Middle School Advisory Committee

Objectives 

The Middle School Advisory will:

• By June 2027, monitor progress and provide input made on key priorities selected by the Superintendent and Cabinet based on the prioritized recommendations of the Middle School Taskforce.
• By June 2027, create (support) accountability systems to the community by supporting district and school personnel to do the work necessary to enhance students’ experiences in middle school based on the following characteristics of successful middle schools:

 

Culture and Community

• Every student’s academic and personal development is guided by an adult advocate
• The school environment is welcoming, inclusive, and affirming for all
• The school engages families as valued partners
• Comprehensive counseling and support services meet the needs of young adolescents
• The school collaborates with community and business partners

Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

• Instruction fosters learning that is active, purposeful, and democratic
• Health, wellness, and social-emotional competence are supported in curricula, school-wide programs, and related policies
• Curriculum is challenging, exploratory, integrative, and diverse
• Varied and ongoing assessments advance learning as well as measure it

Leadership and Organization

• A shared vision developed by all stakeholders guides every decision
• Organizational structures foster purposeful learning and meaningful relationships
• Policies and practices are student-centered, unbiased, and fairly implemented.
• Professional learning for all staff is relevant, long term and job embedded.
• Leaders are committed to and knowledgeable about young adolescents, equitable practices, and educational research.
• Leaders demonstrate courage and collaboration

 

Scope of Work

The Middle School Advisory will: 

• Prioritize addressing the needs of students who are not yet experiencing academic, social-emotional success and identity safety in middle school.
• Build knowledge around specific initiatives relevant to middle school, racial and educational justice, inclusion, and instruction that have been proposed to support and improve our middle school program
• Gather input from stakeholders to inform district planning, decisions, and key actions 
• Provide feedback on key actions and benchmarks, outlined in the 2026-27 Middle School Implementation Plan
• Support the recommendations and final decisions made by other work groups, committees, task forces that impact middle schools.
• Monitor district-led efforts that focus on continuous improvements in middle school.

• Advise on revisions to the Middle School Advisory Implementation Plan for 2025-26, based on new learning, school-based needs, and identified future work. 

 

Membership Composition 

This 12-18 member Advisory will have broad representation from middle school staff, administrators, students, families, district staff and community members. The Middle School Advisory Committee may be supplemented by additional community engagement including, but not limited to: student focus groups, language-based community meetings, broad  community surveys, school staff and leader conversations, public forums and study sessions with the Northshore School Board.

 

Membership Requirements 

• Must reside or work within the Northshore School District boundaries.

• Participate with an open mind, value diverse perspectives, and keep students and student needs at the forefront of your engagement. 
• Members commit to:
  • Serving for October to June
  • Contributing 2 hours per month
  • Attending 1 meeting per month
• Background and experience relevant to the Middle School Advisory Committee focus stated above are helpful but not required.

Roles and Responsibilities 

• Chair/Co-Chairs: Facilitate meetings, ensure objectives are met, and present final recommendations to the Superintendent and other district leadership as necessary. 
• Members: Actively participate in discussions, provide insights and feedback, prepare for meetings if necessary. 
• District Staff: Support the Advisory Committee with necessary updates, research, data, and logistical needs, including organizing meetings and collecting stakeholder feedback.

Approval and Reporting 

• Regular updates will be provided to the School Board or Superintendent throughout the process. Meeting details will be shared with the School Board in the Friday Brief following each meeting.
• The Middle School Advisory Committee will submit an Annual Executive Summary and revised NSD MSAC Implementation Plan to Cabinet in June.