GCMS Star Academy

1. “Accept the challenge, experience the victory!” • All classes utilize technology and web-based programs • An intensive dropout prevention program for students who are at least one year behind GCMS Star Academy • Science and Math classes have a variety of hands-on modules with state-of-the-art equipment • Uses a rigorous and accelerated curriculum • Meet • the • Teachers • Gina Yarbrough • History • Marty Tucker • Science • Brayden Dykes • Math • Matthew Magee • Language Arts • Amanda Ramshur • Special Education • Brittany Brown • Special Education

2. Star Academy Teachers • Marty Tucker, Science

3. Star Academy Teachers • Gina Yarbrough, History • 24 year veteran • Bachelors and Master degree from Mississippi State University • Taught previously in Laurel, Wayne and Jones County

4. STAR Academy Teachers • Matthew Magee, ELA • 1st year teacher • Baseball Coach

5. STAR Academy Teachers • Brayden Dykes, Math • 2nd year teacher • Football Coach • Baseball Coach

6. STAR Academy Teachers • Brittany Brown, Inclusion • Teaching 6 years • Sings and leads the youth group at her church • Community Volunteer

7. STAR Academy Teachers • Amanda Ramshur, Inclusion • Teaching 6 years • Active member of her church

8. What does learning look like? Hands on, Minds on! Designing houses Conducting experiments Researching history Working cooperatively Reading complex texts Presenting PowerPoints

9. What is reading intervention? • Struggling readers (16 out of 61 students) were identified and pulled daily for at least 30 minutes to use Lexia, a web-based program that remediates students on necessary reading skills. Lexia ranks student performance levels as basic (low), elementary (medium), and intermediate (high).

10. Lexia Fall Usage Contest Winners • Lexia sponsored a two-week contest in November open to all classes in the United States • Shooting Stars, the Star Academy reading intervention team, placed fourth out of more than 4,000 teams (classes) • Shooting Stars won a free $100 gift card to be used for a pizza party • The team earned points by meeting weekly usage for the Lexia program, utilizing social media, and the teacher completing an educational survey. Above, team Shooting Stars poses with the $100 prize gift card. At left, Ms. Brown’s tweet about the success of Shooting Stars was retweeted by Lexia Learning on its official Twitter account for national recognition!

11. IXL • We saw such great results with the reading intervention we began addressing student needs in math also. • Ms. Ramshur monitors an in class intervention program to meet the needs of our bottom 25% in math. • Mr. Dykes also uses IXL to challenge students that are performing at higher levels.

12. Dining With the Stars Each nine weeks, every teacher chooses one student who meets exemplary criteria Academic Excellence Good Attendance Outstanding Work Ethic Model Behavior/Attitude The students enjoy a free lunch away from campus with their teachers as a reward during elective time This is sponsored by Rocky McGarity who hosts the group at Rocky’s Rockin Diner inside Edward’s Drugs “It was amazing to feel that accomplished!” -Tyler Thornton 8th Grade “It shows that hard work really does pay off.” -Frank Gill 8th Grade

13. Recognition • Rebel of the Month • Each teacher submits the name of a student who has shown the characteristics of a “Rebel”. • They travel to McDonald’s for lunch. • Perfect Attendance party • Each month students who have had perfect attendance enjoy a coke, popcorn and little Debbie party.

14. “A Christmas Carol” Field Trip • Students viewed a live production of “A Christmas Carol” at the Saenger Theatre in Mobile before lunch at Golden Corral. This was part of a three-week Christmas unit that blended learning outcomes from all subject areas.

15. STAR ACADEMY PROCEDURESvery specific expectations • ENTERING CLASS • DISMISSING CLASS AND EXITING THE CLASSROOM • Change class on the tardy bell • TRANSITIONING FROM CLASS TO CLASS • GOING TO LUNCH AND RETURNING FROM THE CAFETERIA • RESTROOM PRIVILEGES AND BEHAVIOR • Sign out, 1 at a time, sign in • CLASSROOM PROPERTY

16. Jackson, MS Field Trip Students toured the state’s capital city in February and visited the Governor’s Mansion, the old and new State Capitol, and the Mississippi Supreme Court. Our Star Academy group was introduced to legislators in the House and Senate during our tour. This field trip coincided with the students’ third nine weeks course of Mississippi Studies.

17. How is Star Academy changing your life? “It has proven to me that I can accomplish anything no matter how big or small the challenge is. It also given me the opportunity to meet the best teachers I’ve ever had. ” –Hannah Barnes “I know I’m smart now because my teachers have shown me I can do anything if I put my mind to it.” -Joey Dickerson “I’ve never had straight As before because I was too scared to ask teachers for help. But now, I have straight As and the highest average in my math class.” -Georgie Phelps “My teachers are like a family. They teach me but they also inspire me. I know they really love me.” -Ted Odom “Last year, I couldn’t understand how to do my work. But this year, my teachers break it down for me and encourage me until I get it.” –Dylan Holder “The hands-on activities and technology have helped me understand things I’ve never been able to understand before.” -Baileigh Davis