Middle School
Welcome to Middle School
Middle school is a tricky age for just about everyone. At Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, we help our students maneuver this stage in life through academic instruction, behavioral/emotional support, and the acquisition of life skills.
Middle school students learn the Common Core Georgia Performance Standards. Students are individually assessed in each content area by highly qualified instructors. Lessons are customized to meet individual needs and learning styles through the process of differentiation. Our staff are trained to formatively assess and adjust instruction to fill identified educational gaps.
We embrace a behavioral management system called PBIS – Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports. This approach rewards students for favorable behavior. Students receive points for exhibiting the Three R’s – Responsibility, Respect, and Readiness. Each week, students are granted points for desired behavior that translates into “money” on Fridays. That money can be used to purchase items at our Middle School Panther Store. Additionally, students can earn collective points throughout the quarter to earn a reward field trip or special in-house activity. We are also fortunate enough to have a Behavioral Specialist, a Behavioral Psychologist, and a Social Worker on our full-time staff that lend support to students, staff, and families as needed.
Finally, we assist students in the acquisition of much needed life-long skills through a weekly class called Life Skills. Students tackle a variety of tasks they will need to be successful in life. Topics from appropriate introductions, working together as a team to accomplish a task, problem-solving, appropriate internet and social media use, bullying and the like are addressed throughout the year in fun and engaging ways. Our students LOVE Life Skills!
Mission Statement:
At Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, our mission is to empower middle school students by providing a bilingual education that integrates American Sign Language (ASL) and Written English, with a focus on meeting the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE). We support our students through personalized instruction, behavioral and emotional support, and the development of essential life skills. Our approach incorporates the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) framework, promoting responsibility, respect, and readiness. Additionally, we engage students in the Ron Clark Academy House System (RCA), where positive behaviors, academic excellence, and teamwork are celebrated. With a team of dedicated professionals, we strive to help each student thrive and succeed academically and socially.
Vision Statement:
Our vision is to build a vibrant and inclusive middle school community at Atlanta Area School for the Deaf, where all students excel academically and grow as confident, responsible, and respectful individuals. Guided by the Georgia Standards of Excellence (GSE), we aim to create a dynamic learning environment that embraces bilingual education, fosters positive behavior through PBIS, and promotes a sense of belonging through the Ron Clark Academy House System (RCA). We envision our students as future leaders, equipped with the skills and values to thrive in both the deaf and hearing communities, and empowered to reach their fullest potential.
For more information, contact:
Matt Laucka, Middle School Lead
mlaucka@doe.k12.ga.us
