As the smallest K-12 public school in North Carolina, Ocracoke
School strives to provide diverse learning opportunities in a place that
can be reached only by ferry or plane. The small number of students and
their isolation on their island home on the Outer Banks foster a close
relationship between the school and community. Included: Principal George Ortman talks about how Ocracoke School achieves its success.
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A student-created mural in the school's commons area reflects the island's swashbuckling past.
(Education World photo) |
Far from the mainland and "mainstream" ideas, the landscape on Oracoke
Island on North Carolina's Outer Banks is picturesque, and the residents
practical. With access only by ferry or plane, the 14-mile-long
Ocracoke Island is remote by almost any standard, and yet those who are
tasked with educating its youth say its one school and fewer than 100
students lack for nothing.
"The geography of the area first drew me to Ocracoke," George Ortman, principal of the K-12 Ocracoke School,
told Education World. "I decided to start a new chapter in my life in
North Carolina near the coast. As an avid fisherman, the draw was a
natural one. Having lived on a peninsula for almost 30 years, an island
had its appeal -- sound on one side, and ocean on the other."
The island's beauty only was outdone by the friendliness of the
residents. "They impressed me as honest and hardworking people," Ortman
recalled. "They have an intense interest in the education and welfare of
their children and demonstrate this through their involvement in all
facets of their children's education."
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In such a challenging setting, what makes Ocracoke School
work? George Ortman believes its island location has produced a strong
and effective partnership between the school and community.
"The reason we have been so successful with our students is because of
the cooperation between and among our teachers and our parents and
community," said Ortman. "All are connected, one to the other. Students
help students, parents know each other's children, and do not hesitate
to correct any inappropriate behavior of their own as well as their
neighbors' children. The children know that if they are rewarded for
their accomplishments at school, they receive additional praise at home.
On the other hand, if our children misbehave at school and receive a
consequence here at school, they receive a consequence at home that is
usually more severe. Parents work hand-in-hand with the school."
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As the smallest school in the state with only 93 students, no one
slips between the cracks at Ocracoke. Teachers become very involved with
each student and his or her needs. "You get to know the children, where
they live, their parents, their grandparents, aunts and uncles,
brothers and sisters, cousins and even their dogs and cats," Ortman
said. "It doesn't get much more personal than that."
The attention is paying off. All of Orackoke's students in grades 3-12
passed the state tests in 2003-2004, with only three of the students
requiring a second try. The teachers are attuned to the students'
educational needs, and the parents are very much involved in their
children's education. The majority of the students strive to perform at
the high benchmark established by both teachers and parents. As in other
areas, some graduates choose to remain in the area or return after
further education, while others move on.
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