Advisory The Middle School advisory program is designed with four goals in mind: to support students’ academic success, to create a positive school culture, to support the unique challenges of Middle School, and to provide a network of advocates (including advisors and teachers) for each student in the Middle School. It is a place where students engage, relax, play games, get to know each other and their advisors, and have some fun. Advisory lessons and activities seek to provide authentic learning experiences that enrich each student’s academic learning experience at University Liggett School. This is further supported by the small size of advisories - approximately six to nine students to one advisor, allowing all students to have an adult advocate throughout their Middle School years. Advisors serve as the first point of contact if parents or guardians have concerns about their students. Although parent or guardian input concerning a student’s advisory placement is considered, the Middle School administration cannot promise or guarantee requests and reserves the right to make all advisory placement decisions. House System The University Liggett Middle School has adopted a house system as a way to build community and promote positive multi-age and cross-grade level relationships. At the beginning of each school year, new Middle School students are sorted into one of six houses, Harry Potter-style. Each house is populated by a cross-section of students from all grade levels, teachers, and an honorary member of our administration, providing opportunities for students, regardless of age, to lead and showcase their strengths through projects, service initiatives and friendly competitions throughout the year.
Outdoor Education Middle School students participate in a signature outdoor education experience each school year. Since 1972, the sixth grade has embarked on a week-long immersion experience, currently at Pleasant Lake near Imlay City, Michigan. Students are introduced to a variety of outdoor skills (including canoeing, horsemanship, and orienteering) through medieval-themed activities. The seventh-grade outing provides students with opportunities to build teamwork skills, learn about gratitude, and explore what it means to be a positive community member. Eighth graders begin the school year with a three day, place-based experience that introduces the geography of Michigan, demonstrates how people interact with their environment, and allows students to become better historians, writers, scientists, and mathematicians through research in the field. The experience also provides a collaborative experience for eighth graders early in the school year. Inclusive Co-Curricular Activities Middle School students have an opportunity to participate in a number of co-curricular activities throughout the school year, including a variety of athletic teams, FTC robotics, theater, Knights Math Club, and Girls Solve It. The Middle School has a “no cut” policy which encourages students of all abilities to participate and learn teamwork, collaboration, and sportsmanship skills. Practices and meetings take place Monday through Thursday after school. Occasionally, optional Friday practices are offered by coaches or mentors. Athletic games are held once or twice a week during the season. For some sports, there is an occasional weekend tournament. University Liggett Middle School has a high participation rate for co-curriculars and we encourage our students to get involved for the social opportunities and healthy exercise. Students are notified about signing up for co-curricular activities during morning meeting and sign-up forms are sent via email.
Community, Character, and Core Values
classmates across the division. From hobby horses and cooking to sports media and soccer, students are able to lead, and participate, from a place of passion. Electives Student-centered learning and inquiry are pathways to discovery; this is a foundational tenet of the Liggett Approach. Our Middle School electives support this mission by offering students a wide variety of courses across the curriculum that spark enthusiasm and curiosity. Electives including Innovation and Design, where students use design thinking and digital tools to solve local and global issues, and Film Making, where students produce three to five short films using digital media techniques and software, allow students to explore new ideas and expand on their growing passions. The Thinkery and Knights’ Forge Problem solving is everything, and the Middle School offers a dedicated space to do just that. Housed in the Middle School are the spaces called The Thinkery and Knights’ Forge. These spaces are dedicated to collaborative problem solving and the design thinking process: design, prototype, fabricate, and test. All 6th graders take a design class in this space, and students from all divisions have access to the innovative tools housed here. From 3D printing to C&C machines to coding, students are able to create artifacts that move learning beyond memorization.
The teaching and learning staff at University Liggett School offer classroom support to advance the school’s efforts in creating compassionate and equitable communities, learners, and thinkers. We do this through our student-centered approach that begins with forging positive relationships with students and their families to understand the unique cultural strengths that contribute to our diverse learning community. The teaching and learning staff provide classroom observations, coaching, and live lesson demonstrations to assist teachers in implementing lessons that are affirming and inclusive, with an emphasis on making sure students’ identities are represented within our school curriculum. Teachers are provided with ongoing professional learning opportunities to support rigorous instruction, cognitive growth, student engagement, and inclusive curriculum and assessment. In addition to supporting students’ academic growth, teachers provide lessons on social interactions to foster a caring school environment. The core values of respect, integrity, empathy, excellence and community are interwoven throughout our curriculum and supplementary programs. The programming in Middle School takes place through advisory and grade-level lessons which consist of module lessons, writing prompts, reflections, collaborative conversations with peers, and projects. There are clubs and groups offered as well, such as various affinity groups and the Changemakers Club. Changemakers is a club devoted to bringing students together to bring all Middle School students together through initiatives, projects, and activities. Students will have access to videos, guest speakers, and outside resources when appropriate and as needed. Student-Led Clubs Student-led clubs provide an opportunity within the school day for students to connect outside of the classroom, share their passions, and develop their leadership skills. The offerings are driven by a range of student interests and passions and vary by session. Students interested in leading a club solicit a faculty sponsor, develop a framework of activities for their club, and pitch the club idea to their peers at a Club Fair. Student-led clubs provide the opportunity to lead, learn new skills, support existing interests, stay physically active, and connect with friends and
2026-2027 ULS Curriculum Guide
32
33 Middle School
Made with FlippingBook - Online Brochure Maker