Dixon Middle School Schools to Watch 2004   Dixon Middle School 200 Dixon School Road Holly Ridge, NC 28445 (910) 347-2738 (910) 347-4399 FAX   Principal: Dr. Laurie Spring     Introduction: Dixon Middle School is located on the coast of North Carolina north of Wilmington. This school of about 500 students is an old, but well cared for school, and is an important part of the community.   Here are some of the things that make Dixon Middle School a School to Watch.   Evidence of Academic Excellence All students at Dixon are expected to meet high academic standards. Having the same expectations in the resource classroom that are expected in the regular classroom evidences this. Planning is very consistent across all grade levels and subjects, with a great emphasis on literacy. Paideia seminars and Reading Renaissance are both implemented school wide. Teachers have great ownership in the school. They obviously care greatly about the students and understand and know the 'story' of each child. The administration is 'hands on' with the teachers and the students. Over the past three years, professional development in the school has focused around literacy. There is a clear alignment between curriculum, instruction and assessment. A variety of instructional strategies are used by a wide variety of teachers   Evidence of Meeting Students' Needs The school environment is clean, welcoming and has a mariner (mascot) theme throughout. Music plays when students enter the school each morning. There are greeters and teachers to welcome students each day. The school partners with the county/school district to provide services to the students. Students are members of the student council, quality council (leadership team) and a quality tool "parking lot" is located in classrooms. Family alliances are developed through family night, the involvement of all staff members (including cafeteria parents contacting families), newsletters and open communication between the school, administration and families. Community involvement includes parents, local businesses, and Kiwanis. Local businesses and community members work volunteer time and products for the school. The "Triple I" program is developmentally responsive along with providing academic excellence opportunities. All staff members are involved with "Triple I" and Paideia. Co-curricular activities include academic clubs, Odyssey of the Mind, Builders Club (service), outside of school field trips and other activities. There is a strong incentive program for students at all levels.   Evidence of Social Equity High quality work is expected from each student. Multiple approaches are used to demonstrate achievement and mastery. The Triple I program allows the school to meet students' diverse and changing needs. Students have opportunities to learn and appreciate their own community, including the economic culture. Student voices are heard and valued through a VERY strong student council and there is student involvement on the School Improvement Team, Student Council, and Quality Council. Faculty, staff and administrators develop relationships with each child and their families.   Evidence of Organizational Structures & Processes The school has a shared vision that drives school changed. There is a mission statement posted in each classroom, and everyone on campus knows and understands the mission. University partnerships are established with East Carolina University and UNC-Wilmington. The staff reflects the racial/ethnic diversity of the community, and many members of the faculty and staff are long-time members of the community.   Closing Comments There are many exemplary programs and practices present at Dixon Middle School. The school is a cornerstone of the community, and the community is justly proud of thier school. Many of the students have family members in the military, and the school is very supportive of both the students of deployed soldiers and the families as well. There is a very strong use of academically gifted and EC teachers to meet the needs of all students. Dixon is a well-run school, and the administration is well-known and respected throughout the community. E-Mail Home | About NCMSA | Conferences | Membership | Schools to Watch | Regions | Publications Last Updated March 3, 2007 © 1999-2007 North Carolina Middle School Association National Forum logo, graphics, and criteria used with permission.