Mattoon
CUSD #2
The Paradigms
At MMS, we recognize that what we do and the results we obtain flow from the paradigms that we hold. Therefore, we work continuously to maintain our commitment to holding the following effective paradigms: Paradigm of Leadership (Everyone can be a leader), Paradigm of Potential (Everyone has genius), Paradigm of Change (Change starts with me), Paradigm of Motivation (Empower students to lead their own learning) and Paradigm of Education (Educators and families partner to develop the whole person).
Paradigm of Leadership
Everyone can be a leader.
Mattoon Middle School’s unwavering dedication to expanding leadership opportunities has become a cornerstone of our educational approach. Our transformative Leader in Me journey has not only empowered students to lead but also nurtured their ability to serve others and take meaningful action. This commitment came to life during the 22-23 academic year, exemplified by the Student Lighthouse Team.
This dynamic team observed the efforts of the school’s staff in managing the monthly PAWS store (a place where students can utilize their hard-earned “PAWS” for displaying Wildcat standards and character traits to “purchase” various items). Recognizing the potential for enhanced student leadership, the team collaborated with staff to understand the store’s workings and take the initiative to take charge of the store in February.
Empowered by their success, the team wanted to involve more students and extended the opportunity to all advisory classes, by inviting them to take turns organizing and operating the monthly PAWS store. This expansion also embraced mentoring, where experienced students guided newcomers in the process.
Mattoon Middle School’s leadership focus not only equips students to lead but also fosters a deep appreciation for the leadership and impact of others. This approach underscores the school’s commitment to holistic development, where young learners not only thrive as leaders but also cultivate empathy, collaboration, and a profound sense of community. Through these initiatives, MMS continues to lay the foundation for lifelong leadership and service.
Paradigm of Leadership
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Potential
Everyone has genius.
This spring, students from Mattoon Middle School were given an opportunity to participate in a Leadership Institute. This experience included six days of training and learning with a Leader in Me coach to equip the students to facilitate leadership lessons at our elementary school. As information about the opportunity was shared with students at MMS, many quickly expressed interest. Recognizing that many of these students had served in previous leadership roles, the staff recognized this as an opportunity to unleash more of our students' limitless potential. Grade-level teams were asked to nominate students. Then, individual conversations were had with those students to determine their interest. A student, who initially indicated that he was not sure of his leadership potential, decided to make the commitment after learning of his teacher’s nomination. The student gained leadership skills and confidence through both the training and the experience of being a mentor to the younger students. Not only did the student volunteer to lead additional weeks over the summer, he applied (and was selected) to be a member of our 23–24 Student Lighthouse Team.
In addition to recognizing genius in our clubs, activities, and extracurricular offerings, we provide opportunities for students to explore and develop their unique gifts and talents across our classes, especially those offered through our Essentials Department. Each year, students select which classes they want to take and their unique contributions, such as these projects in Industrial Tech and ceiling tiles in Art, are shared and celebrated.
Paradigm of Potential
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Change
Change starts with us.
In January 2023, MMS staff had the opportunity to participate in a building-wide Leader in Me Unconscious Bias training. This training prompted us to hold a mirror up to ourselves as we were given the time, space, and support to identify bias, cultivate connection, and choose courage. Staff identified specific action steps to increase opportunities (both at the classroom and building levels) for all students. Their work continues this school year as we strive to equip each member of the MMS community to have a voice and be a part of our Wildcat community. We restructured our schedule, bringing more intentionality to our morning DEN time, to ensure that all students have opportunities to build meaningful, authentic relationships, serve in leadership roles, and engage in real-world service learning. In addition, we took a deep dive into academic, attendance, and behavior data to identify individual students in need of additional support. We then implemented a staff mentoring program through which personal contacts were made with the parent/guardian of these students. Additionally, the mentor checked in with the student at least twice per week to nurture an authentic relationship and provide support. Staff mentors met regularly to discuss progress and maintain accountability.
Paradigm of Change
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Motivation
Educators empower their students to lead their own learning.
At MMS, we strive to not only maintain a focus on learning, rather than teaching, but to equip students with the skills they need to lead their own learning. Our ongoing transition to a Competency-Based Education model supports this individualized approach as learning targets are co-created with students and students are given voice and choice in regards to when and how their learning is assessed. In addition, we follow a middle school teaming model which allows our staff, students, and families/guardians to build deeper connections with each other, building the foundation of trust necessary to support such learner-centered classrooms. This year, we restructured our DEN time to better support the development of deep relationships. Our 7th and 8th graders are now combined into multi-age classes that meet with the same teacher for two years. Utilizing the Leader in Me Curriculum for regularly scheduled lessons provides a strong foundation for all of our students. A cadence of accountability is established as students practice the 4 Disciplines of Education by identifying their Big Rocks at the beginning of each week then meeting with their accountability partner at the end of the week. The DEN advisor also serves as a teacher mentor. Each student also develops a Leadership Portfolio, exploring and highlighting who they are as a learner and leader, then shares their portfolio at their fall and spring conferences. A growth mindset is nurtured as students learn to persist despite challenges and setbacks.
Paradigm of Motivation
Spotlight Stories
Paradigm of Education
Educators and Families, Partner to Develop the Whole Person
Our Media Center started as a room where students could come and check books out and then check them back into the library system. After a few years of this, our Media Specialist realized that it needed to be more student-centered. We hosted a number of roundtable discussions for students to voice what they would like to see the media center develop into, and then we were able to make these visions a reality! Today, we have a space that exemplifies the value that we place on the development and nurturing of the whole person. We have added a Green Screen room and thus an opportunity for students to film our daily announcements and complete a variety of projects for other classes. We have a fully functioning “Merch Shop” where students create items for the school and community using the Cricut, the shirt press, the sublimation printer, the embroidery machine, and more! We have the Wildcat DEN, where every student is able to take grocery and food items of their choice. School supplies are also made available to all. Students can access a variety of materials in our Makerspace as they engage in projects and hands-on learning. Rotating DIY projects, such as yarn crafts, games, and puzzles provide a creative outlet for students. In addition, all of the furniture in the Media Center is very student-centered: comfortable, encourages group work, and welcoming! Service learning is supported through a partnership with Mattoon Public Library as MMS students assist with Story Time.
