REDEFINING MIDDLE SCHOOL

SHARED VALUES: The FBRA board, administration and employees articulate and model shared values.  Some of these include: compassion, effective communication, commitment to service, cultural competency, embracing challenges, resilience, perseverance, and student empowerment. Staff perform a wide variety of roles and are committed to the continuous improvement of every aspect of the FBRA program.  School leaders seek regular feedback from students, staff and parents.

COMMON FOCUS: Staff and students are focused on the FBRA mission and vision, as well as a long-term strategic plan.  Time, tools, materials, instruction, and professional development are aligned in the classroom, in the field, and in the community.

HIGH EXPECTATIONS: Staff members are dedicated to helping students achieve state and national standards.  Students are engaged in an ambitious and rigorous course of study.  Students are expected to embrace challenges both inside and outside the classroom.  Staff and students embrace risk and failure as necessary tools for growth and success.  Failure legitimizes success.

EQUITY, DIVERSITY, AND INCLUSION (EDI): FBRA is accountable to the larger community and will continue to partner with individuals and organizations outside the school to fulfill its mission.  FBRA is an institution that shapes leaders who are prepared for a diverse world. A culture of inclusion, empowerment, equity, and justice is essential to all of the school’s endeavors. Central to this are the abilities of our students to identify, analyze, and act on issues of equity, justice, and inclusion.

PERSONALIZED: The academy has a 12:1 student teacher ratio.  The school is designed to promote sustained student relationships with staff through shared experiences.  FBRA is committed to direct and meaningful communication among students, staff, and parents.

PERFORMANCE ACCOUNTABILITY: FBRA establishes clear expectations and accountability to students and staff.  Grade level standards and standards-based assessments guide teaching and learning.  Schools publish student progress to parents and the community.

RESPECT AND RESPONSIBILITY: The culture and environment is safe, structured, and ethical. The staff teaches, models, and expects responsible and respectful behavior that are aligned with the FBRA values of character and integrity.  Relationships are based on mutual respect and trust.

EFFECTIVE GOVERNANCE: FBRA is a 501c3 nonprofit organization governed by an elected board of directors.  Roles and responsibilities are clearly communicated for the board, administration, department heads, and staff.

COLLABORATION: Staff collaborate to develop and implement programming that fulfills our mission and vision.   FBRA is committed to our community and continually works to establish and sustain strong relationships.

TECHNOLOGY: Technology assists in improved communication, collaboration, and efficiency between students, staff, and parents.  Every staff member and student has access to technology.  Students are taught appropriate use and technological literacy.  Staff are supported in finding resources to augment classes and curriculum.

ENVIRONMENTAL STEWARDSHIP: FBRA teaches environmental stewardship by bringing our students into new places and increasing awareness of our impacts upon the space around us.  An important aspect of this is establishing meaningful connections to the French Broad River watershed, with the goal that our students will become long-term advocates for the world around them.  FBRA is committed to researching and implementing practices that are sustainable for the environment while supporting our program.