Heritage Middle School

Heritage Middle School Facts

Heritage Middle School is Livingston’s grade 7/8 middle school. Our school is home to approximately 800 energetic students, 80 faculty members, and supplemental, support and custodial staff.

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Our mission is to provide our students with a rigorous academic and co-curricular program that is responsive to their ever-changing intellectual, physical, social, and emotional needs as young adolescents. In keeping with the philosophy of middle-level education, students and teachers are members of interdisciplinary teams. The teams of teachers meet daily in common planning time to map instruction and discuss team concerns. Guidance counselors are integral members of the team process, as they provide vital communication links, guidance and support for students and their families.

The 2008-2009 core academic program consists of mathematics, integrated reading and language arts, science, world language and social studies. Students participate in exploratory cycles in computer science, technology, consumer science, art and music. Our seventh and eighth grade students elect Spanish, French, Italian, or Chinese for a full year of study. The school day also includes a 25-minute advisory program in which students meet with an advisory teacher and peers in small groups to discuss issues of mutual concern or to join in planned activities designed to enhance development of social, communication, decision-making and problem-solving skills.

Music ensembles, drama, student government, MathCounts, school newspaper, Courtyard/Gardens Club, intramurals, and interscholastic sports comprise the co-curricular offerings. Our expanded athletic program of interscholastic sports includes boys’ and girls’ soccer, tennis, lacrosse, basketball, cross country and volleyball; girls’ field hockey and softball; and boys’ wrestling and baseball. There is a late bus 3 times a week to accommodate these activities for bus riders.

Our special programs serve exceptional children through basic skills instruction, departmentalized programs and resource centers and a gifted and talented/school-wide enrichment program. In-class support provides teachers and students with personnel, resources and appropriate methodology to insure student success in the mainstream setting. Members of the Child Study Team provide immediate advisement for appropriate interventions and continuing pupil support services. A Student Assistance Counselor provides a full complement of crisis intervention services and ongoing groups to meet diverse needs.

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Technology skills are infused throughout the regular instructional program. Each classroom is equipped with a minimum of two computer stations. Three computer labs are available for instructional purposes in addition to stations located in the media center. Research projects utilizing Internet and multimedia presentation software are integrated into all disciplines. A full time media specialist complements instruction in research components. A dedicated media research curriculum insures continuity in research practices for all students.

The Livingston School District is committed to employing and maintaining an exemplary teaching staff. All staff members participate in extensive district-wide curriculum initiatives and professional development programs, as well as attending local, state and national conferences. Opportunities abound for faculty to participate in school improvement and district-wide decisionmaking through participation in various committees, initiatives and special projects. Staff members are encouraged to think creatively and take risks to implement their ideas for the benefit of our students and community. The Heritage Home and School Association (HSA) and Parents and Professionals for Exceptional Children (PPEC) support such endeavors with mini-grant programs.