• Category 1

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: 6 - 8
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 0
    Student Enrollment: 702
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.6%
    White/Caucasian: 92.4%
    Hispanic: 3.4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.7%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 2.7%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:0
    % Reduced Lunch: 57%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1991
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Julie Kemp
  • CONTACT:
    555 North Yankeetown Road
    Boonville, IN 47601
    812-897-1420
    jkemp@warrick.k12.in.us
Boonville Middle School
Boonville, IN
We prioritize parental involvement, remediation, enrichment and professional development.
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Walking through the halls and into the classrooms of Boonville Middle, it is clear this school is special. Our vision of success for all is a lived experience for students, teachers, and the broader community. This vision of excellence and growth is supported by a layered system of innovative ideas working together to meet the academic, physical, and social emotional needs of all. We have built and developed an inclusive learning environment where systems are in place for restorative discipline practices and attendance. Consistent monitoring of progress occurs through ongoing collaboration and professional development, the MTSS process, feedback from stakeholders, formative/summative data and use of a staff developed walk through tool - all embedded in the day. A cycle of review, refine, revise ensures forward thinking and movement regarding the use of our limited time by ensuring and contributing to the school's remarkable growth in both academics and social-emotional development.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
Key to the success of our innovation is the way our school day is organized and the opportunities embedded within it. We knew our students were struggling with relationships, discipline, attendance and mental health. Therefore, to make academic gains, we would have to plan to meet these needs first. This pushed our thinking outside of the traditional way of organizing a middle school schedule. As a result, the school day is prioritized to provide individualized support and opportunities for all students through relationship building, enrichment, remediation, high quality instruction, as well as time for mindfulness, counseling and physical movement.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
By using Title I funding strategically through staffing, parental involvement, summer school, and high dosage tutoring, we create an environment that supports low income students but also enhances the educational experience for all, creating a more inclusive and equitable learning environment. We prioritize parental involvement, remediation, enrichment and professional development. We provide opportunities for families to engage in workshops, events, and resources throughout the year. We have established support teams focused on student success, including RTI and MTSS, which aid in early identification and intervention for struggling students. Each day, students have opportunities to receive targeted remediation and enrichment in smaller class sizes outside of core instruction. Additionally, we value on-going professional development where teachers learn innovative teaching methodologies, strategies to address diverse student needs, and how to implement effective intervention programs.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
WIthout exception, our staff is deeply committed to the success of our students and one another. They support one another professionally and personally and are often found collaborating even during lunch and passing periods in addition to common planning time. Our staff cheers one another on, steps in when additional support is needed and truly believes the success of one is the success of all. Continuous professional development is a cornerstone of our culture, ensuring that educators remain updated on best practices and innovative teaching methods and strategies. The collaboration among teachers is robust, fostering a culture of sharing ideas and practices to enhance student learning. We are a district leader in providing ongoing curriculum mapping work (vertical and horizontal alignment, short cycle and formative assessments, high yield resources and strategies) woven throughout the school year, a continuous plan for refining the MTSS process, and professional learning communities.
5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
Boonville Middle School has undergone a transformative cultural shift. Emphasizing student-centered approaches, the school’s vision has propelled the success of all. Ongoing professional development has become a cornerstone. Acknowledging the impact of poverty and trauma, the school aligns decisions with high expectations for academic success complemented by a strong emphasis on social emotional well-being. The unique scheduling approach ensures students build meaningful relationships. Restorative discipline practices reinforce a commitment to learning from missteps while prioritizing academics. Teachers' innovation is evident in diverse strategies that engage students in rigorous yet enjoyable learning. Clear objectives, feedback, formative data, and a culture of student excellence are integral. Brain breaks and mindfulness highlight a holistic approach. Boonville Middle's commitment to aligning vision with action steps has shaped a successful and nurturing environment.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Building strong relationships with families and the community is a top priority for us as we believe that education is a collaborative effort between the school, families, and the community. We know that we are often the second family - a role we feel honored to hold. We have established multiple avenues for parent-teacher communication, involvement, and engagement to support and enhance the learning experience for our students. Additionally, we have created partnerships with local organizations, clubs and service providers that are embedded within our school building.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: 6 - 8
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 0
    Student Enrollment: 702
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 0.6%
    White/Caucasian: 92.4%
    Hispanic: 3.4%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 0.7%
    Native American: 0%
    Other: 2.7%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:0
    % Reduced Lunch: 57%
    % ELL Learners: 0%
    Founded: 1991
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Julie Kemp
  • CONTACT:
    555 North Yankeetown Road
    Boonville, IN 47601
    812-897-1420
    jkemp@warrick.k12.in.us