John Young Middle School administrators and teachers described classroom and culture changes to the School City of Mishawaka Board of School Trustees on Sept. 10, saying an 8‑period schedule and schoolwide leadership programming are increasing student engagement.

School officials said the shift from block scheduling to an 8‑period day means students meet daily with all teachers, which staff members said adds instructional minutes and increases engagement. "We are choosing excellence," Mrs. Cummings said in the presentation, adding that the new schedule gives students more consistent contact with teachers.

School leaders and teachers told the board the schedule change affects curriculum and extracurriculars. Mrs. Cummings said all eighth graders now take four career and technical education (CTE) classes and will leave John Young with four high‑school credits. Music staff said daily instruction has allowed the band and orchestra program to group students by instrument family and accelerate progress; music teacher Mr. Roberts introduced an eighth‑grade percussion ensemble during the presentation.

Speaker Alicia Fowler described Leader in Me efforts aimed at strengthening school culture, keeping leadership vocabulary visible on hallway bulletin boards and encouraging students and staff to "discover their genius." Seventh‑grade social studies teacher Mr. Wicker described a JAG journal project and weekly grade checks intended to give students ownership over academics and emotions and to rebuild community ties after COVID‑era disruptions.

The presenters also highlighted participation: Mrs. Cummings said 227 students — about 30% of the school — are participating in five fall sports and that seven clubs have already started, with more planned. Board members thanked staff for early‑year progress and praised the initiatives.

The board received the presentation and did not take formal action; presenters invited board members and the public to visit John Young to observe the programs.