Principal's Message

At Horizon Middle School we take a great deal of pride in providing a quality education for all students.  It has become common for schools to claim that excellence and high standards will be available to all students.  The key word is “ALL”.  Do all students achieve?  Do all students excel and feel a part of the community? 

These are important questions that we consider and cause us to look closely at our program and how we provide services to students and families.  We strive to meet those needs through some specific beliefs and actions.  First, we believe that all students can learn and must be challenged.  We know and understand that students learn in different ways and at different rates.  We know that lessons must be relevant and interesting to students.  Second, we deliver instruction in a manner that provides a clear objective, teaches specific skills, builds on previous skills, allows for collaborative and independent practice, and learning is assessed over time.  Third, communication between the school and home is increasing.  We have a stronger program when there is a partnership between parents, teachers, and students.  With that, we know it requires effort from both parties to provide timely communication, multiple ways of communication, and to be open to new ideas and questions as they come about.  When there are issues, if they are approached in a spirit of cooperation the outcome is more successful for all involved.  Finally, the middle school experience is very an opportunity for major personal growth amongst students.  To ensure this happens for your child, talk to the school about what works for your child, how they learn, and how we can best meet their needs.  The reality of our system has some limitations, but we pride ourselves in stretching our services within the boundaries to provide a program for ALL students and meets their needs.

Our progress toward this goal is in a state of perpetual motion.  You never really end or stop when you reach a goal with a student, you keep moving and pursue the next goal.  We’re not foolish enough to believe that we have all the answers and won’t be met with occasional setbacks—life in the middle school isn’t a finely tuned orchestra, it’s more of a controlled chaos!  We chose to be in a middle school because these are exciting times and the Middle School Years Matter.

Sincerely, Mr. Hardt

Horizon Middle School  -- The Sky’s the Limit!