Principal Senethavilay's Update

January 10, 2022

Middle School Opportunity

PVE 5th Grade Families,

I am sharing a letter with you from Dr. Eric Eschen, Principal at Pathways Middle School. Many families do not know about our smaller, alternative middle schools and their mission to help students succeed. As we get ready to think about the middle school registration process at the end of next month, please take a look at this program to see if it may be a fit for your child. If you have questions, please feel free to contact Pathways directly or contact me. I am happy to help answer questions.

Greetings Parents,

Pathways Middle School is a public middle school for students who would like a smaller environment in which to learn. The program, created by West Ada, is for 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students. Our school is looking for good kids who get lost in the crowd and feel like their current school is not the right fit. These students may find it difficult to stay organized, be struggling in their academic environment, or simply feel their school is just too big.

Pathways Middle School offers:

Smaller class sizes with more one-on-one attention.
A smaller school community comprised of a maximum of 160 total students.
A block schedule so students can complete their work in class with fewer transitions.
No daily assigned homework for their 6th or 7th grade year.
The addition of homework in 8th grade to prepare students for high school and college.
Specific instruction in study skills, organization strategies, standardized test taking skills, and Leader in Me school-wide program through Study Lab and Academic Labs.
The same core curriculum as the larger schools and electives including Filmmaking, Maker Lab, Art, Drama, and Guitar.
Student-created interest groups such as Tech Club, Gamers Club, Magic Club, Football Club, Builders Club, Skate Team, Ski/Snowboard Club, and more!
All sports/after school activities are still available for our students at Eagle Middle, Heritage Middle, Sawtooth Middle, Star Middle, and Lowell Scott Middle.
A supportive and nurturing environment where failing is not an option.

We are located at 1870 East Heritage Park Lane in Meridian – across from Discovery Elementary and Meridian Technical/Meridian Medical Charter High Schools.

We will be accepting applications for the 2022-2023 school year in January 2021. If you feel Pathways could be a good option for your student, talk to your student’s current school counselor and fill out an application. You can also get an application from our website (www.westada.org/pathways) and return it to the school counselor. Interviews will be scheduled for April 25th, 2022.

For more information, visit our website, contact your student’s counselor, or call Pathways at 208-350-4040. We will also be hosting a Pathways Information Night on February 24th from 6:00 – 7:00 PM at Pathways. We look forward to meeting you!

Thank you,

Dr. Eric Eschen

Principal