Topsail Middle School Schools to Watch 2003   Topsail Middle School 17385 US HWY 17 Hampstead, NC 28443 (910) 270-2612   Principal: Clyde Carroll   Website:   Introduction: Topsail Middle School is located on the North Carolina coast just minutes from the ocean. The school of 500 students is located in a low-wealth district, but one would never know it by spending time at the school. They have done a masterful job of allocating resources and engaging the community in helping to get things done. One of the most unique elements of Topsail is their farm. Starting as a project to help provide a functional curriculum for special needs children, it has become the centerpiece of the school and the site of much high-level learning-- and a place that meets the needs of students. When the farm needed to make a ring for their horses the old bleachers from the high school were recycled and given new life as fencing! The school has high expectations for each student, and believes in doing "whatever it takes" for each child to grow academically and personally.   Here are some of the things that make Topsail Middle School a School to Watch.   Evidence of Academic Excellence All children are expected to meet high expectations. Failure is not an option. Literacy is an integral part of the curriculum and is evident throughout the day in ALL classes. Students have choice in projects. Interdisciplinary Units span not only across core areas, but also across grade levels, and many lessons are designed around "The Farm". Teachers create and lead professional development.   Evidence of Meeting Students' Needs School is the center of the community. The community is involved and supports its school. Connections are made to the real world through curriculum and "The Farm." Students have opportunities to give input and participate in the school community and decision making. Co-curricular activities are varied and diverse, meeting the needs of ALL students. There is strong and vocal student council, who has taken ownership of, and pride in, their school. Evidence of Social Equity Multiple approaches are used to achieve and master work and to demonstrate proficiency. Community members provide opportunities for children to learn about and appreciate their own culture and community. Families are welcome-and they really mean it! Community members volunteer and create extra curricular activities for children.   Evidence of Organizational Structures & Processes There is a very clear sense of purpose and everyone in the building understands why they are there. The school has a variety of leaders. The administrative team is strong, and there are numerous teacher leaders who make good things happen for their students. The school has done an exceptional job of organizing activities around their farm. It is obviously important to student life at Topsail, and time is allotted for students to participate. Closing Comments It does not take one long at Topsail Middle School to get the distinct impression that it is a School to Watch. Students exhibit not only academic success, but also thrive in an environment that clearly meets their needs. When we visited Topsail we observed students outside taking water samples and analyzing them for nitrogen content. Other students were doing calculations to determine how many solar panels needed to go on the roof of the barn to generate enough electricity for other projects. E-Mail Home | About NCMSA | Conferences | Membership | Schools to Watch | Regions | Publications Last Updated March 22, 2005 © 1999-2005 North Carolina Middle School Association National Forum logo, graphics, and criteria used with permission.