• Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 26,793
    Student Enrollment: 534
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 21.2%
    White/Caucasian: 34.2%
    Hispanic: 36.9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1.5%
    Native American: 0.7%
    Other: 5.5%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 10.3%
    Founded: 1946
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Javita Noel Stockton
  • CONTACT:
    4300 High Point Rd
    Kernersville, NC 27284
    336-703-4233
    jcnoelstockton@wsfcs.k12.nc.us
Union Cross Traditional Academy
Kernersville, NC
Union Cross has an intentional and consistent focus on PLTs that are data-focused.
1. Tell us about your school’s success.
Union Cross has experienced great success. Currently, we are celebrating our Top 5 Wins. The top 5 include being removed from the Low Performing Schools List in just one year, Being named a Top 25 school in the Winston-Salem Forsyth County Schools district, Exceeding Growth, Being in the Top 50% of schools for the state of North Carolina, and being recognized as an ESEA Distinguished School for closing achievement gaps.
2. Talk about the greatest contributing factor(s) that promoted positive change in your school.
Union Cross has an intentional and consistent focus on PLTs that are data-focused, centered on both culturally responsive and content-based instruction that is standards-aligned. Individual student data is reviewed, and a record is kept, to track student proficiency across standards. Actions plans are created to determine the next steps in instruction based on moving students towards proficiency. We have implemented WIN – “What I Need” – Time beyond small group instruction that is set aside for content areas based on students’ current levels. Lastly every teacher has a coach in our building. Through the RELAY Coaching Model, centered on Getting Better Faster, builds instructional capacity through intentional “bite-sized coaching” with high-leverage action steps. We set strong expectations for lesson plans that are standards-aligned with a learning target, and which include gradual release mode, vocabulary, checks for understanding, and pre-planned questioning.
3. How has ESEA funding supported the school's success?
ESEA funding has allowed our school to take part in key Professional development opportunities such as NCTIES, where educators are engaged in advanced excellence in learning and teaching through effective use of technology. The funding has also allowed us to fund additional positions such as teachers, Instructional assistants and it has also supported the supplements of our Multi-Classroom leaders. This funding has also allowed us to purchase culturally responsive curriculum support materials for our extended learning tutoring program and our classroom. Instructional materials have been funded for our teachers and students.
4. What professional development activities were used to improve teaching and learning?
The professional development activities that have led to an improvement in teaching in learning include targeted PD in small groups for both reading and math. This PD opportunity allowed the teachers to see stations and centers demonstrated in real time that support targeted instruction. We have also partnered with our district Equity department to do a year long PD focused on Equity in the classroom. Our school leaders participated in RELAY; this expands on the coaching model of Getting Better Faster. Other Professional Development opportunities include attending the NCTIES conference and the Professional development on lesson planning/ Internalization of the lesson. With a focus on the whole student, our teachers and staff have participated in Social Emotional professional development with a focus on classroom meetings and restorative processes.

5. Talk about the cultural shift leading up to your school's success.
A positive environment of respect and trust is key to enabling the teamwork needed to solve problems and meet challenges. As the demographics rapidly changed the mindset had to change with it, including adjusting the way we taught our students. A change in the master schedule to allow carved out time for small groups and one on one instruction. The Equity PD allowed us to be transparent and recognize our biases. This led to better understanding of others and how to engage & develop authentic relationships with others. Surveys were conducted across all stakeholders to determine where gaps may be in a variety of areas. Responding to surveys with data driven action plans addressed the gaps that were revealed. Just as we strive to give students what they need, the teachers had needs that needed to be addressed. This is where every teacher has a coach concept that comes in. Regularly scheduled coaching sessions were key to expanding teacher capacity and skill/will.
6. How has community involvement strengthened your success?
Union Cross has been fortunate to develop strong community partnerships. Imprints Cares, a community afterschool provider, students participate in an extended learning program where they receive standard-aligned homework support and enrichment programming. The Kiwanis Club of Kernersville provided a bookcase and stocked it with age-appropriate books to encourage regular attendance and positive behavior in the classroom. Three faith-based organizations (FBOs), The Summit Church, Friedland Moravian Church, and Union Cross Baptist Church provide space at facilities for our staff to participate in off-campus Professional Development (PD). We know that student achievement can improve because of teachers’ participation in well-designed PD. These FBOs also provide a safe space for student and family celebrations. They aid with school supplies, clothing and holiday gifts for students and families.
Stats
  • Category 2

    Selected in 2023

  • Grades: pre k - 5
    School Setting: urban
    Town Population: 26,793
    Student Enrollment: 534
    Student Demographics:

    Black/African American: 21.2%
    White/Caucasian: 34.2%
    Hispanic: 36.9%
    Hawaiian/Pacific Islander: 0%
    Asian: 1.5%
    Native American: 0.7%
    Other: 5.5%

    Teacher/Student Ratio: 1:22
    % Reduced Lunch: 100%
    % ELL Learners: 10.3%
    Founded: 1946
  • PRINCIPAL:
    Javita Noel Stockton
  • CONTACT:
    4300 High Point Rd
    Kernersville, NC 27284
    336-703-4233
    jcnoelstockton@wsfcs.k12.nc.us