Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy helps all students develop the world-class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on an educational program that is centered on students’ academic, social and emotional growth. The faculty and staff work collaboratively in teams on all aspects of the curriculum and use mobile technology and an arts-infused curriculum to create an interactive and ideal learning environment for all middle school students.
Busbee Creative Arts Academy focuses on helping students become skilled in the areas of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Through our fine arts magnet program, students are immersed in opportunities to work together in both innovative and creative ways to learn to solve problems and communicate effectively. Those students who are members of the Visual-Performing Arts Company have enhanced opportunities to further develop their world-class skills through productions such as Dessert Cabaret, district showcases, as well as state and local competitions.
The Academy has school structures and traditions in place that ensure that every student is known, their contributions to the school celebrated, and their leadership nurtured. This is accomplished through our mentor program, school-wide morning meetings, student-led tours, service hours, Jr. Beta Club, athletic competitions, Archery Club, Cranium Quest, and end-of-year talent show, and various other activities that students participate in during the year. The Academy continues to use its Arts in the Basic Curriculum (ABC) grant from the South Carolina Arts Commission, as well as our Distinguished Arts Program grant, to provide all students with a multitude of professional artistic experiences which include visiting performers and instructors.
To further support and develop world-class skills, The Academy adopted Restorative Practices as a framework for handling student behavior. Teachers are trained in behavior procedures and do their best to handle issues at the teacher-student level. Initial feedback and data has been positive, and we look forward to ongoing professional development in order to explore supportive practices and to continue strengthening our school culture.
In March, all instruction was shifted to an online learning model known as eLearning. Because Lexington Two was designated as an eLearning district, the transition to the online learning model was smooth as procedures and training had taken place prior to the pandemic. Teachers utilized Google Classroom and other online resources to interact and guide student learning. Throughout the final quarter of the school year teachers participated in Google Meets to support the social and emotional learning of all students. Although there were challenges to meet the needs of all students, the teachers and staff accommodated appropriately.
At Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy learning is a shared responsibility enhanced through the arts where students grow in confidence and a sense of belonging through diverse programs in academics, arts, technology, and athletics. These efforts ensure our students are college and career-ready.
Stephanie Hucks, Principal
Bailey Pearson, SIC Chair
