Ayer Introduction

Robert A. Millikan Middle School and Performing Arts Magnet: Program

Most Millikan students belong to one of the subject-focused academies. A team of teachers works together to plan field trips, instructional strategies, activities and culminating projects that address the content standards. Academies are as follows:

Civics – An interdisciplinary English and social studies academy focusing on the development of global citizens
Science Academy - Curriculum includes physics, trigonometry, chemistry, pre-calculus and nuclear chemistry
Visual Communications – Film production, technology, visual arts and language arts meet as students explore the world of multimedia
Performing Arts Academy – Performing Arts Instruction focused on culminating performance assessments coupled with life skills such as time management, discipline, responsibility, collaboration, leadership, practice and study skills
SAS Academy – Accelerated instruction across the curriculum coupled closely with field trips and in-depth projects that enlighten and challenge

The large campus is also home to the Millikan Performing Arts Magnet and numerous subject-driven academies that are modified small learning communities. The Performing Arts Magnet is focused on providing arts across the curriculum that is engaging and challenging. Average enrollment in the Magnet numbers 400. These students are given priority for placement in arts electives. Many teachers employ instructional strategies that are infused with the arts and as a result culminating projects are often innovative.

The general Millikan population has access to most of these electives as well. The Magnet has enabled the entire school to benefit from an extensive performing arts elective program that includes dance, drama, instrumental music and vocal music. Innovative programs include Afro-Caribbean drumming, jazz band, costume design and musical theatre. The success of this program has enabled Millikan to generate community interest and support that has resulted in remarkable facilities (three large dance rooms with mirrors, a drama room with a small theatre, a black box theatre that doubles as a drama classroom, an outdoor stage with a portable wood dance floor, and three music rooms).

The Millikan students that are designated special needs receive special education services. Programs include resource specialist program and special day programs provide services for students with the following eligibilities, learning disabled, emotionally disturbed, and autistic. There is a commitment to inclusion that is demonstrated throughout the Millikan campus. Students with disabilities can be seen enjoying the exceptional performing arts and technology programs. Several special needs students play key roles in the multi media literacy class, school band, percussion ensemble, drama program, and choral music program. “The Learning Center ” and collaborative programs are successful in providing students with special needs the support necessary to achieve their potential in the mainstream classroom.

Technology abounds at Millikan. Classrooms are equipped with 2 or more computers with internet access, an overhead projector, 1 DVD or video player, and a 35-inch screen monitor. Many classrooms also have LCD projectors. There are 4 computer labs each stocked with a server and 35 computers. In addition to the stationary labs there is a lap top computer cart for Carnegie math instruction and the Compass math program. Many teachers have participated in workshops and trainings designed to enhance their instructional programs.

California League of Middle Schools
6615 East Pacific Coast Highway, Suite 120, Long Beach, California 90803
Voice: 562/430-3136 or 800/326-1880 . . . FAX: 562/430-5607. . . E-Mail: info@clms.net