Section 1

The School Community:

Rocky Mountain High School Teaches students from their first fall semester the type
of community that they want to support through Lobo 101. It is a course that
teaches students not just to successful students, but also how to be successful
members of a community. Students learn mutual respect for each others
differences, and learn to support those who need their help. This is seen through
programs like the canned food drive, as well as numerous clubs organized around
supporting those who are disadvantaged. Some of the clubs include the Gay
Straight Alliance and Girl rising. There are other clubs that support students who
would normally fit into a nerdy role, but now have a place to feel welcome, like the
D &D Club, Fandom Club, and Anime club. Parents are very involved in student
athletics. At the regional cross country event numerous parents came to either
cheer on their children, or to work as much needed volunteers to help support the
coaches. Student behavior is shaped through several programs. In general, upper
classmen students act as guide to new students of the expectations at Rocky
Mountain High School. They set aa clear standard of what is expected and so other
students follow suit. In the classroom experienced teachers are able to use
classroom management skills to encourage effective student behavior. For cases
beyond a teachers control the supportive deans enforce school policies. There are
other programs like the counseling center, and the wellness center that help to
identify student needs and provide resources so they can be successful. The overall
learning climate is very productive. By having longer class periods teacher need to
use less time setting up and concluding lessons, and students remember the
material better since the same classes every day. There are also a wide variety of
courses available to students, at varying skill levels to provide students with
different interests and proficiencies to succeed. Teachers are also enabled to attend
professional development conferences and trips to gain content knowledge, and
apply that knowledge to improve their classroom. There are 1972 students
attending rocky, with younger classes having slightly larger populations. There are
18 AP classes and 15 CU credited courses. 83% of students pursue post high school
education. The RMHS mission statement is Rocky Mountain High School inspires,
guides, and supports our students, faculty and staff to reach their maximum
potential in a caring, challenging and safe environment.
Students and Classroom
I teach in a classroom of Pre-AP ninth graders in World History. They have all
demonstrated the ability to think critical about history, to comprehend difficult
texts, and to analyze the validity of source by examining their authors and contexts.
They have analyzed events at a macro level, looking at forces that shape the world
broadly. But also looked at how the actions of individuals have shaped the course of
history. They have demonstrated an ability to research topics individually on topics
that interest them. They are members of various clubs and sports on campus, and
have frequently made efforts to support the local community through fundraising.

Many of these students excel and so need to be supported through challenging

assignments. Those who struggle do not usually struggle with the content, but
rather it is an issue of engagement and staying on task during instruction, and
independent work periods. Some have 504s that address these issues and so they
often receive additional checks for understanding, or are encouraged to actively,
and effectively engage in the class environment. The class culture enables students
to express their views and think critically. They are organized in four person pods so
that they can compare ideas and clarify ideas not understood. The class is long and
narrow with a white board on the long edge. This makes it easier for the teacher to
stand in the back of the classroom and still be effective, helping to keep students
engaged through proximity. Much of the content comes through student analysis of
primary source material. However, lecture is also an important part of the class.
Though students are continually asked questions, often times coming to correct
conclusions on their own without teacher instruction. The classroom is fairly evenly
split along gender lines, with 25 students. There are approximately 6 nonwhite
students in the class. Students seats in the
drawing
below are indicated by smiley
Front
of
faces.
the class

Teachers Desk

Student table

Student table

Student table Student table

Student table

Student table

Student table

Door