Eighth-grade student Clayton Meade, center in glasses, leads the student body in a choreographed dance to the Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling" during the Boyd County Middle School Schools to Watch ceremony March 30, 2010. Photo by Amy Wallot

Eighth-grade student Clayton Meade, center in glasses, leads the student body in a choreographed dance to the Black Eyed Peas "I Gotta Feeling" during the Boyd County Middle School Schools to Watch ceremony March 30, 2010. Photo by Amy Wallot

Boyd County Middle School

  • Community: Northeast Kentucky on West Virginia border, mostly rural
  • Enrollment: 728
  • Grade levels: 6-8
  • School schedule: Eight-period day
  • www.boyd.k12.ky.us/bcms/index.htm

Academic Excellence

  • Professional learning community (PLC) meetings are used to focus on struggling students and those in need of more time.
  • Common assessments have been developed and are used in some areas and grade levels.
  • Students are provided multiple ways to show their learning (e.g. PowerPoints, character cubes, projects, films).
  • A computer lab is open each morning before school and staffed with a teacher for student use.

Developmental Responsiveness

  • Teaming is at the heart of the school and is used to develop a personalized learning community for all students.
  • Sixth-grade students adopt 5th-grade pen pals from the elementary schools, and the students exchange information about the middle school through letters.
  • A designated area for socializing has been established in the lunchroom.
  • The school’s Prime Time program is focused on students having a small-group experience and building a relationship with an adult.

Social Equity

  • Special education teachers are included on teams.
  • A card system that allows for three marks before disciplinary action is taken has been used effectively.
  • Many special activities are offered to encourage family involvement in the school (e.g., family nights, team breakfasts, holiday programs, science nights, orientation night).

Organizational Support

  • The principal attends team meetings once a week and meets regularly with team leaders.
  • A day treatment class is available at the school and provides guidance and support for assigned students.
  • Two paperless classrooms have been established.
  • Professional development is matched to teachers’ Professional Growth Plans.