| Marshall Middle School | |
|---|---|
|
Where I Make a Difference
|
|
| Location | |
| 5145 Wexford Run Road Wexford, PA 15090 United States |
|
| Information | |
| Type | Public |
| Established | 1993 |
| School district | North Allegheny School District |
| Principal | Cynthia Kainaroi |
| Grades | 6–8 |
| Enrollment | 643 (2010-2011)- Sixth- 200, Seventh- 220, Eighth- 223 |
| Number of students | 643 Sixth- 200, Seventh- 220, Eighth- 223 |
| Color(s) | Black and Gold |
| Mascot | Tiger |
| Affiliation | North Allegheny |
| Website | [1] |
Marshall Middle School (MMS) is one of three middle schools (6-8th grades) serving the North Allegheny School District. Located in Marshall Township, Pennsylvania, it is known for its high scholastic standards, and for 1999-2000 it was named a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence .[1] This award was accepted by then student body president, Andrew Michael Jones. He traveled to Washington, D.C. along with the Vice Principal and Principal to accept the award from the former President Clinton and the Secretary of Education. Marhall Middle also houses part of NA district's bus fleet during their daily downtime (after the elementary school students go to school but before the high school students return home), due to its proximity to many student homes. Marshall Middle School was founded in 1993 and cost approximately 30 million USD to build.
Contents |
Mr. John Schwoebel was the school's original principal, serving until the 2005-2006 school year, when he retired his long standing post to Dr. Kathleen Roppa. Dr. Roppa left after the 2005-2006 school year to take the position of Assistant Superintendent of the Neshannock Township School District. The new Principal is Dr. Cynthia (Cindy) Kainaroi for the school years of 2006–2009 and (2011-present). There is also an assistant-principal, Mrs. Tracie Michalowski, who has been with the school from 2006–present. In the 2010-2011 school year Dr. Cynthia Kainaroi took a 12 month Sabbatical and Tracie Michalowski was the Principal.
The school is in a two story 'H' shape with two large extended wings for the auditorium and gymnasium on both sides. The eighth grade classrooms are in the central bar of the H, the sixth grade classrooms are on the east wing, and the seventh grade classrooms are on the west wing. There is a football/multipurpose field off of the gymnasium to the east, and a softball field adjacent to it, which reaches 207 feet from home plate to the wall. Past right field lies complex cross-country trails that are used for North Allegheny Cross Country meets and gym classes. Farther east of the cross-country trails are two soccer fields used by local soccer leagues. The Marshall campus also includes a pond used for science purposes and projects. Marshall planned to have a pool in the design of the campus, but that plan was turned down due to swimming classes not existing in middle school physical education curriculum.
Every year, grades have at least one field trip. Sixth graders normally visit Heinz Hall in Pittsburgh, PA for a Pittsburgh Orchestra concert. Seventh graders take a trip to see "A Christmas Carol" every year during the holiday season since it ties in with the English curriculum. Seventh graders also take a field trip to Kennywood Amusement Park at the end of the year. Eighth graders take a cruise on the Gateway Clipper in the spring. Also for all grades there is Mini Course Day. Where leaving the campus is optional based on what the student picks.
During the spring, Marshall Middle conducts a talent show open to all students. Participants put on their acts for peers, teachers, and parents. Mr. Jeffrey Scheller, seventh grade science teacher, and Mr. James Furlong, chorus instructor, coordinate the event. Christina Aguilera performed in the talent show as an 8th grade student.
Every winter and spring, each of the musical classes offered at the middle school hold a concert. These include band, chorus, and orchestra; they are headed by Mr. Wesley Taylor, Mr. James Furlong, and Mrs. Dana Leasure respectively. Typically, one concert will be performed during school hours for fellow students and staff, and one will be performed in the evening after school for parents and guests.
Because it ties into their social studies curriculum, eighth graders participate in a day in which it is popular to dress up in fashions from the 1860s and as civil war veterans. Often, an Abraham Lincoln impersonator gives a speech, and the students have an outdoor parade around the front of the school. They then return to their classrooms for refreshments.
GOAL is an acronym for Gifted Opportunities for Advanced Learners. This is a program in North Allegheny School District where advanced students who have done well on ITBS tests and/or CogAT tests or have an IQ of over 130, have a chance to take a specialized test to get into the program which enhances their learning experience. In Marshall Middle, the GOAL program is very prominent. GOAL has their own office in the sixth grade hall where GOAL students meet at times. The office is ruled by a student matriarchy consisting of a king, queen, treasurer, paperwork secretary, and errands secretary.
The Technology Student Association at MMS is one of the finest in the district, as the Technology Department offers many different opportunities to the students. They have won many awards at regionals, states, and nationals. The teacher coordinator of this group is Mr. Nick Vorassi.
2010
2011
Marshall Middle School was honored in 2010 by the PBT's Guide to Western Pennsylcania Schools on their Honor Roll List, which analyses the academic performance of schools on the PSSA exam over three years. MMS was ranked number 2 out of 155 middle schools in Western PA. The entire North Allegheny School District was ranked number 2 out of 105 school districts.[4]
Popular music artist Christina Aguilera is a graduate of Marshall Middle School.[5]