Roxboro Middle named IB World School

Roxboro Middle School in Cleveland Heights.

Roxboro Middle School has been authorized to become an International Baccalaureate (IB) World School for the three-year Middle Years Programme (MYP).

The IB program, which is implemented in more than 4,000 schools worldwide, emphasizes rigorous study and a focus on providing relevance within a global context. The MYP curriculum includes eight subject groups, encouraging students to make practical connections between their studies and the real world. There are currently 544 schools in the U.S. that offer the IB MYP.

“We are thrilled to become an authorized IB World School. The IB distinction will provide our capable staff with the tools necessary to teach students to one day become caring, thoughtful leaders in the Heights community and out in the world,” said Patrick McNichols, Roxboro Middle School principal.

Roxboro Middle School began the application process to become an IB World School four years ago. After a school applies for candidacy, the IB organization works with the school to instill the program structure and ensure staff receive the necessary professional development.

“It's a very rigorous process but we're so proud of the results we're seeing. Melissa Garcar is our MYP coordinator; she has played a vital role in getting us here. Observe our classes and you will see that learning is relevant and fun, which is what keeps our students engaged,” said McNichols.

The MYP requires at least 50 hours of teaching time for each subject group, in each year of the program. The program emphasizes action in the local community while understanding the larger world context in which students live and function.

 Starting in the 2015–16 school year, all eighth-grade students will be required to design, implement and exhibit a community service project that will benefit the local community while also building on student interest. After finishing the MYP, students are prepared for further education, including national and international courses of study, and certifications within IB for high school students.

In the CH-UH City School District, Roxboro Elementary is also an authorized IB World School. Oxford, Noble, Fairfax and Canterbury elementary schools are IB candidates, and Monticello Middle School is a “school of interest” this year for IB.

Cathan Bricker

Cathan Bricker is the communications administrative assistant for the Cleveland Heights-University Heights City School District.

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Volume 8, Issue 6, Posted 3:18 PM, 05.16.2015