Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch - School Tours





Gladden Middle School



Designated in 2006
Gladden Middle School • Murray County • Georgia • Dr. Ardith Bates, Principal • 700 Old Dalton Ellijay Road Chatsworth, Georgia 30705 • Phone (706) 695-7448, Fax (706) 517-2479

E-mail: ardith.bates@murray.k12.ga.us
Website: www.murray.k12.ga.us/gms/index.htm

Title I School
A SMART Technologies Showcase School


2009-2010 School Statistics

Community: Rural
Enrollment: 558
Grade Levels: Seven through Eight
School Schedule: Six Periods

Student Demographics
20%   Hispanic
77.5%   White
 <1 %   African American
 <1 %   American Indian/Alaska Native
  0 %   Filipino
 <1 %   Asian
  0 %   Pacific Islander
1.2%   Other

74%   Free/Reduced Lunch
 2%   English Learners

2005 9 out of 10 categories met
2006 AYP:Met
2007 AYP:Met
2008 AYP:Met
2009 AYP:Met


School Characteristics and Replicable Practices


Academic Excellence

  • An engaging curriculum is provided through standards-based lessons
  • Vertical and horizontal meetings promote collaboration among grades and teams
  • Flexible scheduling supports differentiated instruction
  • All teachers have received professional learning and implement Learning Focused School strategies
  • Classrooms are fully equipped with 21st Century technology
  • Early morning math and reading labs are provided for students who need additional support
  • Math connection classes support at-risk learners
  • Weekly advisement provides an adult advocate for every child. The adult advocate loops with that child throughout his/her middle school years

Developmental Responsiveness

  • The school counselor and nurse direct an after school program for socially at-risk students
  • Parent-teacher nights enhance communication between home and school
  • The counselor promotes character education through a daily broadcast on WGMS news
  • Connection classes enrich the opportunities for the middle school learner
  • Students earn high school credit by completing two full years of Spanish
  • Community members speak to the students about career choices on Career Day
  • A spring Education fair showcases a wide variety of student projects
  • All eighth grade students participate in Job Shadowing to explore possible careers options
  • Community members bring their work vehicle/equipment to the school to demonstrate how specialty equipment is necessary for their career

Social Equity

  • Seventh and eighth grade students choose their connection classes
  • Inclusion classes are provided for exceptional students
  • Eighth grade students are given the choice to have an all year connection class
  • A Renaissance program celebrates student excellence
  • Every student participates in a scheduled monthly club day
  • Students participate in the community through American Red Cross food and toy collections
  • Positive student behavior is promoted by monthly reward parties and daily incentive stamps

Organizational Supports

  • Gladden is designated as a SMART showcase school which exemplifies the use of cutting edge technology
  • Vertical and horizontal planning ensure a seamless transition between grade levels and content areas
  • A strong leadership team guides the school
  • A curriculum and instruction facilitator along with the teacher analyzes student data and tracks student achievement
  • Professional learning days are scheduled throughout the year to sharpen teacher skills
  • 21st century classrooms enhance teaching and learning
  • A full-time graduation coach works with at-risk learners to ensure they are successful and remain in school