The 2021-2022 school year at Burke High School began with the end in mind. We approach the instructional and learning process believing scholars thrive in an environment supportive of their academic, social-emotional, and physical needs. Therefore, intentional strategies and activities were organized to foster a culture of support around these areas.
During the first 10-days of school, scholars were engaged in a series of whole school and grade-level activities ranging from building the Burke Family Tree where each grade levels contributed to decorate their grade-level root/trunk/branch/leaf respectively over three days, to a simulated graduation ceremony. We believe all scholars should graduate ready to enroll in a post-secondary institution, enlist in the military, and/or enter the workplace. In light of learning loss, human loss, financial loss, and social-emotional trauma experienced by most of our school population, we are committed to keeping all scholars safe and leading them to academic success through creative and non-traditional ways. While the past two school years were challenging, we sought to inspire our scholars to college and/or career readiness fulfilling the SC Profile of a Graduate.
Our faculty, staff, and administrators are committed to expanding academic preparation for college and career readiness. We engaged in and will continue training our teachers to support a more rigorous curriculum. This will allow us to offer additional Advanced Placement courses, increase our career and technology programs, and provide exposure to events and activities that will improve engagement and success for all scholars. Additional student supports were added to address academic weaknesses including SAGA, a math tutoring program. A summer school program and an afterschool program were also used to provide our students with additional learning and support opportunities.
We will approach the 22-23 school year hopeful of increased opportunities for our scholars. This includes the opportunity to participate in dual enrollment courses in partnership with the National Education Equity Lab, implementing AVID, and exposure to a Lyceum series. As we look towards next year, Burke High School’s mission remains the same. We aim to empower all students for success by equipping them with the academic and social-emotional skills necessary to graduate college and/or career-ready. We will ensure data-driven instruction while maintaining a standard of excellence in teaching and learning through rigorous and equitable experiences. We will partner with families and the community to build a culture of trust, respect, and responsibility. Burke HS students will accelerate, celebrate, and graduate.
Cheryl F. Swinton, Principal
Eric Jackson, SIC Chair
