Students at James A. Garfield Middle School are beginning a new learning journey this semester with the launch of the middle school’s Study Skills Curriculum, a self-paced program designed to help students strengthen the habits and strategies needed for academic success.
The curriculum was officially introduced last week during G-Men Time large group meetings for all 7th and 8th grade students. Since then, the program has been uploaded to each student’s Google Classroom Accounts, allowing them, if they so choose, to access and complete modules at their own pace throughout the remainder of the school year.
The idea for the curriculum grew directly from conversations with families during parent-teacher conferences last year. While parents were excited about the school’s academic and extra-curricular programs, one theme began to surface: families felt their students could benefit from more direct instruction on “how to be a student” as they watched their children transition across the parking lot from the Elementary School to the Middle School and then again from the Middle School to the High School.
Recognizing this need, a group of Garfield Middle School teachers collaborated throughout last year to design a practical, student-friendly curriculum focused on the skills that support learning across all subjects.
“Our goal was to give students tools they can use in every class,” said Mrs. Nottingham. “Knowing what to learn is important, but knowing how to learn and how to stay organized can make an even bigger difference.”
The self-paced curriculum includes ten modules covering a variety of essential study strategies and academic habits. Topics include:
Effective note-taking strategies
Memory and recall techniques
Planning and organizing assignments
Building focus and concentration
Preparing for quizzes and exams
Managing time and avoiding procrastination
And other skills that help students take ownership of their learning
To encourage participation, the school is connecting the curriculum with its popular JAGcoin incentive program. Students can earn up to 10 JAGcoins for completing each module, with a bonus of 100 JAGcoins awarded to any student who completes all ten modules before the end of the school year.
With state testing season approaching, students were encouraged during the launch to complete at least two modules before spring break, giving them an opportunity to practice the strategies as they prepare for upcoming assessments.
Adding an extra layer of excitement, the Middle School has also introduced a friendly competition between grade levels. Throughout the year, the school will track progress to see whether 7th grade or 8th grade students complete the most modules and proudly display the certificates of our Study Skills Champions in the hallways throughout the school.
Students have multiple opportunities to work on the modules, including during Study Skills periods, G-Men Time, or even at home; which some students have already chosen to do. Our teachers and support staff hope these new activities will empower students with practical tools that extend far beyond a single class or school year.
“These are life skills and our goal is to prepare students for high school.” said Mr. Bartz. “When students learn how to plan, focus, study effectively, and take responsibility for their learning, those habits can carry with them into high school, college, careers, and beyond.”
As the program rolls out this spring, Garfield Middle School looks forward to seeing students embrace the challenge—earning JAGcoins, sharpening their study habits, and discovering new strategies to help them succeed both inside and outside the classroom. It’s a great time to be a G-Man!
Go G-Men!