Nettle Patch
Norton, VA 24273

I am a recent graduate of John I. Burton High School. I participated exclusively in the arts, including forensics, one-act, show choir, marching band, and a few area theatrical organizations. My experiences with the coaches and directors of all of these extracurricular activities were exceptional. As for quality of education, there are a few teachers who are outstanding and have the ability to motivate and educate their students, but there are others who are considerably ineffective. I have heard repeatedly that this is the case for all of the area high schools as well. I was never a troublemaker in school, so I was very good friends with all of my teachers well before graduation day. Overall, the community is close-knit, there are some absolutely amazing teachers, and the arts programs are thriving. The most outstanding factor that sets this school apart is the tolerance that the students show one another. Most area schools have very little diversity, but John I. Burton is certainly different in that respect, and the students exemplify this in their behavior and treatment of one another.

The school is full of bullies. Nothing is done. The principal gossips about the poor teaching quality. He acts as if he knows it all and is not open to input. This school use to be thought of very highly, but the principal has lack of maturity and knowledge of students.He still lives in the days when he played in high school playing ball. He needs to know that his job is now not his playing past. He discouraged family and friends from bringing their children to this school due to lack of teaching skills in 7th grade. Major changes are needed.They do not want parent involvement. They have a few parents that hang there and substitute only to carry out gossip on the students and faculty. The principal does not investigate bullying incidences and does not want to be questioned about them. He thinks he is irreplaceable but he needs to be replace soon.