Schools to Watch - Reid Ross Classical School

Reid Ross Classical School
Schools to Watch 2004

Reid Ross Classical School
3200 Ramsey Street Fayetteville, NC 28301 (910) 488-8415 (910) 488-6209 FAX

Principal: Debbie Poulk

Website: http://www.ccs.k12.nc.us/rrcs/

Introduction: Reid Ross Classical School is located in the North Carolina Sandhills in the city of Fayetteville. The school of 885 students has a very diverse residential population and does not bus its students. It also has a very diverse faculty and staff with little turnover. Those who like the way things work (the overwhelming majority) stay. The school has been in existence for many years, but was reconstituted as a school of choice five years ago. The school has increased its performance composite from 77% to 87%. More importantly, the achievement gap has closed significantly, with the typical gap from 0 to 5 points. The most unusual thing about Reid Ross is that is houses separate middle and high school programs-each of which augments and supports the other.

Here are some of the things that make Reid Ross Classical School a School to Watch.

Evidence of Academic Excellence The mantra of the principal, which was repeated frequently by students, staff, and parents, is "You walk in the door, you give me a "4" (the top score on the state test).This is the expectation for each child. There is a weekly growth test for each child that is teacher created and based on the curriculum standards. Every student charts individual performance, and class performance is also charted. When asked about the pressure to perform, one student replied, "It's like washing your hands… it's automatic and no big deal." The principal passes out each class' test results. Students understand what they are being taught, and how it fits into the larger picture. Students have tremendous support in achieving, with students and teachers in the building from 6:00 a.m. until 6:00 p.m. Having the high school staff meet regularly with the middle school staff, there is tremendous vertical and horizontal articulation.

Evidence of Meeting Students' Needs There is an usually civil environment and culture in action here. Students are uncommonly friendly and polite to each other and to the adults in the building. There is an intense drive to succeed, but it plays out like a team where each member is exhorted by the others to be their best. At this school it is cool to be smart. The school has uniforms, which is an effective leveler between "haves" and "have nots," but it must be noted that the uniform requirements (no jeans, no sneakers, etc.) are sufficiently broad enough to allow for individual style. The wearing of uniforms was a complete non-issue to students. There is a tremendous use of the arts throughout the school. Students even perform at local weddings! Teachers do an exceptional job of making connections across disciplines. One of the finest lessons we've seen in some time on the elements of writing occurred in the social studies class studying NC History. \There is strong and vocal student council, who has taken ownership of, and pride in, their school. Parents and the community are integral parts of the school's every day function.

Evidence of Social Equity While there is an ISS, it is seldom used and the teacher is really a "floater" who helps score the weekly tests. Teachers very clearly feel a need to "take care of their own," and have a long train of interventions before a child is written up and sent to the office. Everyone in the building, including support staff, custodians, cafeteria, etc, is committed to high achievement for EVERY student. The staff is very diverse, and reflects the student population. There is a community service requirement at each grade-increasing in hours from 6th to 12th grade. Service is part of the culture of the school. There is a high level of inclusion for special needs students. Gifted students also are accelerated. Honors and regular classes are taught together, with honors students having an additional project requirement.

Evidence of Organizational Structures & Processes There is a very clear sense that everyone in the building knows and articulates the vision of the school. The principal is a visionary leader, but does not exert control in such a manner that the school couldn't continue in her absence. She is collaborative, and her staff is fiercely loyal, as are her students and parents. The school is a community of practice. The principal gives keynotes at national conferences and the staff presents regularly both within the state and region, and nationwide. The faculty is not only diverse; it is also international in scope.

Closing Comments Reid Ross Classical has many outstanding programs and practices. The unusual configuration of 6-12 does not prevent the middle grades component from being a wonderful middle school. Indeed, the middle and high school programs compliment each other remarkably well. There is a tremendous level of both horizontal and vertical articulation of curriclum, and an extraordinarily high level of instruction for all students. Students report that they experience success at higher levels than they previously thought possible due in large part to the expectations of the administration and staff. Teachers WANT students to succeed, and know how to help them do so.

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Last Updated March 3, 2007
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