717 Fish Hatchery Road, Madison, WI 53713
Telephone:	(608) 204-1340
Fax:	(608) 204-0547
Principal:	Nancy Evans
Wright Middle School Web Site
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Attendance Area Map \| HS attendance area: West
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The mission of James C. Wright Middle School is to successfully educate all students with the knowledge, skills, and confidence required to participate fully in an evolving global society by providing:

innovative, flexible approaches to teaching and learning with appropriate integration of technology;
an environment characterized by challenge, support, choice, and respect;
student learning with a social action and citizenship focus;
a staff that is committed to providing a developmentally appropriate and multicultural curriculum; and
a staff commitment to on-going professional development.

Site Characteristics

Location

The location of James C. Wright Middle School offers students the best of two worlds. Wright's site in the heart of Madison enables it to be an effective broker of community partnerships to enhance its educational program. Its proximity to the wild areas of Wingra Creek and the UW-Arboretum offers the opportunity for classes to intimately study wild plants, birds, and animals. Wright Middle School is a state-of-the-art facility; students, staff and parents take great pride in its beautiful and inviting learning environment.

Class Size

Students at Wright can expect to get to know their classmates and teachers well because Wright is a small school with small class sizes. Students at Wright work in classes of no more than 20 students, and Wright has a maximum capacity of 240 students. This encourages a very positive school climate where relationships and engagement in learning are fostered, and students get the assistance they need to be successful. Students, past and present, frequently cite this "family" environment as their favorite aspect of Wright Middle School.

Neighborhood Bus Service

Students in the West Attendance Area are served by a District school bus if they live more than 1.5 miles from Wright. Metro fixed Routes 4 (to/from South Transfer Point) and 47 serve Wright Middle School from stops along Fish Hatchery Road.

Academic Programming

Core Academic Subjects

Core academic subjects (math, science, language arts, reading, social studies) are required at each grade level. Technology is integrated into core academic learning activities. With the small classes, staff can support a variety of student learning styles and skill levels, promoting student achievement and ensuring that students are well prepared to advance to the next level of challenge.

Technology

All Wright students receive technology education. Wright has a lab with 24 computers, a center in the Library Media Center (LMC) with 20 computers, and each classroom has 6 or more computers. Three mobile data projection systems further allow teachers to more effectively use technology in the classroom. Wright was a 2004 recipient of a Beaumont Technology Grant. As a result, the school was awarded two mobile laptop labs which are used by students and staff, and eventually will be used by families.

Talented and Gifted Programming

The goal of Talented and Gifted (TAG) programming is to make certain K-12 students consistently have learning opportunities that are challenging, systematic and continuous based on learning profile, readiness and student interest.

Student learning experiences include a broad range of opportunities that pushes students to the next level of challenge and allows them to develop their talents. TAG programming may occur in the classroom, or in other settings. TAG programming is determined by ongoing evaluation and assessment of individual student needs.

Special Classes

At each grade level, students rotate through exploratory classes such as drama, science and math problem solving projects, health, reading strategies, and enriched history study. Accelerated high school algebra is offered at 8th grade. Many Wright students have demonstrated significant gains in reading as a result of READ 180, a technology-based literacy program. All of these classes are offered as a means to fully prepare Wright students for the rigors of the high school curriculum.

Other Programs

The unified arts program includes offerings in art, physical education, music (choir, band, orchestra, general music), Spanish, and Italian. Classes are required or elected depending upon the grade level and background of the student.

School Climate

Safety Is Always A Priority

Wright has established itself as a harassment-free school. Each year a comprehensive harassment/conflict resolution program is taught in all grades, along with a Life Skills curriculum that focuses on decision-making.

Extracurricular Activities

Wright has an excellent after school tutorial program that is headed by Wright teachers, Madison Area Technical College (MATC) staff, and teachers-in-training from UW-Madison and Edgewood. Students enjoy a wide range of after school activities and clubs such as chess, bowling, photography, and most sports. All Wright students are encouraged to participate in at least one extracurricular activity.

Partnerships

Family and Community Partnerships

Wright has been awarded numerous grants to initiate and enrich after school and extended day programming for students that includes both academic and recreational components. Community partnerships enrich the middle school experience of all Wright students. Wright continues a very successful partnership with MATC called MYCAP, which provides high quality academic/tutorial support, college preparation activities, and career exploration. In partnership with the UW-Madison, Wright Middle School is a Professional Development School where students and all staff engage in continuous learning.

Wright Welcomes Guests

School Tours of the building are available to community members. Representatives of Wright's parent group, P.O.M. (Parents on a Mission), are available to answer questions about the school.

We encourage you to talk with parents of our students to learn more about our school. Please see the Principal/Parent Contact information on this web site for current names and phone numbers.

For answers to questions, call the Wright office at 204-1340.

Quotes

"One thing I love about Wright is that the teachers teach me to solve problems."
-- Wright Student

"Wright has helped me with everything. Wright is a great place to be."
-- Wright Student

"The teachers at Wright put a lot of effort into teaching. They learn from the students too!"
-- Wright Student

"Wright Middle School has shown me that I can do anything if I have confidence in myself and in what I'm doing."
-- Wright Student

Remember, you're "At Home At James C. Wright Middle School!"