Statement of Purpose

Our purpose is to continue to develop the most productive learning environment possible at Smiley Middle School while focusing on standards to improve academic achievement and literacy for all students.

Mission Statement

Smiley Middle School strives for excellence and a positive learning environment.  IB educators will provide an opportunity for all students to succeed in the 21^st Century through inquiry, knowledge, critical, and creative thinking.  The involvement of parents, community, and students will create a climate of intercultural understanding and respect.

1.                 High Expectations – High expectations for academic performance are held for each student so the level of success is high for every student.

2.                 Enhanced Building Climate – A climate of pride, communications, collaboration, trust, and consistency will be evident at Smiley Middle School

3.                 Improved School Operations – 2008-2009 School Operations areas of increased focus include: budget, schedule, main office, and custodial services.  Support services are a critical component of the successful education of students and the satisfaction of all who work or attend Smiley Middle School.

4.                 Staff Development is essential to Student Learning and Success – Curriculum and program renewal is an essential component of Effective Schools

What We Believe Middle School is?

The middle school is the middle place between elementary and high school.  It combines some qualities of primary and secondary school but is unique in other ways.  Instead of having the student spend most the the day with one classroom teacher as in elementary school, the student spends most of the day with a Core of 23 teachers:  Literacy Block Social Studies, Science, and a Math Block.  The academy is the basis for our middle school model, which are run as one school, but offer a multi-academy experience.  Our school is divided into two academies:  Mission College and the International Preparatory Magnet (IPM).  IPM students are selected from a testing and screening process.

The grading periods are based on a tri-semester model.  Grades are sent home via the mail.  The grades that become a  permanent part of the student’s record are those that are given at the end of the first, second and third semester.

There are approximately 540 students at Smiley Middle School, Smiley’s diverse population is drawn fromneighborhood elementary schools throughout Northeast Denver and has students from both the Denver Public School system as well as from private schools.