June 3, 2022
I could not be more proud of our upper elementary school scholars here at Meeting Street @Burns. I could go on forever about their academic growth and development as young learners, but their growth and achievement percentiles speak for themselves. Instead, I wanted to focus on the commitments they made to a culture of curiosity and embracing abnormalities that eventually led to their outstanding academic success.
We learned all year that in order to make a strong argument, there must be a balance between relevant evidence and thorough elaboration and analysis. Our 5th graders used these skills to support arguments they made for the impact of war on boy soldiers and women during the Civil War after reading The Boys War and The River Between Us. In this case, I am going to be somewhat hypocritical though. I’m going to skip the elaboration piece. Please don’t tell them…
I don’t need to elaborate or explain to anyone why or how our scholars achieved what they achieved. I just have hard evidence. I have real, tangible things that they committed to early in the year. They trusted us, bought in and began to show the world the tip of the iceberg as to what they are capable of achieving. These are just a few of those ideas:
By forming these ideas together and creating a strong culture early in the school year, the rest was on our incredible staff to make sure we put the right things in front of them. Throughout the year, they became analytical readers through their novel studies of books like Hatchet, The Phantom Tollbooth, and Blood on the River. They strengthened their math skills like multiplying fractions, dividing decimals, and finding volume. You could walk into any classroom on any day and find fifteen to twenty young adults deep in thought, writing a text-dependent analysis, or leading an academic discussion.
Our turtles work hard, but they can play hard too. Take a walk around the building after school and you might stumble upon the vibrant creations of our art club. You might take a peak in the gym and catch a glimpse of our hard working basketball players or step team. They are writers, artists, athletes, scientists, mathematicians, musicians, and so much more. They are creative, compassionate, resilient, and brave. The list goes on for ways I could describe our brilliant scholars.
The City of Charleston is one full of growth, innovation, and diversity. I can’t wait to see how our students in the Dorchester- Waylyn community of North Charleston put their stamp on their city and the rest of the world.
By Ben Keane
5th Grade ELA Teacher @Burns
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Start Your Career!Meeting Street Schools (MSS) is an innovative non-profit where schools, families, and the community collaborate to create environments where all children can achieve their full potential. With a network of schools across South Carolina, including MSA-Charleston (Charleston, SC), MSA-Spartanburg (Spartanburg, SC), MS-Brentwood (North Charleston, SC), MS-Burns (North Charleston, SC), we are committed to providing students with the rigorous education they deserve.
Founded on the principle that every child deserves an excellent education regardless of their socio-economic background, Meeting Street Schools has been a beacon of hope and a testament to what's possible in education. Our schools are driven by a strong focus on student achievement, evidence-based instruction, and relentless support of our students and their families.
While united by our shared mission, each MSS campus, is unique in its character, tapping into the local spirit of the communities they serve. Explore each of our schools and discover how they're creating a brighter future for students in South Carolina.
Nestled in the heart of Charleston, South Carolina, MSA Charleston is more than just a school—it’s a hub for innovative learning and community engagement. As part of the Meeting Street Schools network, MSA Charleston embodies a commitment to excellence through its rigorous academic programs, inclusive culture, and focus on developing the whole child. With a curriculum that emphasizes both academic and personal growth, MSA Charleston prepares students to be curious learners and active citizens of their community.
Meeting Street Academy – Spartanburg is as a pillar of educational innovation in the Spartanburg community. The school’s dedicated educators and supportive learning environment ensure that each child receives a high-quality, personalized education with exceptional faculty and teachers. The Academy is distinguished by its emphasis on community partnership, fostering relationships that extend beyond the classroom to build a strong foundation for lifelong learning and success.
Meeting Street – Brentwood is a place where education meets opportunity. Serving the Brentwood area, this neighborhood Public School of Innovation is a testament to the transformative power of education. With a student-centered approach that celebrates diversity and encourages excellence, Meeting Street – Brentwood is dedicated to equipping students with the skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Meeting Street – Brentwood also serves as a hub for the Brentwood community to access educational and wellness services. The school’s commitment to innovation, coupled with a warm, welcoming environment, makes it a standout in the Meeting Street Schools network.
Located in a community rich with history and culture, Meeting Street – Burns is renowned for its dynamic educational approach that intertwines traditional learning with modern teaching techniques. The school’s focus on experiential learning ensures that students at Meeting Street – Burns are not only recipients of knowledge but also active participants in their educational journey. The school exists to spark an educational revolution for the students and families in the Dorchester-Waylyn Neighborhood in North Charleston. With a commitment to creating a supportive and challenging academic environment, Meeting Street – Burns is forging a new path in public education.
“MSA is a family. Once you’re in, you’re in. They said they would follow our kids from K-3 to college and they actually lived up to what they said they would do. Not only did MSA challenge my daughter academically but it also exposed her to new things that she probably wouldn’t have been exposed to at our previous neighborhood school. Our journey at MSA was exciting and rewarding. They actually walk the walk.”
“We come into work everyday truly believing that our students are capable of achieving anything that is put in front of them. Here at MSS, students are provided the opportunity to achieve success through the facilitation of well-educated teachers, resources, and a responsive classroom school environment.”
Meeting Street Schools does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, gender, or national or ethnic in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarships or loan programs, and athletic or other school-administered programs.
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