In the fall of 2017, a middle school administrator, a district administrator, and a community member made a plan to increase MAP scores and overall achievement for black male students at Weeks Middle School. We also intended to decrease disproportional office referral and suspension numbers for the same students. Making connections with students and families was our top priority. Additionally, we aimed to connect community support with students, as well as integrate skill building and personalized goal setting. We have seen overall success and can share what we learned along the way. Presenters will include some of Weeks Middle Schools' Young Men of Distinction, Corey Harris, Middle School Director of Des Moines Public Schools, Tony Wilson, Community Leader and former Des Moines Public Schools Teacher, and Dr. Heather Farris, Vice Principal of Weeks Middle School. This is not a program. It is our story of what we tried and what we learned.
