Allison Traditional Magnet

Allison Traditional Magnet was developed at the request of parents who wanted a rigorous academic environment, a strict dress code, a well-defined and monitored discipline plan and a high degree of parental involvement. Parents are an integral part of Allison through site council, volunteer programs, committee work and the Parent Teacher Association.

The curriculum emphasizes the basic subjects including reading, writing, grammar, spelling, mathematics, science, social studies and geography. Advanced skill studies are available in every academic area. Exploratory classes include Spanish, FACS (Family and Consumer Science), Physical Education, Art, Orchestra, Band, Vocal Music, and Computer Science. Algebra is offered in seventh grade and geometry in the eighth grade for those students who are prepared for these courses.

Special education services are provided for students with special needs.

Allison features rigorous academic classes, including accelerated programs in all academic areas. Allison Traditional Magnet Middle School has been recognized as receiving State Standard of Excellence in Reading and Math for four straight years. We continue to meet and surpass the Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) goals set forth by the State of Kansas and monitored by the Department of Education in Washington, D.C. We are proud of our students' hard work and dedication to their education. We are appreciative of the support and encouragement we receive from our parents.



 

Exit west Kellogg at Seneca St. Go north on Seneca past Maple one block. Allison is on the west side of street on the corner. See Maps for all USD 259 locations.

The mission of Allison Traditional Magnet Middle School, with the support of parents, staff and students, is to prepare students to continue their education for a productive life in a structured, safe environment. The program will emphasize the following:

• Responsibility for self;
• Respect for self, authority, others and property;
• Rigorous academic standards and a challenging curriculum at all ability levels;
• Consistent, enforced discipline;
• Strict dress code;
• Support for parents, staff and students.

Our goal is to maintain:

1. Rigorous Academic Standards: We utilize a traditional grading system, teaching methods which challenge students to perform at and above grade level; reasonable home work assignments; and advanced studies classes in Math, Language Arts, and Science. Our Campus Improvement Plan focuses on Math, Reading and Writing.
2. Discipline: A strict disciplinary system is defined and enforced.
3. Parental Involvement: Parents are involved in school planning and activities. Parents select staff, plan and select curriculum, participate in budget decisions, and volunteer.
4. A capacity of 500 students.

Each school has a site council, which is a group of parents, community members, business representatives, teachers and other school staff. Site councils identify, consider and discuss educational problems and issues at the school. Councils provide advice and counsel for evaluating state, school district and school site performance goals and objectives. Councils may also recommend methods that may be employed at the school site to meet these goals and objectives.

Meeting Day: Every other 2nd Monday of the month, beginning Sept. 14
Time: 5:30 p.m.
Location: Allison Library

Parent Teacher Association (PTA)
 
Meeting Day: Every other 2nd Monday of the month, beginning Sept. 14
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: Allison Library

• Targeted Tutoring
• University of Kansas Writing Strategies
• Adolescent Literacy Program
• National Academic League
• Circle of Friends

•  A-TEAM:  Academic incentive program
• Eagle Awards: Recognition for improved grade point average .5%.
• Intramural sports: volleyball and basketball
• National Academic League
• Other special after school events and activities: dances, skating parties, entertainment, etc.
• Sports for 7^th/8^th graders: cross-country, volleyball, basketball, track and field
• Student Council

The present site of Allison Middle School at 221 South Seneca Street was selected by Board action on June 2, 1919. Purchase price of the block of ground which included three small houses was $26,500.

The new school was to have been named Mark Twain Intermediate School. However, people of the West Side petitioned the Board to change the name to James A. Allison, and that name was finally approved for the new school.

James A. Allison was active in community affairs from the time of his arrival in Wichita in 1886 until his death in 1916. His home was located on the corner of Martinson and University near the site of the school which was named in his honor. Mr. Allison was an educator and a civic and religious leader. He was instrumental in the founding of Friends University through the sale of the former Garfield University to James A. Davis who gave the property to the Society of Friends. Mr. Allison served on the Board of Education from 1891 to 1893 and was a member of the Board of Trustees of Southwestern University from 1894 to 1913.

Classes were first held in Allison Intermediate School in January 1921 with Mr. S.D. Hendryx as the principal.

The first building has had three additions to the original structure. The first addition consisted of three classrooms on the north side in 1928. Four classrooms and a cafeteria were added in 1930. In 1950, a gymnasium, band room and two art classrooms were added. Renovation of offices, corridors and cafeteria was completed in 1976.

The block of ground west of the present site was first used in 1927 as an athletic field. Dodge Street was closed a few years later.

In the fall of 1988, all ninth graders were moved to high schools leaving seventh and eighth graders. In the fall of 1989, all junior high schools became middle schools (6-8).

At the April 8, 1996 meeting, the Board of Education approved to dissolve the Allison attendance area at the end of the 1995-96 school year, with students sent to Hadley and Hamilton, and to create a traditional middle school magnet beginning with the 1996-97 school year.

From A History of Wichita Public School Buildings, c 1997