From the Superintendent’s Desk: Junior High Panther Pride: Student and subject centered

7th Grade Science: Students test their bird beak challenge projects.

by Karl Heidrich

In our second year as a junior high and under the leadership of Meghan Kunzelman, our 8^th-grade students are finding success as they prepare to transition to 9^th-grade and senior high.

Our junior high fosters collaboration among staff and its focus is both student and subject centered. Our staff functions as an interdisciplinary team, working to address both the academic and emotional needs of students. The educational focus consists of four core subjects daily with a wide array of exploratory courses, ranging from fine arts to STEM. During the day and after school, students benefit from opportunities to participate in structured activities that include extra-curricular programs and athletics.

Increasing our support network for students continues to rank as a priority, and the addition of Natalie Kinsella assists students along those lines. In her role as Junior High School Counselor One, Kinsella helps students and families meet their career, educational planning, and emotional needs.

Providing our 7th- and 8th-grade students support from teacher teams, counselor, social worker, and administration is important to the development of a positive school climate. Our goal is to continue to strengthen the support network and partnerships we have with our school families and students.

STEM Class: Teacher Mr. Richards and a junior high student explore electrical currents.

In addition, our staff works diligently to ensure we have a network of support for our current 6th graders transitioning to junior high.

Our highest importance is to continue to provide students with the most rigorous and relevant educational opportunities possible during their junior high school experience.

Junior High Shop: Class students work to complete a woodworking project.

Karl Heidrich has served as an administrator for Stockbridge Community Schools since 1999 and as Superintendent of Schools since 2013.