Alcorn Middle School (AMS) strives to develop world-class responsible citizens by providing all students with the knowledge and skills they need to compete globally in the 21st century. At AMS, we foster a student-centered, healthy, academically innovative environment where students model behaviors of self-efficacy, self-determination, and perseverance. Our students demonstrate their ability to be critical thinkers and work collaboratively with others. Our programs, such as Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID), performing arts, Career and Technology Education (CTE), and Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math courses (STEM), afford us the ability to the implement rigorous academic experiences where students are exposed to individualized instructional strategies, research-based interventions, meaningful enrichment opportunities, and relevant life-skills experiences. These experiences are designed to equip our Knights with the tools needed to be productive in academic and future work environments. We focus on Whole Child Education; academic excellence, student engagement, and social-emotional learning. Our dedicated and high-qualified staff diligently work with our students daily to make AMS a place where we educate and empower excellence.
We continue to implement 21st Century Skills to prepare our students to be college and career-ready. Technology is ever-evolving; through the district’s digital initiative every student receives a laptop to provide greater access to the skills needed to prepare them to be world-class learners. Teachers collaborate consistently in content level and grade level professional learning communities (PLCs) to analyze student achievement data, develop academic interventions, set achievement goals, and share/model instructional strategies. Our PLCs also promote teacher and support staff professional growth and development which enable our teachers to provide students with the best educational experiences possible.
Our students are tasked with the responsibility of being healthy participants in their learning process and our AMS faculty, staff, and community are devoted to guiding them along their journey. Students are exposed to various leadership experiences through our student leadership summits, AVID student ambassadors, extra-curricular activities, and daily morning inspirational starters (student-led). The student council at AMS allows students an opportunity to develop leadership by organizing and implementing school activities and service projects. We will continue to evolve our three mentoring groups: Knight OWLLS (girls group), Boys 2 Men (boys group), and Gentlemen of Distinction (at-risk boys group). These groups focus on developing self-efficacy, and self-determination, building healthy relationships, providing career exploration, and exposing students to various soft skills needed to be world-class citizens. Sample activities included etiquette sessions, STEM interactive field studies, coding, college tours, budgeting, and financial sessions, and other life skills and vocational workshops.
Academically, our students excel in their hybrid and virtual learning environments. Students participate in STAR Reading and Math testing in the Fall, Winter, and Spring and typically demonstrate school-wide growth. In Spring 2022, nearly 80% of students met their growth targets in reading and math. Our average school-wide growth rate was 30% and nearly 60% of students were celebrated throughout the year for making the honor roll. Our student-athletes displayed excellence in their respective athletic programs while the staff continues to empower excellence.
Our teachers and staff also excel. Our teachers, instructional support staff, and administrators participate in district-level and state-level professional development. Our librarian, guidance counselors, parent engagement specialist, and social worker work diligently to increase our community partnerships and mentorship efforts. Their efforts allow us to successfully facilitate a health campaign that greatly benefits our community by providing wrap-around services for some of our families. They also were beneficial in partnering with our faith-based community, including Washington Street United Methodist Church and New Laurel Missionary Baptist Church, which provide resources and monetary donations to support our academic efforts.
We are proud of the accomplishments of our students and staff and of the support of our families and community. Our mission is to produce college and career-ready world-class responsible citizens devoted to lifelong learning. Alcorn Middle School’s theme, “Educate and Empower Excellence” represents our driving force; empowered people empower people. I take pride as the principal of Alcorn Middle School! Go Knights!
Dr. Cedric L. Wright, Principal
Ms. Lucinda McFadden, SIC Chairperson
