Burke County Public Schools shares "6 to 7" ways to win the school year

It’s that time of year: School is starting back on Monday, Aug. 24, and Burke County Public Schools (BCPS) has been hard at work preparing by knocking out projects to maintain its buildings and creating a top 6 to 7 list of ways students can kick off the new school year.

Normally BCPS creates a top 10 list. This year, the district decided to play on the “6-7” trend, said Public Relations Officer Cheryl Shuffler, by assembling the “6 to 7 Ways to Win the School Year” list.

In order of listing, this is what the district recommends:

7) Rest — Sleep. Rest. Be ready.

6) Refuel — Free breakfast and lunch at school fuels your learning.

5) Stay safe — See something? Say something. Use the Say Something app to anonymously report concerns.

4) Devices down — More focus. More face-to-face. More learning.

3) Connect — Build relationships. Ask for help. Get involved.

2) Keep learning — Read. Explore. Ask questions. Stay curious.

1) Show up — Be here. Be on time. Be ready to learn.

“Our theme this year is ‘Finding Our True North with Balanced Instruction,’ both with continuing efforts to be conscious of device time and our partnership with High Country STEM (Strategies That Engage Minds) Network,” Shuffler said. “We are part of a group of about nine surrounding school districts working with Bill Baggett and Successful Practices Network on preparing students for their futures, not our past, and giving them skills they need in an ever-evolving workforce.”

Shuffler said there are no big policy changes at this time. The policy regarding student cell phones remains in effect and bars students from using their phones during class.

CAPITAL PROJECTS

A number of projects were completed during the summer and others made progress.

Completed projects include:

• East Burke High School’s restrooms were renovated; the main and auxiliary gym floors were refinished; other flooring projects, including new carpet, were also completed.
• Freedom High School’s ROTC building has new ceiling grids and tiles; the driver’s ed range has a new fence; new lights were placed in the parking lot; the restrooms were renovated; and the auxiliary gym was repainted.
• Draughn High School now has a Hallyburton Academy wing.
• Mountain View Elementary School’s staff parking lot has an additional exit now.
• Table Rock Middle School has new lighting at its auditorium, and the gym floor was refinished.
• The transportation department serviced and repaired school buses.

Construction continues on the new Central Office building, Shuffler said, and the new school in the eastern part of the county remains in the design and development phase. A groundbreaking for the new school is expected sometime this fall.