Schools
GUG II Middle School
About GUG II Middle School
Welcome to Growing Up Green Middle School, Jamaica! We are a vibrant learning community serving students in grades 5 through 8. We are dedicated to nurturing young minds as they transition from elementary school to high school, preparing them for success in academics and life.
At Growing Up Green Middle School, our mission is to cultivate leaders and social justice advocates who are passionate about creating a more sustainable and equitable world. Through rigorous academics, hands-on learning experiences, and a commitment to sustainability, we empower students to think critically, act responsibly, and contribute meaningfully to their communities.
Our school community is grounded in our core values: kindness, collaboration, courage, and social justice. These values guide our decisions, shape our relationships, and inspire us to create a school culture where every member feels supported and motivated to grow. Together, we foster an environment where students learn to lead with empathy, work collectively, and stand up for what is right.
School Leader Welcome
It is our privilege to serve this extraordinary community, where students in grades 5 through 8 grow academically, socially, and emotionally in a supportive and challenging environment. At Growing Up Green, we are guided by the principles of criticality and inquiry. We encourage our students to ask meaningful questions, think deeply about the world around them, and develop the skills to become informed, empowered citizens.
We are committed to educating the whole child. Social-emotional learning (SEL) is infused into every classroom and space, ensuring that students not only thrive academically but also develop the self-awareness, empathy, and interpersonal skills essential for lifelong success. This holistic approach allows us to create a nurturing environment where every child feels supported and empowered to grow.
Our school offers a robust selection of extracurricular opportunities, including after-school clubs and competitive sports teams, ensuring that every student can find an activity that fuels their interests and passions. We also value learning beyond the classroom and integrate frequent field trips into our curriculum, providing hands-on experiences that bring lessons to life.
Alissa Vera
School Leader
Paul Hinchey
Assistant School Leader
Xavier Webber
Assistant School Leader
GUG II MS by the Numbers
5-8
Grades Served
350+
Students
18-27
Students Per Class
91%
of students receive an offer to their top 3 High School choice
School Programs
Regents Classes Offered in 8th Grade
Our students have the opportunity to earn high school Regents credits in Algebra I and Living Environment, equipping them with a strong academic foundation for future success.
High School Readiness and Application Support
We have a dedicated High School counselor who begins working with students and their families in seventh grade. We support students in building a strong NYC public school application including screened high school programs, portfolios, and through taking specialized high school exams, catholic high school exams, or arts auditions.
Sustainability & Science
In addition to the NYS Science Learning Standards, GUG offers students the chance to engage in sustainability and science in our weekly science lab. Teachers use both class and lab time to focus on learning standards and green themes in context. Students gain a deeper understanding of scientific principles and how those translate into wider topics important to their communities.
Rigorous, Hands-on Academics
We are committed to empowering our students through challenging and exploratory learning opportunities that expose them to real-world content. To foster this, we provide ample opportunities to engage with academic material through field trips and multi-disciplinary projects.
Robust Academic Support for All Learners
Our comprehensive special education program includes one or two Integrated Co-Teaching Classroom (ICT) classes per subject area (ELA, Math, Science, and Social Studies). Our robust special education staffing model includes a Director of Support Services and Intervention in each of our buildings, learning specialists (certified special education teachers), and on-site speech and language therapists. They are supported by a knowledgeable team including counselors, Deans of Students and High School Placement Counselors.
After School Sports & Clubs
Home of the GUG Goats!
We offer a robust selection of after school programs staffed by our teachers, such as:
Seasonal Sports Teams and Academic Clubs:
Volleyball, Basketball, Flag Football, Soccer
School Uniforms
At Growing Up Green, we give our students the opportunity for expression, but within school guidelines. With that in mind, please see below for proper uniform requirements and where to purchase them. Click below to purchase school uniforms.
School Handbook
Access all the essential school policies and guidelines in our comprehensive handbook. Click the button below to download your copy and stay informed.
