East Burke Middle School Schools to Watch 2004   East Burke Middle School 3519 Miller Bridge Road PO Box 1150 Icard, NC 28666 (828)397-7446 (828)397-1086 FAX   Principal: Jim Childers   Website: http://www.burke.k12.nc.us/ebms   Introduction: East Burke Middle School is located in the foothills of the mountains in western North Carolina. This school serves about 850 6th-8th graders. The mission of East Burke Middle School is "to educate our students, support individual differences, and provide an authentic learning environment. With the involvement of our community, local businesses, and PTA, we will provide our students with a safe and nurturing environment." The statement "When students come first, everyone succeeds" is more that a slogan at East Burke Middle School. The visiting team found that the education and welfare of young adolescents are driving forces that guide all decisions at the school. The commitment to doing everything possible to ensure that all students learn was evident in the actions of students, teachers, administrators, special services personnel, parent and community members, and other stakeholders. Educators at East Burke Middle School work hard to make sure the needs of every young adolescent are met to the fullest extent possible.   Here are some of the things that make East Burke Middle School a School to Watch.   Evidence of Academic Excellence One example of the academic excellence at East Burke Middle School its recognition as a "school of distinction" since the inception of an accountability system was established by the state in 1997. The performance composite scores for the last three years have been 85%, 86%, and 86% respectively. There is a strong focus on teaching the basic subjects at East Burke Middle School. There are a wide variety of enrichment (elective) classes are offered (e.g., band, music, computers, career exploration, physical education, health). Inclusion classes as well as limited pull-out plans are used. When students are pulled out of a core class, it is for only 45 minutes of the 90 minute block. Two self-contained classrooms are used for BED and EMD students. East Burke Middle School has an academic excellence program which provides encouragement and recognition for excellence in learning. This program is designed to encourage all students to be successful rather than focusing only on a "select few." For example, "A" honor roll students receive a pin and a "Raider Excellence" shirt. A/B students also receive a pin and a shirt. Awards are also given for improvement, perfect attendance, and the Accelerated Reading Program. Teams provide opportunities for students to receive recognition at the team level. As stated in the application, "East Burke Middle School wants each child that he or she is part of the whole."   Evidence of Meeting Students' Needs Decisions made at East Burke Middle School are based on criteria that always consider the crucial importance of developmental factors. The totality of East Burke Middle School is authentically based on multiple interactive factors that always include implications for the needs and interest of young adolescents. This is the case in curriculum, instruction, social activities, and other areas essential to a highly successful school for young adolescents. East Burke Middle School has a fully functioning advisory program. When Principal Patton was asked about this program, he talked about the crucial role advisory programs play in student and school success. He discussed the importance of developmental responsiveness and its links with academic success. The activities conducted during these advisory times have purpose and are not just "glorified home rooms." For example, a part of eighth grade advisory is a year-long focus on having a successful transition to high school. An intramural program is also an important part of the advisory curriculum. All faculty members have advisory groups. There is a comprehensive effort to provide guidance to students at East Burke Middle School. The school counselors provide a variety of services and are responsible for the peer mediation program. A carefully planed referral process is in effect for teachers to get assistance for their students. Other special service personnel include a social worker and a school resource officer.   Evidence of Social Equity Educators and others at East Burke Middle School are committed to social equity in all programs and practices. Multiple approaches are used to demonstrate achievement and mastery. The links of East Burke Middle School to the community seemed to demonstrate an interest in all family and community members. The PTA is very active and has 25 parents on the advisory board. Projects by the PTA, as well as the Partners for Progress Committee, provide resources and services that benefit all students. For example, students who do not have the resources to pay for extended field trips (e.g., Washington DC) are able to go because of scholarships provided by these organizations. The STW committee met with the PTA advisory board and the Partners for Progress Committee. These meetings left no doubt in the minds of STW team members about the commitment of members of these committees to reach out to all segments of the community served by the school and to provide all East Burke Middle School students with multiple opportunities to learn. An additional example of efforts to provide all students with the assistance needed is the before and after school enrichment programs.   Evidence of Organizational Structures & Processes The school is a community of practice. The school presents and exhibits at state and national conferences, and hosts a summer training sessions in learning styles http://www.burke.k12.nc.us/ebms/LS/ls.html The school is organized into interdisciplinary teams that are functional and are one of the reasons for the success of students and teachers. The school also utilizes flexible scheduling in ways that enhance the positive results of authentic interdisciplinary teaming. Two and three teacher teams are used at the sixth grade level and four teacher teams in grades seven and eight. The organizational plan used provides opportunities for young adolescents to be well known by several teachers who have planned with their colleagues regarding ways to maximize their learning. Students interviewed seemed to believe that their teachers knew and cared about them. They also, however, believed that their teachers held high expectations for their learning. There is a very high level of buy-in to the mission and goals of the school. There are a number of key stateholders among administrators, faculty, and staff who possess the collective will to overcome any obstacles.   Closing Comments East Burke has shown that student success can be achieved and maintained over a period of many years. Exemplary programs and practices are institutionalized into the culture of the school. The long-term success of the school is clear when talking to students, teachers, community members, parents, and others. East Burke Middle School exemplifies the kinds of middle schools so desperately needed by the youth of today. It clearly meets all criteria established by the National Forum to Accelerate Middle Grades Reform. East Burke Middle School is, without doubt, academically excellent, socially equitable, and developmentally responsive. E-Mail Home | About NCMSA | Conferences | Membership | Schools to Watch | Regions | Publications Last Updated October 14, 2005 © 1999-2005 North Carolina Middle School Association National Forum logo, graphics, and criteria used with permission.