Welcome to Surprise Lake Middle School

Surprise Lake Middle School is a place where students are successfully transitioned from the elementary setting to the secondary school environment while developing their academic, emotional, physical, and social potential.  In order to realize this vision, we believe;

• Teachers are collaborative leaders of instruction and inventors of engaging work that meets the needs of all students and all learning styles.
• All students will learn more when given authentic engaging work, adequate time, proper tools, and assistance.
• Students will be provided resources that will allow for grade level achievement in reading fluency, writing and mathematics.
• Surprise Lake Middle School will be safe, clean, and orderly to allow for a productive learning environment.
• Students and staff will consistently treat each other with respect.

Our total focus is on student engagement.  When students are engaged with their learning, dynamic things occur both for the student as well as the teacher.  We identify through class assessments, student feedback and state assessment data, concepts that students struggle with and then work together as professionals to design lessons for students that reduces or eliminates these academic struggles. 

Surprise Lake Middle School is also a time where students can begin to develop specific interests in school related activities and athletics.  We offer a variety of clubs and sports to meet the needs of most students.  To view those opportunities simply to to the athletic web page in this site as well as the ASB web page for all our opportunities for student growth.  It is an exciting time for students as they become more independent and involved in school.

In addition, work hand in hand with our parent partners in accomplishing this vision/mission for our school.  Our PIE (Partners in Education) group provides support to staff and students through Scholastic Book Fairs, volunteer time, fundraising and running our student store. Our parents meet once a month to discuss the progress of the PIE goals as well as share their insights on school events.  We also solicit parent input through a Parent Advisory Committee that meets directly with the building administration to discuss the annual School Improvement Plan (SIP) as well as any other academic or safety concerns.  Please visit their web site for more information on how to stay involved in your child's education.

Lastly, I encourage you to examine our school SIP.  This gives specific details on what it is we plan to accomplish in a given year.  Our SIP has multiple goals tied to three main themes.  Those themes are, 1) Increasing student achievement, 2) Building a positive building climate and 3) Increasing student learning through the use of technology.  We take deliberate data driven steps to improve the services we provide to our customers (students).

If you have any questions about Surprise Lake Middle School, please do not hesitate to contact me.  I look forward to serving your students and working with you as parents in providing a quality experience for our children.

Sincerely,

John McCrossin

Principal