Garrett Middle School Research Paper

Garrett Middle School was moved to the “current” site in August of 1972. The school was designed in the open pod/ team concept. Pods were basically one large room, there was no separation between team’s subjects. Eventually, the pod's design was realized to be not a suitable set up for students to learn effectively. This led to the building of walls in the classroom to divide them up. The way that the pods were set up created triangular rooms when the walls were added to the divisions. The school is a single building but divides the three grades by using separate areas of the school. For instance, the sixth graders would be to the right of the entrance, seventh graders would be to the center of the entrance, and then the eighth graders would …show more content…
In the school year of 1971-1972, the concept of “middle Schools” became a countywide acceptance, creating a break between primary school and High School. Originally, Garrett Middle only had “two academic areas – currently the 6th and 7th grades. The 8th grade was completed for the 1978-1979 school year” (http://www.cobbk12.org/Garrett/history.aspx). In the year of 1978-1979 the concept of introducing the walls to the old open pods [this created triangular rooms, mentioned above]. Garrett Middle School also has a walking trail that crosses the campus. According to the Garrett Middle School website which states “early 1980’s, the Vita Par Trail was established. Cobb General Hospital helped finance the exercise trail which is still used by students, staff members and community member” (http://www.cobbk12.org/Garrett/history.aspx). Another tradition that Garrett Middle School still carries on today is since 1980’s “the South Cobb Rotary Club (SCRC) began the Writing Contest.” This contest consisted of “students from each grade level submitting essays on topics for judging.” Students that were concerted the “winner and their families were invited to a luncheon. Winners were also given financial awards.” The Rotary club also still sponsors the monthly staff member award too (http://www.cobbk12.org/Garrett/history.aspx). Furthermore, Garrett Middle …show more content…
I believe that the school's location within the Cobb County area is close to a suburban or rural area because there is development but is not a major city such as Kennesaw. The previous data collected and my experience from visiting today reflects a sense of need for education in the area. The classroom had approximately 25-30 students in this small area. Although, the classroom seemed cramped the teacher worked with the materials and “tools” she was given. Many challenges that teachers in this school could possibly face is the problem of low-income families [referring to the high percentage of free and reduced lunches]. Many low-income families may not be able to afford new school supplies or be able to provide the newest set of fashion. This could increase bullying or separation amongst groups of students. Another challenge would be the diverse culture and beliefs that the students are being raised with at