• Category 1

    Selected in 2012

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 20,536
    Student Enrollment: 431
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 8%
    White/Caucasian: 68%
    Hispanic: 20%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 2%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:20
    % Reduced Lunch: 56%
    % ELL Learners: 15%
    Founded: 2009
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Mindi DeWitt
  • CONTACT:
    515 Tate Avenue
    Shelbyville, TN 37160
    931-684-6818
    dewittm@bedfordk12tn.net
Thomas Magnet School
Shelbyville, TN
Thomas Magnet has implemented Paideia Socratic Seminars schoolwide on a regular basis, every two weeks. The pillars of the Paideia method are posted throughout the building and in all classrooms. This has enhanced our students' abilities in communicating their thoughts and opinions to their peers and teachers.
Describe the most successful activity your school has initiated to strengthen the ties to your community.
Thomas Magnet has various enrichment activities throughout the year. Parents and community members are invited to work with students to prepare for our biggest enrichment programs of the year, Showcase Night and Spring Enrichment Clusters. For these enrichments, students participate in the areas of their greatest interest (sewing, recycling, disc golf, woodwork, baseball, cake decorating, etc). This allows teachers and community members to share their personal interests and hobbies with students, creating a valuable bond.
What is the single most important factor in the success of your school that others could replicate?
The culture of Thomas Magnet School is vital to the success of our students. There is respect and autonomy given to our teachers in their teaching, which trickles down to the students as well. The shared vision of our school drives all of the actions and decisions within our school, giving everyone ownership in all of our failures and successes.
Describe the program or initiative that has had the greatest positive effect on student achievement.
Thomas Magnet has implemented Paideia Socratic Seminars schoolwide on a regular basis, every two weeks. The pillars of the Paideia method are posted throughout the building and in all classrooms. This has enhanced our students’ abilities in communicating their thoughts and opinions to their peers and teachers. Although the seminars are every two weeks, these communication methods have become ingrained in the students and are evidenced in all classes.
Explain how Title I funds have supported your improvement efforts.
Title I has especially contributed to support materials and staff development in Kindergarten and 1st grade. By establishing a firm foundation in literacy for these students, it will enhance their knowledge and readiness in the upper grades. This would have been impossible to fund without Title I!
Describe how data is used to improve student achievement and inform decision making.
Yearly Acheivement data is used to place students in their academic clusters. Our students are grouped based on ability. The teachers also use benchmark assessments to determine mastery, the need for remediation, and referrals to after school tutoring and other interventions. This data is discussed routinely in teachers’ PLCs.
Stats
  • Category 1

    Selected in 2012

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: rural
    Town Population: 20,536
    Student Enrollment: 431
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 8%
    White/Caucasian: 68%
    Hispanic: 20%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 2%
    Native American: 2%
    Other: 0%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:20
    % Reduced Lunch: 56%
    % ELL Learners: 15%
    Founded: 2009
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Mindi DeWitt
  • CONTACT:
    515 Tate Avenue
    Shelbyville, TN 37160
    931-684-6818
    dewittm@bedfordk12tn.net