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Miller Middle School staff outline attendance, SEL and expanded PE program
Summary
Miller Middle School principals and PE staff told the Marshalltown board they aim to raise student and staff attendance, expand co‑curricular participation and use block scheduling to deliver 85‑minute PE rotations, water‑safety instruction and a new Platform curriculum.
Miller Middle School leaders presented the school’s academic and student‑support priorities and described changes to physical education that administrators say support student well‑being and skill development.
Co‑principals Kristen Cow and Dave Glenn told the Nov. 18 board meeting the school’s goals for 2024–25 include 90% or higher student attendance, 95% teacher attendance, fewer than two major discipline referrals per student and guaranteed participation in at least two co‑curricular activities. The leadership team said they will pursue those aims through prioritized standards in PLCs, an attendance team that meets weekly and an emphasis on adult social‑emotional learning (SEL) to ensure staff are well positioned to support students.
PE staff explained the block scheduling model (85‑minute class rotations) and described upgrades to the fitness center funded by PEPL money: newer strength‑training machines, treadmills, ellipticals, stationary bikes and a rowing machine. PE teacher Todd Rosenberger said the program mixes fitness, team sports and skill days and that students also receive water‑safety lessons at the local YMCA and tennis instruction at nearby courts. He added the department is piloting Platform, a video‑based curriculum used at the high school.
Administrators flagged logistical needs with ongoing renovations, including cramped PE office and storage locations and safety concerns tied to off‑gym office spaces; they asked that construction plans consider better office locations and storage. Board members and staff discussed student participation, logistics for water‑safety lessons and the benefits of block scheduling for enabling field trips and longer skills instruction.
No separate board action was required; the presentation was informational and intended to inform upcoming planning tied to the district’s bond-funded renovation projects.
