Motto: Urbana Middle School: Soaring to Excellence

Core Values:

*Display honesty and integrity in all interactions

*Demonstrate empathy, caring, and respect for all

*Create and maintain a safe school climate

*Understand and celebrate the strength of diversity -- locally, nationally, and internationally

*Cultivate a positive, stimulating, and collaborative working environment in which all staff are dedicated to helping students learn and grow

*Orient all of our efforts towards high achievement for all students

Purpose: To educate all students to achieve success now and in the future

10- to 30-Year Big Hairy Audacious Goal (BHAG): To exemplify the finest education in academics and character for middle school students in the State of Maryland

Vivid Description: We will educate all students at a rigorous level in all disciplines so that they are prepared to achieve success in a world that is constantly being transformed by new technologies and the removal of global barriers. Our reputation for excellence will be well known, and other schools will strive to emulate us. We will develop in students an international perspective and integrate technology in all areas of a student's education. All relationships are built upon trust, understanding, and respect for others, and staff will collaborate to achieve our goal of being the best. New people will constantly want to join the UMS staff, and current members will not want to leave. All will find UMS a positive and stimulating place in which to work and attend school. Students will respond by achieving at very high levels. The community, especially parents and students, will praise us for our work, we will receive accolades for being the best middle school in Maryland, but we will be motivated first and foremost by our dedication to helping students learn and grow.