Building on the love of learning and ideation fostered in elementary school, middle school classes are collaborative and inquiry-based, filled with lively debate and rich discussion. Students engage in a variety of enriching programs that serve as critical outlets for creativity and self-expression, and foster self-awareness, confidence, and independence.
A Day in the Life of a Middle School Student
Middle School Academics
Humanities: English Language Arts
In literature, students explore compelling works of fiction, poetry, and literary nonfiction from around the world. They read seven whole-class books each year, and through discussion, debate, and written responses, students learn to analyze and interpret their deeper meanings while developing an appreciation for literary style. Books on the reading list include The Lighting Thief by Rick Riordan, Bud, Not Buddy by Christopher Paul Curtis, and Dragon Wings by Laurence Yep.
Humanities: Social Studies
Our students experience history as the fascinating story of humankind, one that’s extraordinarily relevant to their modern lives. We don’t approach history as a checklist of facts and figures. Rather, we lead students in investigations of the ideas and movements that altered the course of history and continue to shape our world.
Whole Child
Middle schoolers become more self-aware while navigating positive relationships and social conflict. Specialists support the development and implementation of emotional wellness initiatives school-wide, in small groups, and through one-on-one instruction. Social-emotional learning is a key piece of the whole child curriculum. Our curriculum follows the New York State Social Emotional Learning Benchmarks which is aligned with the Collaborative for Academic, Social, and Emotional Learning (CASEL) benchmarks.
STEM: Science
Building on the technical skills they developed in elementary school, students experience the joy of discovery through science – biology, chemistry and earth and space science. Our science teachers are obsessed with sparking curiosity and inspiring students to become more engaged and purposeful observers of the world. This student-driven inquiry also promotes the development of independence and leadership.
STEM: Math
Students become confident quantitative thinkers and productive problem solvers in our mathematics program. Through building an understanding based on reasoning, not just calculation, students gain a deeper understanding of concepts and learn to use math as a vehicle for thinking critically about the world around them.
Meet the Middle School Team
Dr. Evans
Principal
Dr. Jennie Evans is Albany Leadership’s Middle School Prinicpal (M.S. Childhood Education (1-6), M.S. Literacy and Special Education (Birth-Grade 6), Ed.D Educational Leadership.) Dr. Evan’s has been working with the sixth grade since the beginning of the school year, she is excited to officially take over in the capacity of Middle School Principal.
Dr. Evans lives in Wynantskill, NY and, in addition to being the Middle School Principal, she is also an Adjunct Professor at The Sage Colleges in the Esteves School of Education.
Prior to becoming the middle school principal, Dr. Evans was the Director of Student Support Services at Albany Leadership. She also was a teacher and the Response to Intervention Coordinator at Albany Leadership.
Dr. Evans is excited to be working with Mrs. Mahani to support your students academic and social emotional growth.
Ms. Mahani
Assistant Principal
Ms. Mahani is from Bethesda, MD and obtained a B.S. in both Elementary Education (Grades 1-6) and Special Education (Grades 1-8) from Towson University in Towson, MD. In addition, Ms. Mahani taught 5th Grade English Language Arts and Special Education Resource in Baltimore. Ms. Mahani then moved to Houston, TX for her husband to attend medical school and was a Special Education Department Chairperson at a Title I Elementary School. During that time Ms. Mahani helped close the achievement gap, by implementing research-based interventions and authentic Professional Learning Community meetings, while completing an M.Ed in Educational Leadership, K-12 General Administration from University of St. Thomas. Ms. Mahani moved to Albany as her husband matched to Albany Med for general surgery residency and began working at Albany Leadership as a Special Education Teacher.
Ms. Mahani is beyond thrilled to continue to work with Dr. Evans along with all staff, students, and families at the middle school.
FAQ
For more information, please contact us!
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If you are interested in applying to Albany Leadership, please click the “Apply Now” button. If you would like more information, or have any questions, please call our main office at 518-694-5300.