Buzz Aldrin Overview

Buzz Aldrin Middle School provides a thorough and vigorous academic education for all of our students. Collaborative learning, technological integration and strong parental support are at the heart of our school's success. The program provides an opportunity for exploration, using guided and self-directed methods, to ensure skill mastery and a lifelong love of learning. At Buzz Aldrin, students learn to think critically while also learning to respect themselves, each other, and the world around them.

MAGNET THEME

Part of the excitement of being a STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Mathematics) magnet school is the ability to partner with institutions and organizations such as science centers and universities. Buzz Aldrin has formed relationships with Montclair State University, Liberty Science Center, the Steven's Institute of Technology, We Care Solar, Upright Africa and River Sound Solutions. The school is equipped with several technology learning centers and has the rich resources to allow students access to solving real world problems. Exposure to the STEM subjects gives students learning opportunities that are hands-on, inquiry-based, and devoted to providing a challenging, rigorous learning environment in which students are prepared for the world of tomorrow. We are also focused on applying the Arts into STEM, which is often referred to as STEAM.

LEARNING COMMUNITY

Buzz Aldrin is a community of students, administrators, teachers, support staff, community partners and parents who trust, encourage and respect each other. Community service is highly recommended and acknowledged at awards assemblies in June, after students have completed 12 hours of documented service. Additionally, students are offered educational opportunities to bring their interests and knowledge into a larger community, including other schools in the district. At Buzz Aldrin, we believe in frequent communication between home and school. Parents are encouraged to take an active role in supporting responsible learners. As parents and staff discuss the children's talents and progress, students learn to recognize and appreciate their personal support system for academic as well as social-emotional growth.

SCHOOL ORGANIZATION AND SCHEDULE

In order to provide students with an intimate learning experience, Buzz Aldrin is divided into five houses of approximately 130 students each. Students stay in the same house for all three years of middle school, with many of the same teachers. There are four teachers in the following areas assigned to each house and most students remain within their house for these subjects: Math, Science, Language Arts, and Social Studies. Each house also has its own teachers for in-class support. Block scheduling (or double periods) allows for in-depth study of subject matter. Dance, Band, Chorus, World Languages, Art, and a rich array of elective courses, are taken according to a student's interests and needs.

ACADEMIC PROGRAM

The basic component of a student's daily schedule is comprised of courses in the required areas of Language Arts, Mathematics, Social Studies, Science, World Languages (multi-levels of French and Spanish), and Physical Education. The Related Arts department includes many elective courses, such as Band, Chorus, Art, Architecture, Broadcast Studio, Digital Photography, and Dance.

TECHNOLOGY

Technology as a learning tool and a mode of expression and communication is a cornerstone of 21st century education. Buzz Aldrin is equipped with several Technology Learning Commons as well as a fiber optic infrastructure that allows access to technology in every classroom and throughout the building. Students use technology, including multimedia platforms, to become writers, mathematicians, engineers, scientists, and artists in ways that emphasize the construction of knowledge and its application.

Project Lead The Way (PLTW), is an important, innovative part of the Technology program at Buzz Aldrin. PLTW teaches pre-engineering concepts at the middle school level, incorporating three units of study: Computer Aided Design and 3-D Printing, The Science of Technology, and Automation and Robotics. PLTW is a precursor to the program offered in the STEM Small Learning Community at Montclair High School.

EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES AND COMPETITIONS

Buzz Aldrin Middle School provides many extra-curricular educational activities for our middle school students including, but not limited to: Model UN, Model Congress, ROGATE, Academically Speaking, Science Olympiad, National Junior Honor Society, Robotics, ETC (Engineering, Technology, Computing), Yearbook, Stage Crew, Theatre Productions, the Greenhouse Garden Club, Counselor-directed Peer Mentoring and Grade Level Advisories. Descriptions of many of these activities, projects and competitions can be found at our STEM website.

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