BSD’s Middle School Family Handbook contains extensive information about attending EMS. We encourage all families to review and consult this helpful resource.
ABCs of EMS
This chart may help parents understand the lingo used at EMS.
| A/B Days |
Students have exploratory classes every other day. A days: Monday and Thursday B days: Tuesday and Friday Wednesdays: Alternate every week |
| Core Classes | Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. These classes are taught on team. |
| Exploratory Classes | These classes are taught off team and are sometimes quarter (for 6th graders) or semester long classes (for 7/8th graders). Classes include art, health, physical education, tech ed, and foreign language classes. |
| PLP | Personalized Learning Plan- all Vermont students are required to compile and reflect on work that reflects their growth and progress throughout middle and high school. |
| Restorative Practice | A process used to build relationships. This practice provides a framework within which bonds can be built and problems can be solved through honest conversation. |
| SSC – Student Support Center | Occasionally students will need an opportunity to reset. When this happens they are sometimes sent to the planning room to process challenges and to come up with strategies for success. |
| Enrichment | This is a class that is typically offered by core teachers. Often students are exposed to engaging learning opportunities that have a hands-on and/or design thinking component. |
| Mandated Testing SBACs, NECAPs, WIDA | In order to be eligible for federal schools Vermont Public Schools must administer standardized tests. The purpose of the test is to measure student progress against those in other parts of the country, and to provide data to teachers to that they can improve their practice. |
| ELL | ELL is a class offered to our new Americans. It supports students with language acquisition and provides student support for core and exploratory classes. |
| Band, Strings, Chorus | We try to involve every child in at least one of our music programs. |
