Educators from across North America in search of educational excellence tour Battle Creek Middle School

Educators from across North America in search of educational excellence tour Battle Creek Middle School
11/10/2004 2:15 PM

Where do middle school principals and teachers from around this country and Canada go when they want to see exemplary education in actions? Battle Creek Middle School, of course.

On Thursday, Nov. 4, about 45 educators from near and far toured the East Side school as part of the National Middle School Association's 31st Annual Conference.

The goal of the tour was to allow people to see firsthand innovative techniques that are effectively raising student achievement. Visitors were impressed by the school's PHAT program, which helps to create a positive, welcoming environment by partnering older students with students who are new to the school; the rigor of the school's classes, which include algebra and geometry; and the overall positive school climate, which is known as "Panther Pride."

According to Al Summers, director of professional development for the association, Battle Creek Middle School came highly recommended as a tour stop. "When we asked Minnesota educators which schools people should tour they told us that Battle Creek Middle School had to be on the list," said Summers. "From what I've heard, everyone who toured the school was impressed by what they saw."

What they saw, according to Peter Christensen, the school's principal, was a school focused on working together to be successful. He noted that all students at the school understand what is expected of them, which is to be punctual, prepared and polite.

"In the business sector of the world everything is 'location, location, location,'" said Christensen. "At Battle Creek Middle School, it's 'relationships, relationships, relationships.' It was an honor for our school to be selected as a tour site. We know that we have a great school, and now people from all over North America know it too."

For more information about Battle Creek Middle School, visit www.bcms.spps.org.