Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch - School Tours





North Habersham Middle School



Designated in 2008
North Habersham Middle School (NHMS) • Habersham County School District • Habersham County • Georgia • Mrs. Brent Tuck, Principal • Mr. Randolph Kent, III, Assistant Principal • 1500 Wall Bridge Road, Clarkesville, GA 30523 • Phone (706) 754-2915, Fax (706) 754- 8218

School Website: View Website


2009-2010 School Statistics

Community: Rural
Enrollment: 497
Grade Levels: 7 – 8
School Schedule: Middle School Model including five 60-minute academic periods and two 50-minute connections classes.

Student Demographics
07%   Hispanic
86%   White
03%   Multi-racial
03%   Other
37.7%   Free/Reduced Lunch
.001%   English Learners

2005 AYP:Meets / Exceeds
2006 AYP:Meets/Exceeds
2007 AYP:Meets/ Exceeds
2008 AYP:Meets/Exceeds
2009 AYP:Meets/Exceeds


School Characteristics and Replicable Practices


Academic Excellence

  • A schedule based on the middle school model supports differentiation and teaming.
  • Academic schedule allows grade level and team teachers to share a common planning period to support collaboration.
  • Before-school and after-school programs facilitate study and academic assistance sessions.
  • A remedial math course and study skills course during connections classes helps promote student success.
  • Struggling students receive support from meetings held each Tuesday by Administrative staff.
  • Technology available to students assist in CRCT practice, reading assessment, and research.
  • Students are encouraged to participate in after-school activities, such as band, plays, and clubs to support academics and fine arts.

Developmental Responsiveness

  • On-site school counselor and graduation coaches are available to assist students with emotional support and academic encouragement.
  • Teacher-teams regularly meet to discuss assistance for struggling students.
  • A school-wide mentoring program pairs teachers with at-risk students to provide support and encouragement.
  • A second mentoring program allows struggling students to meet weekly with a high school student.
  • Students create a daily broadcast for morning announcements.
  • Connections classes in art, music, drama, technology, business, health, physical education, and agriculture enrich the curriculum.
  • NHMS strives to create a safe, clean, friendly, and supportive campus.

Social Equity

  • All students are scheduled into academically appropriate classes.
  • Students speaking English as a second language are supported through an ESOL program.
  • Teachers use a systematic approach to create a customized tear of interventions for struggling learners.
  • Special education students are mainstreamed into classes with co-teachers.
  • Students are recognized for many accomplishments through monthly and yearly awards programs.

Organizational Supports

  • The administration fosters a high level of teacher involvement and evaluation of school policies, procedures, and academics through a better-seeking team of teachers.
  • Teachers analyze student success and progress through use of benchmark test.
  • Teachers analyze student test data on state based test yearly.
  • Teachers participate in creation of school vision, mission, and beliefs.
  • Teachers participate in a yearly book study.
  • Teachers participate in professional development activities at all levels.
  • Both partners in education, Scovill Fasteners and North Georgia Technical College, serve as valued members of our School Council.