SHMS is one of the top performing middle schools in Kansas and Shawnee County as measured by the math, reading, and science state assessments and the NWEA MAP assessments in reading and math.

2022-2023 Kansas Assessment Proficiency Levels

The school teaches and encourages a growth mindset among students. A growth mindset describes the idea that students should set academic and behavior goals and regularly monitor their progress toward these goals. For example, instead of thinking, “I’m not good at this,” students should think, “I’m on the right track.” One way that our school measures growth is the NWEA MAP assessments in reading and math. SHMS students sit for the MAP assessments in August and again in May. The MAP assessments produce a three-digit score called an RIT score. Most students simply call it their ‘MAP score.’ The MAP score is like a meter stick for academic growth across grade levels. In the same way that children get taller as they age, their MAP scores increase over time. MAP scores are used by teachers to develop curriculum and plan instruction. MAP scores are used by teachers and parents to choose courses for students. The school’s fundamental assumption is that all children should show growth in reading and math on the MAP assessments. Your students will receive a print-out of their historical MAP assessment scores after the fall MAP window closes. This is usually around September 1st.

In addition to the core courses of English, Math, Science, and Social Studies, students will take a wide variety of elective courses. Some examples are:

FINE ARTS
Art 7/8, Art Explorations, Design, Multicultural Art, Digital Visual Arts

PERFORMING ARTS
Choir 7/8, Band 7/8, Orchestra 7/8

STEM
Computer Coding, Computers and Careers, Robotics 7/8

TRADITIONAL
FACS, Spanish, German, Physical Education, Health, Healthy Lifestyles, Communication, Leadership

EXTRA SUPPORT
Read 180, Math Mastery, Gifted Education (SEEK)