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Judges IX

We asked the question…

How can we redesign the 9-12 educational experience in a Title 1 district to include a schedule that meets individual student needs, ensures depth of learning, and emphasizes student empowerment?

Judges IX was our answer.

Mission

  • Implement a staff teaming model that allows for individualized student support and meaningful cross-curricular content thus maximizing outcomes for students.
  • Build classroom communities and resilient students by teaching Social and Emotional Learning through restorative practices, individual mentoring, and authentic classroom conversations and circles.
  • Focus on school belonging and teacher and peer relationships as keys to student success.
  • Utilize research-based interventions and supports for struggling students. 
  • Practice a “radically relentless” approach to student success.

Vision

A program that provides individual support for every student so that each can be present, report a positive sense of belonging, and fulfill the expectations of high school; a community that emphasizes graduation requirements and empowers each student to thrive.

Organization of Students, Teachers & Supports

Students in grade 9 are assigned to 1 of 3 teams, each named for a person who has made notable contributions to the JHHS community. For the school year, the Judges IX team selected Tommy Dixon, Kara Dixon, Shelly Lee, and Michael McKiernan as house namesakes. Each team of students takes core classes with a consistent team of teachers. 9th graders will still access the Innovation Center and elective courses with upperclassmen, thus creating a stepping stone into the empowered learning model. During Semester 2, students have the opportunity to enroll in more advanced-level core classes outside of Judges IX.

Students are teamed based on the staff above. The student’s advisory teacher designates the house assignment. For example, Student A has Ms. Caffee for advisory. That student is in House Dixon. Although every effort was made to have clean breaks among houses, there are several cases where a student is enrolled in courses with teachers in 2 different houses.

Support and Intervention Meetings

House Team Meetings are held every other week and include house teachers and a member of the administration team. Judges IX Success Team Meetings are held every other week and include the assistant principal, coordinator, counselor, social worker, and other support staff.