Connecting Children to the Schools That They Attend

While the primary objective of schools is to help all students to be academically successful so that they are prepared for the next level, most schools also attempt to develop the whole child – behaviorally, emotionally and socially. While all of the six schools in the Mill Valley School District are high performing in so many ways, it is the determined effort that each school makes in this area that creates such a fantastic learning environment for children. While we work very hard at Mill Valley Middle School (MVMS) to challenge, engage, and support students so that they academically flourish, our entire learning community is committed to helping students grow in all ways.

One way to do this is by “connecting” students to school. Connecting students to the MVMS not only helps them to be academically successful (there is lot of research in this area that supports this), but it also gives them a more fulfilling and happy school experience. Connecting students to their peers and to caring adults also gives students valuable interpersonal skills that benefit them well beyond the school day. It also makes for a more emotionally safe school culture as it gives students the opportunity to be part of a caring community. I am really proud of the fact that so many of our staff (and parents) members give students such fantastic learning experiences inside and outside of the classroom. We have an incredible array of clubs that meet before school, during lunch, and after school - a successful intramural and afterschool sports program, and a community service program called Community First. We also have a first class talent show, school play, and art show and as well as an incredible music program that allows students to perform throughout the year. All of the clubs and programs mentioned above (and others that weren’t) are the result of a staff that works above and beyond in order to “grow’ the whole child. While we will continue to be a school that focuses on providing students the important, content knowledge, skills, and work habits that allow them to excel academically, I can assure you that we will also continually look for ways to connect kids to each other, to adults and to Mill Valley Middle School.