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Piedmont Middle School

May 19, 2023 by Anita Reid

School of Distinction Award






Team Time

Piedmont City Schools

Principal, Mr. Chris Hanson

Superintendent, Mr. Mike Hayes

Team time at Piedmont Middle School was created to foster an accountable and self-driven learning environment for students. Team time was conducted in a family atmosphere that builds accountability for achieving personal and academic goals. Sixth grade students were assigned a teacher/mentor that guides them throughout middle school. This teacher facilitates team time once a week focusing on the foundation of team building, character education, and goal setting. Team time students collaborated during challenging activities which required life skills such as problem solving, teamwork, and communication. Students participated in lessons that built and strengthened character and responsibility. Focused on student well-being, teachers hosted lessons that guided students as they created personal and academic goals. Students shared academic successes and social experiences with their families through student-led conferences. They created presentations showcasing academic accomplishments, academic and personal short- and long-term goals, and individualized instructional plans. Student-led conferences were used to increase parent engagement and open dialogue between students, parents, and teachers which resulted in a more supportive educational environment. A cultural shift occurred as students transitioned to confident, ambitious learners. Roles of teachers and students shifted as teachers guided students to display ownership in their learning. It also created a culture where more innovative behavior was displayed by students and faculty.