In order for students to have academic success at Deer Creek and in their future educational endeavors, strong core skills in language arts and math are essential. In order to meet the needs of students who struggle in these areas, we have a range of supports available. Because different students have different needs, we work to match the appropriate level of support with the individual student.
After-School Help
On Tuesdays, the staff has set aside time after school to help students who may need additional academic support. Students may drop in for extra help as needed or make arrangements in advance to meet with a teacher. The school provides a late bus on these days to provide transportation for students who normally take the regular bus home.
Strategic Reading
The content of this support course depends upon students' abilities and/or diagnosed reading deficits. Taken in conjunction with the grade-level language arts class, Strategic Reading is intended to improve a student's comprehension level, fluency rate, critical thinking and analysis skills, and/or word knowledge and vocabulary.
Math Seminar
This support class provides additional instruction in math skills from earlier grades to fill gaps in a student's math knowledge. Taken in conjunction with the grade-level math class, Math Seminar takes the place of one of a student's elective classes.
Mentoring Program (M&M's)
The 8th grade Mentoring Program is a group of student volunteers and counselors who work to support a welcoming environment at Deer Creek. The goal of this program is to help the incoming 6th graders acclimate to middle school while having strong support from members of the graduating class. Mentors are trained on leadership activities that they run with 6th graders during Advisement every other week. They also work one-on-one with many of those students to help with organization and study skills. Mentors are also involved in 5th grade visits, 6th grade orientation, and school service projects.
Counseling and Social/Emotional Support
Counselors are assigned to students according to their grade level and will remain their counselor throughout their years at Deer Creek. Responsible for delivering the Comprehensive Guidance Plan, counselors provide general support for students, teachers, and parents/guardians by
- assisting with the transitions from elementary and to high school
- consulting on academic needs
- addressing personal and social needs
- providing classroom instruction on various topics
- career planning through the Naviance system for high school and beyond
- intervening in crisis situations both at school and throughout the district
- meeting with their grade-level teams weekly
- regularly consulting with teachers to ensure that student needs are being met
The Social Emotional Learning Specialist provides social emotional support to all students by working with teachers and staff, presenting social-emotional curriculum, and providing small group intervention.
Students Speak - Counseling and Social Emotional Learning