IS 250 is a small middle school with demanding academics and happy kids. There is a strong emphasis on writing, and children write essays not only in English class but also history and even science. The school works hard to challenge top students while giving struggling students the support they need.

Located in a quiet and residential neighborhood in Flushing, Queens, IS 250 occupies the first floor and part of the basement of the former Parsons Junior High School building, which it shares with the Queens School of Inquiry and PS 255, a District 75 program for autistic children. The building is bright and clean, and the walls are decorated with student work and colorful displays.

Since he came to IS 250 in the fall of 2011, Principal Vincent Randazzo has worked to foster a close-knit community within the school. “We know who all the students are,” he said, greeting students by name as he passed through the hallways during our visit. Randazzo also received high marks from teachers on the 2011-2012 Learning Environment Survey, and he works closely with teachers on curriculum development and student performance improvement.

All teachers participate in common planning periods for their subjects in which they collaborate on lesson planning, analyze data on student performance, and work to ensure a sense of continuity between different classes. All classes are structured around “essential questions” that guide the lessons. Study skills are also emphasized, and students use marble notebooks in each of their classes and are given instruction in effective note taking.

Teachers do a good job teaching a broad range of students, who are often grouped together by level and ability and assigned tasks specifically tailored to their level of skills.

While the school does not have a Gifted and Talented Program, it does offer Special Progress classes for advanced students, who are selected according to their test scores and class grades. Students in the Special Progress classes take the algebra and biology Regents exams in the eighth grade and receive extra support in math and science during the school’s extended day program on Tuesdays and Thursdays. Students with special needs, ELL students, and those who need extra help attend the Intervention Academy, an afterschool program that is also held during the extended day.

Extracurricular activities are limited. However, students may participate in the school’s show choir, student government, or technology club. Afterschool sports including basketball, cheerleading, floor hockey, soccer, and football are offered through the CHAMPS Middle School Sports and Fitness League. The school also organizes special events such as family nights, multicultural day, and spirit week.

Special education: There are Special Education Teacher Support Services (SETSS), and the school has both integrated co-teaching classrooms and self-contained classrooms for students with special needs.

English language learners: The school uses the “push-in” model for ELL students, in which the ESL teacher comes into the mainstream classroom and works with the content area teacher to provide extra language support for ELL students.

Admissions: IS 250 is a zoned school for District 25, and there are some seats available to children who live outside the zone. Students from Districts 25 and 28 may apply under provisions of a magnet grant. (Pauline Zaldonis, January 2013)