Schools to Watch - Kernodle Middle School

Kernodle Middle School
Schools to Watch 2007

Kernodle Middle School
3600 Drawbridge Parkway
Greensboro, NC 27410
(336) 545-3717

Principal: Charles Burns

Website: http://schoolcenter.gcsnc.com/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectionid=7050

Introduction:
John R. Kernodle, Jr. Middle School opened in August of 2000 in Guilford County. The school operates under the vision to become a professional learning community, upholding a standard of excellence, fostering academic and social growth through creativity, caring, collaboration, and reflection. The vision is clearly apparent in all classrooms by the quality performance of teachers and students. The four Cougar Core Values: respect, responsibility, participation, and compassion provide the basis for much discussion and activity in A/A and throughout the school. From the actions of students to the professionalism of staff, it was very clear the Core Values have been internalized by all who walk in the halls of Kernodle.
Here are some of the things that make Kernodle Middle School a School to Watch.

Evidence of Academic Excellence Fast Paced instruction with rigorous standards Vertical Alignment with feeder elementary and high schools Varied instructional strategies used in classrooms The school has an effective mentoring programs with NC A&T University and UNC-Greensboro The staff includes 16 National Board Certified Teachers
Evidence of Developmental Responsiveness Cougar Core Values (Respect, Responsibility, Compassion, Participation) drive the school The school has over 36 clubs addressing a variety of student interests Over half of the staff actively sponsor clubs or activities There are MANY effective business and community partnerships Real world problems and relevant situtations are used to engage students in learning
Evidence of Social Equity Special effort is made to include special needs students in school activities Many meetings occur outside of the school day--Grade Level Fun Nights, Parent Meetings, etc. There is no In School Suspension. The school works to find meaningful alternative methods to promote positive student behavior The Core Values appears to have led to a very compassionate and caring student body and faculty The staff works to ensure that all students are in the most challenging classes possible
Evidence of Organizational Structures & Processes School Vision in every room with mission statement and Core Values Principal communicates and facilitates a shared vision for success and improvement. Opportunities for study of professional publications such as books and journal articles Counselor's hand-schedule the majority of student schedules to make sure the classes are balanced socially, academically, and ethnically Administrators and counselors loop with the grade levels for discipline and guidance. This includes the principal
Closing Comments Kernodle Middle School has a "whatever it takes" mentality. The four Core Values are not just printed on paper, they are lived each day by the adults and children in the building.

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Last Updated April 24, 2007
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