Georgia Lighthouse Schools to Watch - School Tours





Upson-Lee Middle School



Designated in 2005; Redesignated 2008
Conyers Middle School • Rockdale County • Georgia • Patsy Dean, Principal • 101 Holstun Drive Thomaston, Georgia 30286 • Phone (706) 647-6256 Fax (706) 647-3631
Website: http://ulms.upson.k12.ga.us


2009-2010 School Statistics

Community: Rural with population of 25000+
Enrollment: 1045
Grade Levels: Six through Eight
School Schedule: 7 period day

Student Demographics
1 %   Hispanic
59%   White
37%   African American
0% Filipino 1% Asian 0% Pacific Islander 2% Multiracial 63% Free/Reduced Lunch <1% English Learners

2005 AYP: Met 11 of 12 indicators*
2006 AYP: Met 11 of 12 indicators*
2007 AYP: Met 11 of 12 indicators*
2008 AYP: Met 12 of 12 indicators*
2009 AYP: Met 12 of 12 indicators*

*SWD Math-Improving but not meeting


School Characteristics and Replicable Practices


Academic Excellence

  • Provide Extended Learning Time during regular school day two days per week
  • Rigorous standards based instruction
  • Data driven instruction
  • Every classroom is equipped with state of the art technology (interactive whiteboards and wireless capability).
  • Three grade level labs available to all students, four sets of classroom laptops, and two sets of student response systems per team.

Developmental Responsiveness

  • One on one tutoring
  • After school tutoring
  • After hours reading programs available
  • EBIS- a school wide positive behavior plan
  • School wide Fight Free Program
  • Connections classes including art, music, band/chorus, foreign language, multi-media, agricultural science, math and reading strategies, and keyboarding
  • Improved attendance due to attendance incentive program
  • Clean, safe, and attractive campus
  • Parent/Community involvement opportunities including Career Day, PTSO, Partners in Education, School Council, Shadow Day, and Technology Day

Social Equity

  • School wide heterogeneous grouping with differentiated instruction
  • Advisor/Advisee twice per month
  • ESOL program
  • Provide at risk students with caring adult and focus team support
  • Numerous club opportunities available to students
  • Social opportunities such as sporting events, dances, pep rallies, concerts, and field trips

Organizational Supports

  • Common collaborative subject area planning
  • 100% highly qualified staff with yearly on campus professional learning opportunities to further the goals of the school improvement plan
  • Strong inclusion program
  • Three-five member teams per grade level with an instructional strategist per team
  • Leadership consists of a principal with three grade level administrators
  • The principal has formed a leadership team representative of the faculty with establishes and guides school improvement
  • Instructional coaching program provided for all core academic subjects