Ms. Dressler's class unit on the Human Body

Students from Ms. Dressler's class spent three weeks engaged in learning about the internal organs, muscular, respiratory, digestive and the vascular systems and how they function. There is nothing like hands-on activities to get everyone learning and engaged in the process. We had a wonderful time going through the motions of the human body says " J.C." Each student is able to answer questions about all types of facts on the human body and they are very proud of their work. Every month is a different unit and the students look forward to learning new concepts each month. Visuals are very important and my students enjoy a nice colorful powerpoint presentation in order to learn new concepts. They get to take turns reading off the slides practicing their decoding and fluency skills.................They love to read!!!!

Panthers visit the Downtown Museum and Library for Opening of School CBI

The first CBI trip of the new school year was to the Downtown Museum and Library. Students were able to read books at the library and see artwork they have never laid their eyes on before. Bright colors everywhere......Students walking with their partners for safety and learning how to work together as a team. Community based Instruction at the middle school level is to teach students various skills such as safety, social and community awareness. After we finished at the museum, it was off to Wendy's for a most delicious lunch. Student's were able to pick and choose their meals and pay for them on their own with assistance from their teachers. Mr. Cardenas, Ms. Deguzman and Ms. Dressler work together to ensure student safety. The weather was wonderful and a good time was had by all....................

Autistic Units New to Howard D. McMillan Middle School

Howard D. McMillan Middle School opened three new Autistic Units for the 2006-2007 school year. Our units serve children with Autism Spectrum Disorder who are at varioius levels of functioning. The curriculum includes functional academics, communication skills, social/personal skills, electives, community based instruction and participation in the special olympics. In addition, students receive speech therapy and/or occupational therapy as stated on the student's IEP.

Our students are given the opportunity to participate in the inclusion program when they are ready. We currently have two students from the self-contained setting who are in the inclusion program. They are both doing a wonderful job and their teachers are very happy with their progress. We have students involved with the morning announcements who are supported by a classroom paraprofessional and administrator. We are very proud of our new program at Howard D. McMillan Middle School and our mission is to help each child reach their greatest potential.

McMillan Middle School is "a place where every child matters".