Cyril B. Busbee Creative Arts Academy has established a tradition of helping 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, Busbee Creative Arts Academy gives support to the whole child while providing an exceptional middle school experience. Busbee teachers and staff work in collaborative teams on all aspects of content curriculum and social and emotional learning. The school also embraces instructional technology and an arts-infused curriculum that creates an interactive learning environment for all middle-aged students.
In the spring of 2022, Busbee Creative Arts Academy was redesignated as a certified ABC site. Busbee updated its strategic plan to include an emphasis on arts and STEAM opportunities for students. In conjunction with the strategic plan, a creative writing course will be added in the fall of 2023 to expose students to various forms of authors and writing. Designation as an ABC School is achieved through a rigorous certification process. Such commitments require grant-writing, creative partnerships, and specialized professional development.
With an arts focus and the addition of a STEAM Lab, Busbee Creative Arts Academy focuses on helping students become skilled in the areas of critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Students in our fine arts magnet program 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, showcases, and competitions. In spring 2022, Busbee produced its first post-pandemic musical, “Honk Jr.” The show featured students from all grade levels in order to showcase school-wide talent and arts experience. The addition of a STEAM Lab provides students with an opportunity to learn and practice engineering skills while collaborating with peers to complete various projects and activities.
The 2021-2022 school year provided many highlights for the arts. In its first competition in program history, VPAC Dance received a diamond rating and placed 4th overall in the Inspire Dance Competition. At CPA, the Band scored an overall excellent rating along with several superior ratings, including sight-reading. They followed this performance with a superior rating at the Carowinds Music Festival later in the spring. Additionally, Busbee celebrated its first member of the South Carolina All-State Band. Also participating at the Carowinds Music Festival, the VPAC chorus received an excellent rating. In strings, several students performed at the State Solo and Ensemble Festival, receiving superior and excellent ratings. The VPA theatre students placed 1st in Group Performance, Theatrical Design, and Original monologue at the SCSTA theatre competition.
During the 2021-2022 school year, Busbee continued its mentoring program using the Second Step Program to support the social and emotional learning of all students. Through small collaborative groups, students focus on social, mental, and behavioral strategies important to their development as adolescents. Guided by their mentor teachers or staff members, students developed meaningful relationships with trusted adults, improved social skills, developed positive character traits, and were exposed to leadership skills that will help them throughout life. Busbee will continue to utilize Second Step in the future to provide students with social and emotional support.
In addition to an upgraded mentoring program, Busbee continues to support students through the implementation of Restorative Practices as a framework for handling student behavior. Teachers receive annual training in behavior procedures and do their best to handle issues at the teacher-student level. Restorative Practices have provided an opportunity to continue building relationships in our building, effectively strengthening our school culture.
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 while building a foundation of service and commitment.
Stephanie Hucks, Principal
Lisa Cole, SIC Chair
