Fort Lupton Middle School not a typical middle school

Fort Lupton Middle School sixth-grade language arts teacher Liz McCachren said when it inevitably comes up in conversation that she works as a middle school teacher, many are quick in offering their condolences.

Christine Hollister

Students in Fort Lupton Middle School’s AVID program learn how to set and work to achieve their goals. Here, they work on their “Road Maps to Success.”

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Christine Hollister

An ESL student in Barb Miles’ classroom shows FLMS Assistant Principal Tucker Willard a book that he had written and illustrated in the class

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Christine Hollister

Another FLMS student is hard at work.

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    “They say, ‘I’m sorry,’” she said. “But I want people to know that it’s not scary. There’s nothing scary about these kids or this building. It’s a really good middle school.
    “The students just make my day brighter,” she continued. “Every day, I can’t wait to be here. That’s why this school is unique. Because we like each other. We work together.”
    Walking into Fort Lupton Middle School, one immediately gets a sense of community, and school pride and even one of family. There’s an air of excitement in the building and it’s evident that teachers, staff and students really do want to be there. Eighth-grader Shaeah Woods says it all: 
    “I wake up excited to go to school,” she said.
    The school was recently notified that it is one of five national finalists for the Middle School of the Year award given out by the National Association of Middle School Principals. FLMS was the only Colorado school selected as a finalist. The winner will be announced during the National Association of Secondary School Principals annual conference in Denver Feb. 17. The award is sponsored by Lifetouch School Portraits.
    The National Middle School of the Year award recognizes middle schools that respond to the unique developmental needs of middle level students. FLMS Assistant Principal Tucker Willard filled out the paperwork to apply for the award. Willard said as he compiled a list of the school’s activities and achievements, he began to see just how amazing the school’s students and staff really were.
    “I had to use extra paper to have enough room to put down all that we have going on here,” he said with a laugh.
    In the application, Willard talked about Fort Lupton Middle School’s academic achievements, as well as outlining the school’s many activities and athletic program. Data documenting achievement gains in reading and math between 2006 and 2010 was also considered as part of the application process. Fort Lupton Middle School documented 27 academic programs and honors, 29 student activities, 10 sports offered and 442 participants among the population of 441 enrolled students.
    Cory Reynolds is an eighth-grader involved in a variety of activities including sports, National Junior Honor Society and student government.
    “The teachers are outstanding,” he said. “They care about kids and want them to do better. Our school is an outstanding school.”
    Eighth-grader James Benavidez told his FLMS success story.
    “When I came in sixth grade, I was a big troublemaker, but football changed my life,” he said. “Now I have a lot of friends and coach (Mark Gonzales) encourages me and inspires me to reach my goals.”
    It’s because of the support from the school’s teachers and staff that Benavidez has stepped up to be a leader in his school and now is working hard to go to college, he said. In addition to sports, he is also involved in a reading program that began at the school this month where eighth-graders help sixth-graders with reading. Every kid has a goal, Benavidez said, some just need a little encouragement to pursue those goals.
    “I owe it all to Gonzo,” he inspires me,” Benavidez said, getting up and giving Coach Mark Gonzales a big hug. “Gonzo inspires me so much. Now I feel like I’m a good person and a good student.”
    Eighth-grader Kyla Boyd just began working with coach Gonzales this semester. She also had numerous praises for her coach and teachers.
    “The coaches and teachers get to know you and really do care about you,” she said. “They want to help you succeed in school and in your future.”
    Gonzales said he enjoys coaching and helping the students strive to be their best.
    “We raise the bar for them,” he said. “It’s not enough to be good or to be OK. This school does a great job with leadership and getting the best out of kids.
    “Also, it’s easy for eighth-graders to say no to leadership and responsibility,” he added. “But they stepped up to the plate and are there for the other students.”
    Other FLMS teachers agreed.
    Diana Gomez is a seventh-grade math teacher at the school. She also works with the school’s WEB (Where Everybody Belongs) program where eighth-graders help sixth-graders excel in and outside of the school building.
    “I’m very impressed with the willingness of the students to go above and beyond,” she said. “They work hard. It’s a real community family feel here.”
    “People here are so supportive,” said sixth-grade language arts teacher Felicia Clifford. “It feels like family and I enjoy that.”
    “We all work together to give kids an equal education,” said Barb Miles, sixth- and seventh-grade ESL teacher.
    “The staff is great and the administration is awesome,” said art teacher Luke Herbert. “I love the creativity we have with our lesson plans and the kids really come to learn.”
    Jonathan Quezada, a seventh-grader, and Alex Guerrero, an eighth-grader, are involved in the school’s AVID program. AVID is a curriculum where goal-setting and going to college is emphasized.
    “The teachers are always there to help you set goals,” Quezada said.
    “We’re family,” Guerrero said. “We trust each other and help each other.”
    Another aspect of the school that was praised by many students and teachers was the school’s library and Tasha Tolbert, FLMS library media specialist.
    “The library is the heart of the school,” Gomez said. “It is terrific and warm and a place where the kids want to be.”
    A number of the school’s students stay after school in the library on some afternoons to study. Called Power Hour, FLMS teachers stay after school to help the students in the library on a rotating volunteer basis. Willard said he’s particularly proud of the teachers for giving extra time to help in this program.
    Willard said he’s had to confront a unique problem this year in relation to the library.
    “The kids love being in there so much, sometimes I have to go in there to get them to come out for lunch,” he said. 
     The school’s students and staff also strive to get involved in the community. Two eighth-grade girls from Fort Lupton Middle School recently spearheaded a drive that gathered more than 300 coats for the community. The school’s student council members contacted businesses and locals to gather and wash coats.
    Melanie Patterson has been principal at FLMS for three years. She’s proud of the school’s students and staff for their commitment to learning and to the community.
    “Our strength is in our student population and in the hearts of our staff,” she said.
    “I’d like to recognize every staff member in this building. They have such care and concern for kids, energy, leadership and enthusiasm. We have amazing kids and teachers who care.
    “I love our kids and I’m fortunate to have the opportunity to work with my colleagues here,” she said.
    Whether or not FLMS takes home the top award next month, seventh-grader Alisa Long said the school pride at FLMS will remain. 
    “Everybody is proud to be at Fort Lupton Middle School,” she said.