General Info
Hazlet Middle School
1639 Union Avenue
Hazlet, New Jersey 07730
732-264-0940
Hazlet Middle School exemplifies our district’s mission of educating our students to achieve their maximum potential. Hazlet Township School District holds accreditation from the Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools, and all stakeholders within the Hazlet Middle School community - parents, teachers, administrators, and students - are committed to upholding the high standards and quality educational environment that come with the distinction of accreditation.
Hazlet Middle School employs a staff that has been designated as highly qualified by the New Jersey Department of Education. The Hazlet School District is in its fifth year of a committed program of professional development, with twenty hours of professional learning annually dedicated to that endeavor. Workshops are presented by administrators, teachers, and selected outside resources – all aimed at improved instruction, collaboration and communication, in order to maximize student potential. To celebrate and share innovative instructional techniques, the district encourages teachers, guidance counselors, special services staff, and administrators to share best practices with their colleagues.
Common Core State Standards drive instruction at Hazlet Middle School, as we focus on deep understanding, close reading, critical thinking, problem solving, and readiness for college and careers. We are committed to the academic success of all students, and one of our Middle States goals is to increase performance of underperforming subgroups. Each year we are committed to the study of longitudinal data to analyze students’ progress. The NJASK results revealed that 92% of our graduating class of 2015 was proficient on the science portion of the 2015 NJASK. In addition, between the 2012-2013 and 2013-2014 school years, the class of 2014 improved their scores by 18.8% in Language Arts Literacy and by 10.7% in Mathematics. Specifically, the special education population in the class of 2014 improved their scores by 22.8% in Language Arts Literacy and by 29.9% in Mathematics. All teachers develop two annual Student Growth Objectives based on content and literacy standards, as we strive to make improved and advanced literacy a goal across all learning areas. In the 2014-2015 school year, more than 90% of teachers were effective in attaining the Student Growth Objectives they had set.
Led by our Middle States objectives and school goals, we strive to create an optimal learning experience to prepare students for success beyond middle school. For the 2015–2016 school year we have a focus on developing literacy skills across the curriculum, through the integration of WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization and Reading) instructional strategies, as well as improving student engagement by applying strategies for coherent instruction, meaningful assessment and activities to individualize learning. Technology integration is a consistent part of each school day, with teachers regularly utilizing four mobile iPad carts, seven Chromebook carts, student devices, a media center lab and a classroom lab to implement creative, technology-supported instruction and assessment. Students use online and app-based resources in discovery-driven and project-based learning activities. In addition, 250 graphing calculators are in use within the math and science courses, to expose our students to calculation, graphing and higher-order problem solving skills they will need in high school.
Hazlet Middle School has a total of 475 students in 7th and 8th grade. Each year we review standardized test scores, formative data, and summative results in order to place students in the most rigorous academic program possible. Hazlet Middle School offers advanced studies in English, literature, math, and science. All of our students also take cycle classes, which rotate on a quarterly basis to provide students with physical education, health, technology education, a world language, computer education, art, and music. Students with disabilities have an Individualized Education Plan, which ensures that they are given the extra support needed, while supporting the student’s education within the least restrictive environment.
To maximize student achievement, one of our Middle States goals is to increase enrollment in advanced academic courses. As such, all seventh graders are enrolled in Pre-Algebra, to expose them to the requisite skills needed to progress towards higher-level math courses in high school, and all eighth graders are enrolled in classes delivering Algebra curriculum. Currently, 36% of eighth graders are enrolled in a high-school level Algebra 1 course. To further support increased enrollment in higher level courses and academic advancement, the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) System was launched at Hazlet Middle School for the 2014-2015 school year and has been expanded for the 2015-2016 school year. Twenty-one eighth grade students and twenty seventh grade students are enrolled in our AVID elective classes, learning skills and strategies to improve their academic performance and place them on a path towards college enrollment and success.
Hazlet Middle School offers a wide variety of co-curricular and athletic activities in order for our students to learn sportsmanship, teamwork, service and school spirit. Participation in after school activities has been proven to enhance academic performance, increase self-esteem, and positively influence body image issues. Our clubs include: Band, Chorus, Robotics, Student Council, Peer Leaders, Odyssey of the Mind, Yearbook, Drama Club, Math Club, School Newspaper, Track Club, and more. Our sports program includes cross country, field hockey, soccer, basketball, cheerleading, wrestling, baseball, and softball.
Our guidance department contains two guidance counselors, a school social worker, and a school psychologist. These professionals work collaboratively with students, parents and teachers to develop action plans geared toward motivating students to reach their maximum academic, social, and emotional potential. Conflict resolution, peer mediation, academic mentoring, supported study periods, and classroom interventions are all strategies implemented to assist the middle school population.
Our administrators and teachers strive to create a safe and supportive learning environment within our school. Proactive steps are incorporated in order to prevent incidents of harassment, intimidation, and bullying, and to build a collaborative community of learners and educators. Treating each other with dignity and respect is promoted through our character education program, Peer Leadership, assemblies, safety team meetings, and on-going class lessons. Students who have fallen below the standard of expected behavior receive counseling and consequences as appropriate, in order to make every experience one of learning, growth and development. Our ultimate goal is to prepare all students for success, in an environment that is focused on celebrating each student’s achievements and maximizing each student’s potential.
Mrs. Christine McCoid, Principal
(732) 264-0940
hazlet.org