Controversy: New computers coming to the library

As many of you may know, our library is a bit outdated.  We lack both technology and new books.  However, the library will be getting up to twenty one new laptop computers, which will replace the older desktop computers.  Teachers will be able to check out some of these laptops, and students will be able to use the computers in the library.  Teachers will also be using this as an alternate lab for instruction.

While getting new computers is always an improvement, one of the downfalls is that there will not be enough money in the library budget to buy new books. I have had the opportunity to interview several students about the current state of the library.  I have heard varied opinions from students. Nicole H., sophomore, says: "They should be getting new books - that is what a library is".  Zach S. stated: "We need new computers because the ones that are in there right now are prehistoric".   I believe both of these statements to be true; if there was a way to fit both computers and books into the budget that would be the perfect situation.

Our beloved computer teacher, Mrs.Fields, also shared some of her opinions on the topic.  She said, "Books make good gifts and can help stimulate a students mind."  I love books too, but I also think we need to be getting new computers and providing a place for students to study and read. In the near future, we are looking forward to increased funding to be able to obtain new library books. But in the meantime, I think we should be excited for new computers.

JIB has a new scientist in the lab

During the summer we had two science teachers leave, Mrs. Reed and Coach Pierson. Our school has since filled the openings that were left. Mr. Williams has taken the place of Mrs. Reed and will be teaching 8th grade science and forensic science.

Mr. Williams became a teacher in 2000 at Holston High School in Virginia. He started to teach, so he could be a coach. When I asked him if he enjoyed teaching, his response was, "I love teaching." He was a football coach at Emory and Henry, for 3 years. He also coached high school football for 12 years and high school track and field for 11 years. Culpepper High School was the last high school he worked at.

Mr. Williams has worked for 5 different school systems. However, he says that Burton was his first choice.  He has loved his Burton experience so far, and loves the students he has met.  He is very pleased that Dr. Perrigan encouraged him to apply for this position. We wish Mr. Williams the best of luck as the school year continues!  

Seniors: It's time for College Night at MECC

On Monday, September 15, 2014, Mountain Empire Community College will be hosting a College Night. It will be held in Philips-Taylor Hall in the Goodloe Center from 6:30 to 8:30 pm. All seniors and parents are invited to gather information and learn more about college opportunities. 

At this event, there will be over 40 colleges and universities. Guests will able to gather information about admission requirements, campus life, financial aid, athletics, majors/programs of study, location, cost, job placement, and scholarships. 

As a senior, I believe this is a perfect opportunity to explore our options. It is a time to look at different colleges and decide which one is the best fit.  It will also be helpful for parents, as they will be able to ask various colleges questions about financial aide. I encourage all of my senior class to attend this event with me. Hope to see you there! 

Burton sends 15 students to Dual Enrollment Academy

John I Burton's Dual Enrollment Academy Students 

Here at John I Burton, the senior students have an amazing opportunity to participate in the Dual Enrollment Academy. The Dual Enrollment Academy consist of 15 students who go to Mountain Empire Community College to take General Education classes. These classes consists of U.S Government 101, Biology 101 and 102, Physics 101, Allied Health, and English 111 and 112.  The 15 students who partake in this opportunity, take a bus from the high school to MECC to attend these classes everyday.

The students currently attending this Academy are : Adrianna S., Patience E., Allison R., Daniel M., Lakin S., Lauren S., Karissa R., Justin S., Blakelee C., Chris H., Madison F., Megan S., Austin S., Noah F., and Josh J.

This Academy provides a unique opportunity for students to make the transition between high school and college.  High school and college are two very diverse places. Going from the high school atmosphere to college life is a tremendous transition. To begin with, there are many differences between high school classes and college classes . College classes are 50 minutes long, while Burton's courses are one hour and 30 minutes. The workload in college courses significantly increases from that of high school. Plus, almost every assignment must be submitted through Black Board, which is a web-based learning management system. The Academy allows students a transitional period between high school and college.  

It is also a significant opportunity for students because these classes are completely free for these seniors students and this opportunity allows them to finish their first year of college at MECC before they graduate high school. The juniors this year should be aware of how immense this opportunity is and should take advantage of getting the college experience while being a senior in high school.  If interested in the Dual Enrollment Academy, contact Julie Davis in the Guidance Department for further information.

Ms. Davis' film studies class

As most of you may know, John I. Burton has a few new courses to its itinerary this year. One of the newest classes that has stirred up significant interest is film studies. This is a class for students who are interested in learning about the creation of movies. Many students are curious about the new film studies class.  Film studies is a course which will focus on progression of films.  During the course, Ms. Davis will move chronologically from notable older films to more current films, which will include academy award winners.

Overall, Ms.Davis elected to teach this class because she enjoys teaching students about the history of movies. There are many different movies that will be shown in her class; some of the genres include western, science fiction, comedy, crime, fantasy, historical epics, action/adventure, and horror movies. She will also be showing musicals, animated films, and war films. This class is educational and also a bonus for students looking for dual enrollment credits. The dual enrollment credit counts as a fine arts course through MECC. This class is mostly offered to upperclassmen and will only be taught the first semester of this school year.

This film studies class is for hardworking students who are interested in the history of films. This class requires taking notes, doing Powerpoints, and taking tests. It requires hard work and effort. Students have to pay attention to learn about the different types of movies. Ultimately, film studies is an enjoyable and educational class as long as students put forth effort to pay attention and learn. If anyone has not gotten a chance to take film studies, I strongly encourage you to take it.

J.I. Burton's spirit calender!

Hello fellow Raiders! It is fall and you know what that means - it's football season!  Let's get geared up to support the Burton football players. Below is the Burton spirit calendar!

Friday, August 29 : Lee / High School Pep Rally / Past Champions Night:2004 Region Championship

Thursday, September 11: Community Pep Rally at 7 p.m. ; Meet the Raiders Teams and Coaches!

Football, Band, Cross Country, Cheer, and Volleyball!

Friday, September 12, : Central / Hall of Fame Night

Friday, September 26: Twin Springs / Norton Youth League Football and Cheerleader Night

Friday, October 17: Clintwood / High School Pep Rally

Thursday, October 30: Homecoming Spirit Week: Downtown Parade starting at 6 p.m. and ending at J.I. Burton for Community Pep Rally and Bonfire.

Come out and cheer for the Raiders!

Saturday, November 1: Rye Cove / Homecoming

Friday, November 7 : Thomas Walker / Senior Night

Get your spirit on and cheer till the break of dawn!

Thank you!

*Dates and times subject to change.

Fall football schedule

*Dates and times are subject to change.

Fall football schedule
Date	Team	Location	Time
August 29	Lee (Past Champions Night)	Home	7:30 p.m.
September 5	Chilhowie	Away	7:30 p.m.
September 12	Central (Hall of Fame Night)	Home	7:30 p.m.
September 19	Union	Away	7:30 p.m.
September 26	Twin Springs	Home	7:30 p.m.
October 3	East Side	Away	7:30 p.m.
October 10	Castlewood	Away	7:30 p.m.
October 17	Clintwood	Away	7:30 p.m.
October 24	Open
November 1	Rye Cove (Homecoming)	Home	2:00 p.m.
November 7	Thomas Walker (Senior Night)	Home	7:30 p.m.

Lady Raiders volleyball schedule

Date	Opponent	Location	Starting Time
Tuesday 9/2	Honaker	Honaker	6:00
Thursday 9/4	Haysi	JIB	6:00
Saturday 9/6	Varsity PH Tourney	Patrick Henry	6:00
Tuesday 9/9	Twin Springs	JIB	6:00
Thursday 9/11	Rye Cove	Rye Cove	6:00
Saturday 9/13	JV PH Tourney	Patrick Henry	6:00
Tuesday 9/16	East Side	East Side	6:00
Thursday 9/18	Thomas Walker	JIB	6:00
Tuesday 9/23	Clintwood	Clintwood	6:00
Thursday 9/25	Castlewood	JIB	6:00
Tuesday 9/30	Honaker	JIB	6:00
Thursday 10/2	Twin Springs	Twin Springs	6:00
Tuesday 10/7	East Side	JIB	6:00
Thursday 10/9	Rye Cove	JIB	6:00
Tuesday 10/14	Thomas Walker	Thomas Walker	6:00
**Thursday 10/16	Clintwood	JIB	6:00
Tuesday 10/21	Castlewood	Castlewood	6:00
Wednesday 10/22	Haysi	Haysi	6:00

**Denotes Senior Night: Seniors on the team will be recognized between the JV and Varsity match. We will also have a banquet to celebrate them beginning at 4 pm.

*Dates, times, and locations are subject to change.