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Alton C. Crews Middle School

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This is an old revision of this page, as edited by Noroton (talk | contribs) at 17:32, 20 June 2007 (minor format and wording changes). The present address (URL) is a permanent link to this revision, which may differ significantly from the current revision.

Alton C. Crews Middle School 2007-2008 is a middle school in the Brookwood Cluster of Gwinnett County, Georgia. Dr. Gene Taylor is the school principal.

Founded in 1996, Alton C. Crews has a motto "Building a Tradition of Excellence". Their mascot is the bronco, matching Brookwood High School and Brookwood Elementary School's mascot. The school is named after Dr. Alton C. Crews (1924-1996), a 13-year former superintendent of Gwinnett County Public Schools (1977-1989).[1]

With student population rising every year, the addition of trailers has been constant. A new portion of school was currently under construction starting from December 18, 2006 and is expected to be completed in 2007/2008. There will be a total of 14 classrooms- 10 regular education classrooms and 4 for resource. New renovations, as well as a new computer lab will be added in (tentatively) August, 2007. As of 2005 the school had more than 1,000 students.

In August 2006, the school won one of 16 "Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards". The annual awards program honors schools for "implementing innovative and replicable programs that support positive educational outcomes and impact student achievement". Crews won its award for professional development.[2] According to the awards Web site, "Through leadership training, peer coaching, and mentoring opportunities, Alton C. Crews Middle School in Lawrenceville, GA, makes professional development a top priority. Everyone participates in the voluntary program, and creates a culture of collaboration."[3]

Academic programs

At Crews, "Connections" classes (sometimes called specials in other schools) are extra classes which still make up part of a student's academic grade. Three Connections classes are electives, and they are all musical connections which are Band, Orchestra, and Chorus.

"Probe" classes are advanced courses in certain subjects: language arts, math, social studies, and science.

In "inclusion classes," for one period a day, a special education teacher and the regular education teacher "team teach" the same class, in order for special education students (as well as the regular students) to get more attention. Inclusion classes are taught in social studies, math, language arts, and mainly science (since special education teachers, who can teach the other three primary subjects on their own, cannot teach science in each grade level). There are no inclusion connections classes.

Music programs

ACCMS Chorus

Chorus began at Crews in 1997, but due to budget cuts, chorus was lifted from the Connections program. In 2005, a new chorus teacher at Crews brought the program back. They have been very successful, such as the 6th grade chorus performing in combination with the 6th grade band and orchestra, and presenting a 10th anniversary concert on May 1st, 2007 for Crews` 10th Annivesary Dedication. They have won numerous awards from GMEA for superior ratings. Many of the students go on to sing with the award winning Brookwood High School Choruses!! Many singers also participate in community choirs such as The Atlanta Youth Choir and Gwinnett Young Singers and their church choirs.

ACCMS Band

The band has been in existence for 10 years. Memorable moments include pieing the band director and the school principal in the face at the annual Rock-A-Thon (an annual fundraiser) and the Lock-In; and performing at UGA, the award winning Bronco Marching Band. Many of the students continue taking band after the 6th grade connections orientation, either by going on to orchestra, or continuing in the regular connections spiral. Many of the band students go on to march in the Brookwood High School Bronco Marching Band and Concert Bands, and Honors Orchestra (band and string students combined).

ACCMS Orchestra

The Orchestra has won numerous awards, performing at UGA, GMEA festivals, and the Governor`s Mansion! They also have lots of fun during the year, such as the lock-in and memorable music days during class! Many of the students go on to play with the award winning Brookwood High School Orchestras, and Honors Orchestra (band and strings students combined)

Musical theatre

A musical is put on every year at Crews, usually around March to May.

  • 2004 - "The Music Man, jr."
  • 2005 - "Once On This Island, jr."
  • 2006 - "Schoolhouse Rock Live!"
  • 2007 - "Broncos on Broadway: 100 Years of Broadway"
  • 2008 - "Disney's On the Record"

2004's "The Music Man, jr." was unique among others because a fourth grader who didn't go to Crews played Winthrop, the little boy with a lisp.

2007 is a unique year because the play has been changed three times. The original play was going to be Into the Woods. They also considered doing High School Musical late in the 05-06 schoolyear, however, this didn't go far. It is now confirmed to be a musical revue based on 100 Years of Broadway, called Broncos on Broadway.

"Crews News" segments

Since 2005, Crews Middle School's announcements are made on air. The Crews News is the news show shown every morning. It is also home to four unique segments:

  • The Weekend Weather
  • Ask Kimmy
  • Entertainment With Elliott
  • Ms. Askew's Awesome Book Talks

References

  1. ^ [1]Web page titled "General", from Alton C. Crews Middle School Web site, accessed June 20, 2007
  2. ^ [2]Intel Corporation news release titled "16 Schools Named Winners of the 2006 Intel and Scholastic Schools of Distinction Awards", dated August 22, 2006, Intel Corporation Web site, accessed June 20, 2007
  3. ^ [3]Web page titled "2006 Awards" at "Schools of Distinction" Web site, accessed June 20, 2007
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