Dear Parents,

Welcome! We are glad you are a part of Mt. Pisgah Middle School. Mt. Pisgah's students, staff, and community look forward to working with you as we strive to provide the best possible learning environment. Our mission is to provide the caliber of educational opportunities and experiences that ensure our diverse student population will achieve intellectually, socially, physically, emotionally, and morally. Our goal is to ensure that our students meet mandated criteria amid become effective communicators, problem-solvers, and productive citizens in an increasingly technological society. We want to do all we can to uphold Mt. Pisgah’s motto: "Where the best get better".

Mt. Pisgah Middle School, accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools, is operated by the Shelby County Board of Education. We are excited to have moved in to our new building. Approximately 1230 students will be enrolled in grades 5 - 8 at the beginning of the 2008 - 2009 school year. Plans call for students in grade five to be taught by teams of one or two teachers. Students in grade six are taught by teams of two to four teachers. Grades seven and eight are taught in a departmentalized program with students switching classes between their individually assigned teachers. Class size will vary with most classes comprised of 23 - 28 students. All students receive instruction from specialists in the areas of music, art, physical education, library, and guidance.

Mt. Pisgah has several other programs which enhance the curriculum. The Academic Program for the Exceptional (APEX) is provided for students who are state certified as academically gifted. In addition, enriched language arts and math classes are offered to sixth, seventh and eighth grade students who qualify. Students with special, identified needs may participate in language arts and/or math resource programs. Students interested in music may elect to join band, orchestra, or chorus. A strong and varied extracurricular program affords students a chance to participate in a variety of educational opportunities through activities such as yearbook staff, music performance, basketball, cheerleader, dance, step, twirling, drama, student council, art enrichment, and National Jr. Honor Society. Mt. Pisgah Middle School welcomes each student and his/her family. We are dedicated to creating a student-centered environment in which each student's needs are our first concern. It is our firm belief that experiencing success will help the student develop a positive self-concept and a recognition of his/her worth as an individual. We look forward to helping your child learn.

Sincerely,
John Gilmer, principal