Granite Falls Middle School An Inquiry by Christina Byerly, Lynn Potter, Sherry Prewitt, Kathleen McKee-Braswell, Michael Welge, Jay McCarraher CI 3900 Appalachian State University Fall 2009

The Culture of Their Community and School

Community Demographics Census General Characteristics: Total population: 4,612 Male: 2,177 Female: 2,435 Under 5 years: years: 3, years and older: 690 Caucasian: 4,246 Black or African American: 108 Hispanic: 20 Asian: 18 American Indian and Alaska Native: 8 Average household size: 2.53 Speak a language other than English at home: 320

Economy Regional: Among the top 200 US metro areas, the Hickory/Lenoir/Morganton MSA ranks 191st. The Milken Institute's rankings ( are based on job growth, wages/salary growth, high tech job growth, high tech GDP. County: Among the 3141 US counties, Caldwell County ranks at the bottom in educational achievement, average wages, per capita income, and poverty. Adults 25+ w/ HS Diploma - 66% RANK - 2,752nd Adults 25+ w/Bachelors Degree % RANK th Employed in manufacturing - 26% RANK - 330th Average manufacturing wage - $30k RANK th 56% of the private workforce is employed in manufacturing (

Economy cont. City: - Largest private employers include Walmart, Neptco, PREGIS, and Jordon-Holmon Lumber Company. - 10% of housholds are headed by a single parent families and 361 individuals are living below the poverty level.

Politics - In the 2008 general election, 66% of registered voters in Granite Falls voted. - The county votes overwhelmingly for Republican candidates. - 56% of voters submitted a straight party, Republican ballot. ** A Democrat has not represented the NC 10th congressional district since ** Only 3 different representatives have been elected in the last 40 years.

Housing Single-family owned occupied homes: 1,019 Median value: $94,500 As of Monday, Nov 23rd, there are 242 homes on the market with a median price of $129, 900. There are also 30 homes in foreclosure with a median price of $76, factfinder.census.gov (2000)

Religion Southern Baptist (76%) United Methodist (11%) Other Religions 13% Source: Jones, Dale E., et al Congregations and Membership in the United States Nashville, TN: Glenmary Research Center. Read more:

Education.... Of the 3,132 Granite Falls residents aged 25 years and older; 2,115 (73.5%) are high school graduates. Just 422 (12.5%) of the 3,132 residents hold a Bachelors degree or higher. The attendance rate for GFMS was 95% for the school year! This is comparable to the state average. NC Dept. of Public Instruction, Hmmm... Could high attendance rates be a sign of future increased graduation rates?

School Demographics What kind of students make up GFMS? Total student enrollment: 709 Gender: Male - 51%, Female - 49% Ethnicity: White: 94% Hispanic: 3% Black: 2% Asian/Pacific Islander: <1% Student Economic Level: Eligible for free/reduced lunch: 36%

What's Going On In the Classroom? Student-teacher ratio: % of teaching staff is fully certified! 44% of teaching staff hold a Masters Degree or higher! There are 8 National Board Certified teachers. How many years of experience do the teachers have? 0-3 years: 4% 4-10 years: 36% 11+ years: 60% Teacher turnover rate: 9%

How Good Are Their Scores? Designated as a School of Distinction, High Growth ABCs EOG Test Scores 6th grade reading: 73.8% at/above grade level 6th grade math: 80.3% at/above grade level State scores: reading %, math % 7th grade reading: 76.7% at/above grade level 7th grade math: 84.1% at/above grade level State scores: reading %, math % 8th grade reading: 84.1% at/above grade level 8th grade math: 92.3% at/above grade level State scores: reading %, math % Information obtained from: NC School Report Cards

Recreation and Leisure Shuford Recreation Center Lakeside Park Granada Farms Golf Course Sims Country BBQ and Cloggers Tough Enough Rodeo

Schools Challenges Keeping the community and school in touch (involved) with each other Parents are not always equipped to give their kids the necessary skills, guidance, and encouragement Programs CIS (Communities in Schools) School Structured Sports School Music Programs (Band/Chorus) Clubs (FCA, Battle of the Books, Student Council, Girls on Track, etc.) PTA School Social Workers/Psychologists School Counselors Recreation Department Optimist Club

The Culture of their Daily Lives

Conclusion, Question / Answer Time…