Agency Details:

Hiatt Middle School will provide a quality education with high expectations for teaching and learning, dedicated to the safety, social, and emotional well being of all.

Description:
The middle school program is tailored to the unique needs of emerging adolescents. An emphasis is placed on strengthening basic skills, as well as providing a wide range of exploratory classes. Enhancement of self-esteem is provided through Home Unit Group (HUG) activities led by teacher-advisors. Required courses include reading, language arts, social studies, math, science, and physical education. The required exploratory courses for 6th and 7th graders are art, music, home economics, technology education, computers, and introductions to French and Spanish. Eighth graders can choose from among elective courses: Spanish, French, Business and Keyboarding, Computers, Foods, Fabrics, Art, Crafts, Graphics, Pre-algebra, Algebra, Chorus, Fashions, Media, Music 8, Band, Orchestra, Community Service, Tutoring, and Journalism. All students can enroll in Band, Orchestra or Vocal Music.

The music program is outstanding. Hiatt has the largest middle-school orchestra and one of the largest bands. Several choral groups meet regularly before and after school as well as during the school day. Both the vocal and instrumental groups give several performances each year.

Another outstanding feature is a strong guidance program with individual and group counseling services. The counselors serve as a liaison between home and school. Students are offered individualized orientation, assessment, and programs appropriate for individualized needs. The guidance department sponsors many special programs: Tutors, Hiatt Helpers, Career Information Service, Career Seminar and Community Service.

History:
Hiatt Middle School was built in 1924 and has a rich tradition as a community school. The stately brick building includes a 600-seat auditorium, one gymnasium with separate locker rooms, two home economics classrooms, a media center, four science Labs, a large technology education classroom as well as the standard academic classrooms.

A building addition was completed in the fall of 1991 that included a new gymnasium, vocal music room and an instrumental room with 4 practice rooms. In 1993, a new library/media center, teacher work room, and a computer media /instructional room were constructed. The cafeteria was also remodeled. During the summer of 1998, we were fortunate to receive bleachers for our gym. The building has recently been repainted making it beautiful and attractive. A new paved parking lot northwest of the building for staff and visitors has been completed.

Contact people:

Spence Evans, Principal, (email) Erin Hemesath, (phone), (email)

Address:

1214 E 15th St Des Moines, IA 50316 (See a map)

Web Site: http://www.dmps.k12.is.us/schools/2Hiatt

Last updated on October 21, 2009