Tier Two District

Briarcliff Manor Union Free School District

About Briarcliff Middle School

Mission Statement:


The mission of the Briarcliff Middle School community is to nurture students as they navigate the social, emotional and intellectual journeys of early adolescence.  We support students to develop effective habits to: 

  • Think critically and solve problems
  • Make responsible and ethical decisions
  • Be active participants in their own learning
  • Become thoughtful and caring citizens

We seek to build a strong and positive community based on the belief that families and schools in partnership can support students in reaching academic success, fostering personal growth and developing skills for life-long learning.

Principal's Message:


Middle school years are a unique time, spanning the years of early adolescence.  They are marked by rapid but uneven growth in all domains: physical, intellectual, social, emotional, and moral.  As students take steps along the path that bridges elementary and high school, they enter a period of self-discovery and increasing awareness.  Middle school learners tend to be:

  • Intellectually curious . . . but focused on peers;
  • Physically mature . . . but socially and emotionally unsure;
  • Developing an identity . . . but incredibly self-conscious;
  • Seeking independence . . . but struggling to make the right choices.

       
The mission of middle schools  is to guide children on their journey toward young adulthood. Toward this end, we incorporate a range of instructional strategies, create opportunities for discussion and reflection, offer community building and service learning, encourage students to take risks in their learning, and maintain clear expectations for behavior and social interaction.  In all we do, we foster a sense of team identity and seek to nurture students who will:

Think creatively;
Identify and solve complex and meaningful problems;
Know their passions, strengths, and challenges;
Communicate and work well with others;
Lead healthful lives;
Be ethical and caring citizens of a diverse world.
      
For more information on middle school research and philosophy, please visit the following websites:
National Middle School Association at http://www.nmsa.org/

Turning Points at http://www.turningpts.org/