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Principal Bailey greeting middle school students as they enter campus; the new middle school building
A Conversation with Courtney Bailey (CB), middle school principal
How has the new middle school building changed the experience for students?
CB: The new middle school gives kids a sense of ownership, since each grade level has its own floor with its own common area. There is more opportunity for bonding within grade levels, which is so important at this age level.
The development process matriculates quicker because the sense of intimidation by older students doesn’t come into play. It gives them a sense of identity as a grade level - it allows them to always aspire to go up one more floor. The students flourish in the change. We have less behavioral problems than we did in the other building, and students have adapted quickly to the changes.
The middle school always seems to be full of life and color. What have you done to achieve this learning environment?
CB: I want it to be a welcoming place for kids where their work is constantly on display. They have to come on campus and see something that’s theirs. I want them to have a sense of belonging and say, “that’s my home.” We also now have the opportunity to showcase students’ art on a regular basis in the middle school art gallery, in addition to two beautiful adjacent art rooms that middle school students have all to themselves.
What does the new middle school now offer for the classroom experience?
CB: Our teachers have told me they enjoy teaching more in this new building and they now have the opportunity to collaborate more with colleagues and involve parents. Our classrooms are all bright, adjacent to each other, and have dividers that can be opened as a showroom for parents or for the creation of a learning center.
What else makes the new middle school different?
CB: The old building had scattered spaces and didn’t provide a central area for any particular grade level. The new building offers common areas by floor and areas such as a new cafeteria, an auditorium, and two black box theaters, where they can learn the craft of theater and become technicians as well as thespians. They also have a state-of-the-art design technology lab of their own and a breakout amphitheater that gives students a chance to get outside and perform.
Gifts from CAC’s corporate and individual supporters resulted in CAC’s new and improved Middle School building. This renovation was part of CAC’s Master Plan: Phase 2. Please see our giving opportunities to learn about how you can be a part of Master Plan: Phase 3 and make an even greater impact on today's campus and students.
