NCS Embraces Project Based Learning

In August 2016, faculty members of Norton City School's completed one day of in-service training in order to implement Project Based Learning, system wide.  Superintendent, Dr. Keith Perrigan, defines Project Based Learning as "... learning by doing, in attempt to solve a problem, either alone or in a group, in a way that is relevant and natural, using creativity and critical thinking skills." For many, this type of learning is seen as the first step leading away from multiple choice testing.  It places an emphasis on training students for the soft skills they will need in the work-force or in college, skills like cooperation and leadership.  It also focuses on going deeper into subjects, as opposed to moving quickly through a long list of content.    According to Perrigan, many teachers were already using a Project Based Learning approach in their classrooms.  He pointed out that by providing this in-service Norton City Schools was " . . . empowering all teachers to use it." 

Perrigan expressed his expectations for Project Based Learning stating that it would provide the opportunity for students to be more involved in class and would better prepare students for real life situations. According to Perrigan, "Adults usually don't take multiple choice tests as part of their daily activities.  What we constantly do is solve problems, collaborate, and work on projects.  Moving to this instructional model will make learning relevant for our students." 

English teacher, Ms. Megan Cline, pointed out that Project Based Learning could be a wonderful, artistic outlet for students who struggle to learn by sitting and listening to lectures in a traditional classroom.  She also emphasized that this method adds creativity for a more enjoyable learning experience.  Ms. Cline has completed multiple projects with her students in the past, including projects based on novels and a project entitled Footprints of My Life. Physical Education teacher, Coach Brandon Stidham, on the other hand, stated the he had not done many projects with previous classes.  However, he now intends to incorporate this method into his lesson plans.  Coach Stidham continued on to point out how this would reshape the classroom stating: "In multiple ways, you (the students) are being held accountable for your learning, we (the teachers) are not just responsible for it; you (the students) are.  I think it will help in other factors like collaborating with classmates, being able to work with a group, which is relevant to workplaces now, where there is a lot of collaboration."

While administrators and teachers seem to be in agreement about the positive prospects of Project Based Learning, student opinion seems to vary. Some students expect this technique to be a successful way of learning, while others disagre. Senior, Isaac S., said, "Yes, we are focused too much on standardized testing; the world is not multiple choice."  Another student, Jonah S., expressed a strong dislike for projects in the classroom, pointing out that he, instead, preferred multiple choice tests and standardized tests.    

While students disagree over this new focus, administrators and instructors remain convinced that it will improve student growth in the classroom and will help to better meet the needs of a multitude of learners.   Perhaps it is best said by junior, Eric F.: "Not everyone can understand and learn from being lectured.  Some people, they just have to be shown how to do it or they have to have some kind of hands on (experience) so they can understand it."

Written by: Megan D., Paloma B., Haley H., and Alex C.

JIB vs. Union Football Game

On Thursday, August 25, 2016,  the Union Bears hosted the first football game of the season against the John I. Burton Raiders. The stadium was packed with fans of both teams cheering on their schools through the intense heat. This was a highly anticipated game for both the Bears and Raiders.  

To start off the night, the Raiders began playing offense, with a first down run by Andrew C. #5. The Raiders fought against the Bears strongly, until the time on the score board read 7:28.  The Bears scored the first touchdown of the night along with a field goal that brought the score to 7-0.  The Raiders retaliated against the Bears, by bringing the ball to their own 5 yard line ready for a touchdown. Sadly, for the Raiders, the ball was intercepted by the Bears, but this did not stop the Raiders from holding them back until the clock ran out, signaling the first quarter was over. After the game, Coach Stidham of the Raiders said he was okay after the first quarter; he knew the Raiders were playing properly and were confident about the upcoming quarters.

Throughout the second quarter the teams' performances remained comparative, as each team played their best. With 2:00 left in the quarter, the Union Bears headed towards their end zone for another touchdown, but were surprised by the Raiders who intercepted them and carried the ball all the way to their own end zone, scoring their first touchdown of the night! This play led to the Raider fans jumping up onto their feet cheering! Just when the crowd started to settle down, Burton obtained a field goal tying the score 7-7.  With only 0:22 left in the quarter, the Bears came back against the Raiders and scored another touchdown and a field goal, which brought the score to 7-14 with the Bears leading.

During half time, the Raiders were encouraged by their coaches advice to be positive, as Coach Stidham later said, they "challenged them."  Andrew C. #5 said, the coaches advice was to, "Keep up the pace. Don't get lazy." They were encouraged to finish the game strong. The Raiders were definitely tired by half time considering the size difference of the teams. The Bears team consisted of 63  players, while the Raiders team only had 27 players on Thursday night. Thus, the Raiders tired out quickly due to nearly continuous play.  

To start off the third quarter, the Raiders came back with a touchdown by Tyree B. #10. This brought the score to 13-14, with the Bears in the lead.  Within just a minute, the Bears came back and scored another touchdown against the Raiders, followed by another touchdown with only 0:119 left in the quarter. To top off this touchdown, the Bears scored a field goal bringing the final score of the third quarter to 13-27, with Union still ahead of the Raiders. 

The fourth quarter consisted of multiple touchdowns by the Bears. The Raiders played their best, but as Andrew C. #5, from John I. Burton, stated "The team tired out." The Bears won the game with a final score of 13-54. Various members of the Raiders' team said they were pleased with their performance in the game, and believe the upcoming season for them will be very successful. Come out and support the Raiders this Friday, September 2, 2016, as they compete against Chilhowie! 

2016 Jamboree

On Friday, August 19, 2016, John I. Burton Raiders hosted the annual Jamboree on their home field.  There were many teams that competed, and they all brought their best.  These teams included, The Union Bears, The Pioneers (Thomas Walker) , The Blue Devils (Grayson County), The Golden Waves (Grundy), and the Raiders (John I. Burton).  These teams all competed head to head for the preseason Jamboree.  The event started at four o'clock ans lasted until approximately ten thirty.  Fans from all over the county came to support their schools. 

To start off the night, The Union Bears went up against The Pioneers.  The game was tied until the last quarter when Thomas Walker scored a touchdown against Union, taking the lead in the game.  The final score was Pioneers 14, Union 7.  
The second game of the night was between the Burton Raiders and Thomas Walker.  The Raiders started off the game playing on offense, with a first down run by Andrew C. #5.  followed up by a touchdown run by Chris H. #8.  Only minutes later, Chris H. scored another touchdown for the Raiders.  With a minute left in the first quarter, the Pioneers scored their first touchdown making the score 14-7, Raiders up.  With only one quarter to go, the Raiders stepped up their game with a seventy yard carry for a touchdown, once again by Chris H. #8.  To end the second game of the night, the Raiders came in with a total of four touchdowns and the Pioneers two.  Bringing the score to 26-14, with the raiders being victorious.  When Mikey C. #34 was asked how he felt the game would go, he admitted he was unsure at first, but later was pleased with the results.

The third game of the night was against Union and Grayson County.  The Bears took the first quarter by storm, with the score of 21-0 Bears up.  Grayson County failed to score in the second quarter as well, but this did not stop the Bears.  The final score of the third game was 31-0, a Union victory. 

The fourth game of the night was between Burton and Grayson County.  To start off the game Tyree B. #10 from JIB scored the Raiders their first touchdown.  The first quarter ended with Raiders leading 6-0.  During the second quarter, the Raiders really stepped up scoring a 53 yard touchdown once again by Tyree B.  With 11:18 left in the second quarter, the Raiders scored a field goal bringing the score to 13-0.  Once again the Raiders made another great play, Jacob B. #6 made an interception putting the Raiders on their own 5th yard line.  This was followed by yet another touchdown for the Raiders by Mikey C. #34.  The raiders came out victorious with a final score of 19-8.

The fifth game of the night was between the Union Bears and Golden waves (Grundy).  The final score of the game was 21-9, with the Union Bears winning.  Andrew C. #5, from JIB, was asked how he felt about playing the Bears in an upcoming game.  He stated that chances of winning could be very high if his team remembered what they had practiced and did not lose energy.  At the end of the night, the Raiders played against Grundy.  The Golden Waves stepped up their performance for this game, scoring a total of two touchdowns, bringing their final score to 14.  The Raiders were, as Andrew C. stated, "tired out."  But they ended the game with one touchdown and a two point conversion.  To end the night, the Golden Waves won the final game with a score of 8-14.

While the Raiders performed well in the Jamboree, Mikey C. claimed that he was unsure about how the Raiders would perform this season, but ultimately felt that they still have work to do.  When Andrew C. was asked about how he feels about following up such a successful season for the Raiders, he stated, "I just want to be where we have a winning record and it goes deep into playoffs to win state."  The Raiders compete in the first official game of the season on Thursday, August 25, against the Union Bears.  Good luck players!

Appalachian Studies Class Pursuing New Field Trips

Eddie Sharpe, the instructor of the Appalachian Studies class, has been teaching for 25 years, but this is only the second year that he has taught an elective course focusing on Appalachian Studies. This class is only available in the fall semesters. It was last taught in 2014 and is now being offered during the 2016 fall semester. It, unfortunately, could not be offered during 2015 due to limited number of history instructors at John I. Burton. This class developed as a result of student interest and Coach Sharpe's growing concern that students would leave the Appalachian Mountains without truly understanding the rich history of the area and their own heritage. This fall, Appalachian Studies students will be involved in several new and exciting field trips. Coach Sharpe will be taking his students to see a hog killing, to visit a virtual mine, and to pick leaves.

Sharpe emphasized the importance of his classroom studies, pointing out that over the years people have forgotten the history of the area. Coach Sharpe believes that teaching this class and taking students on these trips will help to keep the rich history of the Appalachian region alive. Sharpe pointed out that the individual trips will each have a lesson to teach students.  Each of these field trips will also allow students to venture out into the Appalachian region; students will witness a hog killing in Russell County, visit a virtual mine in Harlan Kentucky, and collect leaves in Big Stone Gap, VA.  

Coach Sharpe wants to take his class on these trips because he thinks it is important for his students to visually experience the history of the area. He says, "This class will enhance students because they are sitting on some of the most historic land in this country." Two seniors, Colleen G. and Devin B., are excited to be in this class because they will get to learn more than they have ever known about where they live.  They also pointed out that they enjoy having Coach Sharpe as a teacher, and are looking forward to another semester in his classroom. Ultimately, this year will be memorable for the whole class because they are the start of something new.

Written by: Tori F. and Kim H.

New college adviser: Ms. Sloce

In 2016, John I. Burton acquired a new college adviser from UVA-Wise. Her full name is Sass Sloce, but for students she will go by Ms. Sloce. She is from Norton and was a student of the Norton City Schools system from kindergarten until 12th grade. After she finished her time here at Norton, she attended and graduated from UVA-Wise. She was recruited by Danny Eckstein, her current supervisor, to be a college adviser here at John I. Burton. She began her first day at J. I. Burton on August 5th, 2016, and plans to work here for the next two years.  After her stint at Burton, she intends to continue working with UVA-Wise. Her goal at Burton is to increase the number of students which attend two or four year local community colleges. She wants to help them get the classes that they need, so they will become successful in the college career of their choice.  

When discussing her transition to Burton, Ms. Sloce emphasized the many changes which have taken place since she was a student.  She stated: "There are many new teachers, different policies, and the experience is totally different." 
She continued on to say, "It felt extremely different. I noticed that some of the teachers are the same, but they look at me more like an adult, rather a student going through high school." She also pointed out that her interactions with the students helped to make it a smooth transition. She said,"The students have been treating me very well since I have been here, and I hope it stays the same."

Teachers and students should consider stopping by to meet Ms. Sloce.  Her office is located in the Math Lab, but she can also often be found working in the Guidance Office.  Congratulations on your new position, Ms. Sloce.

Written by: Austin Q.

Offline Communications

This fall semester, a group of ten students, nine sophomores and one senior, were blindly placed into Online Communications.  Little did they know that they would be involved in writing a blur of articles in order to capture what was going on at Burton throughout the semester.  Little did they know that they would be delving into a class with so many different personalities, which required communication and cooperation.

Editor-in-chief, senior Cody Messer, started out this semester as an assistant editor along with sophomore, Taylor Collins. These editors were in charge of correcting and going over articles with each student in this class. During the third six weeks, Mrs. Bias promoted Messer to Editor in Chief because she always thought the blog should be run by students and felt that Cody had the necessary set of skills to step into a larger role.  Sophomore, Kira Sturgill, filled his previous role as assistant editor number two, as Cody moved to Editor in Chief. Sophomores Mazzy Tomko and Madison Cardon managed the website's visual presentation to appeal to anyone visiting the blog. Sophomores Austin Lane, Tia Bates, and Dustin Pilkenton had the pleasure of being advertisers and created multiple crafts, candies and even locker signs to get the word out as the class tried to obtain at least 5,000 views each six weeks.   The last two participants, sophomores Kaden Fisher and Jailen Bailey, were named Tech Assistants, as they knew the most about the technology used for the blog.

Learning a lot about one another, the students had to communicate with each other, as every role in the class depended on one another. All of the students worked very hard to complete their tasks. The writing process was frequently nothing short of a roller coaster ride, riddled with grammatical mistakes and sometimes even false information. Nonetheless, each classmate grew as writers; some went from very good writers to great writers, others from great writers to almost flawless writers. More often than not, the students learned many skills, which did not deal with writing, including leadership and time management skills.

The blog will certainly be missed by everyone in Online Communications and the students of this year's blog would like to wish the next class coming in next fall good luck and a fair warning: be prepared to work hard. Keep the blog at least almost as good as how we kept it. The class would also like to advise anyone with a love for writing and English, or looking to pursue a career in article publishing, to enroll in the class. It is certainly a beneficial experience.

Written by: Taylor Collins

Book review: "Angus Thongs and Full-Frontal Snogging" by Louise Rennison

Lady Raiders basketball

On December 8th, The Lady Raiders traveled to Tennessee to face the Davy Crockett Pioneers.  Both varsity and junior varsity girls traveled to play them.  Although, Davy Crockett is a 3A school compared to our 1A school, varsity coach Jared Coffey believed the Raiders could bring home a win.The girls gave a valiant performance, but came up short in their non-conference game, losing 54-49.

Although the Lady Raiders are young, with only two seniors and one junior, they are expected to have a good season.  As of now,  Burton's varsity starters include Gracie M., Kemia B., Racheal M., Kacie C., and Tia B.  Gracie led the team in scoring with 21 points followed by Kacie with 12.  While speaking with Gracie M., a sophomore, she mentioned that she personally thought that although the team played well, there are definitely some fundamentals that  the team needs to work on.  She felt that this was a winnable game for the Raiders. This put the varsity team at 0-3. As for the junior varsity team, they lost 41-28.

The varsity girl's basketball team will be participating in the Tip Off Classic at UVA Wise. The Lady Raiders will face Jenkins on Friday December 11th. Good luck, Lady Raiders!