Blairsville Middle School lies in the heart of the thirty-six acre Blairsville School Campus sharing the campus with the high school, elementary school and central administration. These facilities were constructed in 1994. The middle school philosophy recognizes the unique developmental stage of students in grades 6-8. It provides an excellent traditional academic program with opportunities for intellectual, social, emotional and physical development, and is also supported by a community that values education.

We are proud of our investment in technology and through a technology grant we have a newly upgraded middle school computer lab, two new mobile computer labs with laptop computers and printing access, Smart Boards in the math classrooms and each classroom has four computers. The classrooms are also equipped with a television that provides closed circuit viewing capabilities or cable programming provided by Comcast.

Devoted to maintaining a high standard of academic excellence, the 315 students are taught the core curriculum by grade level teams. Enhancing the curricular choices are classes in art, music, health and physical education, foreign language, technology and family consumer science. Beginning with basic keyboarding, sixth grade students are required to complete a computer course. Through a newly integrated curriculum, technology skills are incorporated into the classroom instruction to support the unit or concept taught. The students learn to use the Internet, create power point presentations and learn to use other desktop publishing skills that will prepare them to advance to the high school computer courses.

Attending to the ever-changing emotional and physical development of our students, they may participate in a variety of activities. For the students interested in sports, a solid athletic program offers football, basketball, volleyball, wrestling, and cheerleading. For the student interested in the arts, vocal, and instrumental music, along with theatre are available. This provides them the opportunity to participate in musicals, plays and concerts.

The Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) is an active partner in our school and is a vital link among parents, students and school personnel. The PTO provides middle school students with many social opportunities and it also financially supports school activities that enhance learning. Additionally, our School Community Council is invested in connecting the school to the community through trans- and inter-generational activities.

Special Education services and a Gifted Program are available to students who need Individualized Education Programs. We offer guidance support and a student assistance (SAP) team comprised of our nurse, teachers, counselor, administrator and support agencies.

Many opportunities are available for communication between home and school. This occurs through quarterly report cards and newsletters, mid-quarter progress reports, a Homework Hotline, web page and email connections, and parent conferences held in November and January. Opportunities to discuss a child's academic and personal needs can be accommodated during a time arranged by contacting the school or teacher.

The instructional curriculum is aligned to the Pennsylvania State Standards and evaluated through the Pennsylvania System of School Assessment (PSSA). The PSSA is administered to 6th, 7th and 8th grade students in math and reading in the spring. The PSSA writing and science assessments are administered to the 8th grade students in the spring.

Blairsville Middle School is dedicated to providing the academic environment and social opportunities that permit students to grow and learn during these changing and important years of their lives.