A Message from Your Principal
Welcome to the website of Kulshan Middle School! As the principal of Kulshan, I am proud to share some background on our school and provide some insight into the work we are accomplishing at our school as we focus on “Moving from Good to Great!”
Kulshan is currently in the midst of its 14th year of existence having opened its doors in 1994. (We actually opened our doors in 1993 but only to the fire department, as a fire gutted the school in August of that year.) Since then, we have furthered our reputation of being a school that is focused on students—recognizing the needs of adolescents, knowing each individual’s strengths and challenges, and developing relationships with each. The middle years are full of change, and our staff is aware that those changes provide both the excitement and challenges of instructing our students. We spend time considering each individual’s abilities and providing the support for them to further their learning and to push themselves beyond what they have done in the past.
Our school is centered around six instructional teams—two at each grade level—that divide our students into smaller “schools” within our school. The teachers on each team meet on a regular basis to develop consistent programs, identify common instruction goals, and discuss their shared students. The team concept allows for a more personalized education for all of our students.
As a staff, we recognize ourselves as learners alongside our students. We are continuously reflecting on our own practice and furthering our teaching skills. Each teacher works one-on-one with an instructional coach, participates in small group learning sessions, and works together as a whole staff to develop his/her own practice. We know that through our own learning, we can better support our students in their learning.
An important element of the middle school years is having the opportunity to explore areas of interest. We are pleased to offer a variety of activities for our students to develop their interests and learn new skills. Within the school day, our enrichment program features band, orchestra, general music, choir, drama, visual arts, Spanish, and physical education. After-school offerings include a variety of intramural and interschool sports for all grade levels as well as clubs focused on music extensions, chess, and visual arts.
Kulshan recognizes that our students will be most successful with a strong relationship with our parent community. Our Parent Teacher Student Association meets monthly and enthusiastically supports the work of our school. Our Site Council, made up of both community and staff members, reviews school programs and further develops the important school-home connection. Additionally, we benefit from having parent volunteers serving throughout our building in support of our work.
Kulshan Middle School continues to develop on its reputation as a school that is focused on preparing each of our students for a successful future. We welcome you to join us in moving from “good to great.”
Gordon Grissom
Principal
