Brooks Technology and Arts Middle Magnet School

Technology is integrated into the classrooms at Brooks.  Our strong Student Technology Leadership and TV production classes allow Brooks' students access to technology not available at other middle schools. Macs and PCs are both used at Brooks to provide students a wide variety of technology.

Performing and visual arts are central to the school’s focus. Brooks offers three bands, three orchestras, three choirs, art, drama, and journalism.
A fall musical showcases our choir, drama and instrumental music programs..

• 2007-2008 Made AYP for the first time since the installation of No Child Left Behind
  
• 2007-2008 Every sub-group met state expectations on state assessments
  
• 2007-2008 Achievement gap closes because the lowest performing subgroup improved exponentially
  
• 2007-2008 Received a $250,000 grant from the superintendent to advance technology in the building

Exit I-135 at 21^st St. Go east on 21^st to Hillside. Go north on Hillside to 27^th. Go east on 27^th six blocks to Brooks. See Maps for all USD 259 locations

The mission of Brooks Technology and Arts magnet is to develop socially and academically successful students through a rigorous and relevant curriculum in an environment that promotes a community of pride, integrity, and respect.

Vision

We envision a school that provides a safe, orderly and respectful environment. Through collaboration we will support diversity, integrate technology, and promote the arts in order to become a school of excellence.

1. Students will sustain and increase academic growth and meet state expectations, with teachers using researched based strategies.
2. Students will become better and stronger readers by participating in the Book of the Month and the 25 Books Campaign.
3. Students will develop positive character traits through Positive Actions curriculum.

Site Council Meeting Day: Second Tuesday of the month
Time: 11:30-12:30, lunch provided
Location: Room 107

Brooks' students have many activities they can choose to be a part of. Seven wireless laptop labs and 2 computer labs allow students access to technology in every room of the building. Seventh and eighth grade students may enroll in Advanced Multimedia classes or TV productions. Student Technology leadership encourages students to become technology leaders in the school while troubleshooting and assisting teachers with their technological needs.

• Nationally recognized staff members including a National Board Certified teacher and teachers listed in Who's Who
• More than 350 multimedia computers with student and staff access from every classroom and all 4 technology labs
• Close circuit student-produced television station entitled Panthervision
• Nationally ranked Leadership program
• City league JROTC color guard and drill camps 2006-2007 and 2007-2008
• District provided computers for all teachers to enhance communication, assist with attendance and support technology in the classroom
• Undefeated boys and girls basketball teams 2007-2008
• Student Technology Leadership students recognized at 2007-2008 state conference
• Students performing below grade level in reading are enrolled in the eXtreme literacy program to build basic skills
• Unique math intervention classes assist students in building math skills
• Asperger, Austistic and Gifted programs offered for students with exceptionalities 

1st and 2nd place winners at National History Day Competition, 2007-2008

Outstanding Orchestra and Vocal music - both receiving 1 ratings at district festival

Journalism program that creates The PawPrint, the school newsletter

National Academic League Team, earning the league's best sportsmanship award, 2007-2008

Stagecraft teaches students the basics of set building

Drama program beginning during the 2008-2009 school year

After School program provides students with activities and field trips as well as homework help.

Brooks Junior High School began its first year of operation in 1958. The official enrollment for the first year was 489 students. Formal dedication of the building was held on Sunday, November 2, 1958. The building was named for L.W. Brooks, who was a principal of three high schools in Wichita. He was the first director of secondary education and also was an acting superintendent of schools. In 1944, he was elected the State Superintendent of Public Instruction.

Preliminary studies were made to determine educational requirements of the area to be served. Planning was carried out with particular attention given to site development. Glenn E. Benedick was the architect and Martin K. Eby Company was general contractor. The design of Brooks School was unique in that the natural topography was retained and used as an asset rather than a liability in the development.

Definite separation was maintained for pedestrian traffic, automobile traffic, service areas and playground areas. Outside student gathering areas were developed with the most desirable orientation from the standpoint of access, weather protection and flow into the building facilities. Parking for 160 cars was provided adjacent to the facilities used by the public, and adjacent to the center of the building. Color was used to the fullest advantage inside the building to provide a cheerful and inspiring atmosphere for the students and teachers. The architect gave a great deal of attention to creating a feeling and atmosphere in the building conducive to alertness and learning.

Building capacity was originally established at 725 students. Enrollment increased steadily each year, and two portables were added in 1964. An additional four portables were required to meet enrollment needs for 1965. Enrollment in 1966 reached more than 1,000, and four more portables were needed. In subsequent years, the enrollment leveled off at approximately 950.

In the fall of 1988, all ninth graders were moved to high schools leaving seventh and eighth graders. In the fall of 1989, all junior high schools became middle schools (6-8).

Sixth graders were admitted into the newly established magnet program for the 1991-92 school year. The themes were global education, science and technology, and foreign language. Each year thereafter, the students in the magnet program moved to the next grade and a new sixth grade class was established until the entire student body was made up of students whose parents had made application for them to attend Brooks. Students were randomly selected for admission. Originally, there were to be 750 students in the magnet program. Enrollment was increased and in 1994-95, 842 students were attending Brooks.

From A History of Wichita Public School Buildings, c 1997