Wellcome Middle School

Reacquainting with Wellcome Middle School

Since earning recognition as a Prepared NC STEM School of Distinction, Wellcome Middle School has navigated a period of significant transition while continuing to build upon and strengthen its foundation of innovation, collaboration, and student-centered learning. Over the past several years, the school has experienced substantial turnover in both leadership and teaching staff, including administrators, veteran educators, and instructional coaches. These changes presented challenges in maintaining consistency and continuity in programs and practices. However, through a shared commitment to the school’s mission and vision, Wellcome Middle has transformed these challenges into opportunities for renewal and growth.

A unique characteristic of the current faculty is the high percentage of residency, beginning, and international teachers. This diverse mix of educators brings fresh perspectives, cultural richness, and global awareness to the school community. At the same time, it has required strategic mentoring and professional learning systems to ensure that all teachers feel supported and equipped to provide high-quality STEM instruction. The school has strengthened its instructional coaching model, prioritized peer collaboration, and established targeted professional development aligned to both the North Carolina STEM attributes and the needs of early-career educators. This intentional focus on support has helped to create a culture of continuous improvement and shared leadership.

Despite these staffing challenges, Wellcome Middle School has not only sustained but expanded its STEM initiatives schoolwide. The school now offers a growing range of enrichment opportunities that engage students in authentic, hands-on learning experiences. Programs such as Science Olympiad, Robotics, Chess Club, AVID, and National Junior Honor Society, to name a few, have become integral parts of the school’s identity. These programs foster critical thinking, creativity, problem-solving, and perseverance while providing students with outlets to explore their interests and talents beyond the traditional classroom. Each club or organization aligns with the broader goals of the school’s STEM Education Plan, empowering students to see themselves as innovators and leaders in an interconnected, global community.

Wellcome’s culture of celebration and recognition has also evolved. What began as STEM Student and Teacher of the Month has expanded into the PBIS Student of the Week and Monthly Wildcat Staff Affirmations, reinforcing the importance of both academic excellence and positive behavior. These initiatives recognize students and staff who model the school’s core values, contributing to a sense of pride, belonging, and mutual respect throughout the building. The PBIS framework has become a powerful vehicle for cultivating a positive school climate that supports both social-emotional growth and academic success.

While some may not view PBIS as a traditional STEM initiative, Wellcome Middle embraces a broader and more holistic understanding of STEM that aligns with the Science, Mathematics, and Technology Education Center’s definition of STEM as strategies that engage minds. At Wellcome Middle School, STEM is not limited to the four disciplines of science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. It is a mindset that values inquiry, innovation, and problem-solving across all aspects of the school experience. By prioritizing students’ social and emotional well-being, Wellcome Middle ensures that learners feel safe, supported, and ready to engage deeply with complex ideas. This whole-child approach has proven essential to sustaining a thriving STEM culture, where curiosity and confidence grow together. Similarly, clubs such as Chess Club and Battle of the Books may not traditionally be categorized as STEM activities, yet they embody the same principles of the 4 Cs of 21st Century Learning: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Wellcome Middle strives to provide all students with opportunities to engage in these competencies, recognizing that not every student will be drawn to robotics or Science Olympiad, and that is perfectly okay. Every avenue that nurtures curiosity and problem-solving is celebrated as part of the school’s STEM ecosystem.

Family and community engagement have reached new heights as well. Through data and observation, the school realized that families were far more active and responsive on Facebook than on other social media platforms. In response, Wellcome Middle strategically shifted its communication efforts to Facebook, using it as the primary hub for sharing updates, celebrating achievements, and connecting with families. This change has streamlined communication, increased transparency, and deepened trust between the school and its stakeholders. Parents are now more engaged in school events, academic initiatives, and student recognition programs, creating a stronger partnership between home and school.

Students at Wellcome Middle continue to exemplify the 4 Cs of 21st Century Learning: creativity, critical thinking, communication, and collaboration. Through both classroom instruction and community engagement, whether designing prototypes in science class, solving real-world problems through project-based learning, or participating in service projects, students are developing the skills and mindset necessary for success in future academic and career endeavors. The school’s emphasis on inquiry, innovation, and collaboration ensures that learning remains relevant, rigorous, and connected to authentic experiences.

Perhaps the most exciting recent accomplishment is the recognition of Rachel Candaso as the North Carolina Teacher of the Year. Her achievement not only celebrates individual excellence but also reflects the collective strength of Wellcome Middle’s instructional community. Ms. Candaso’s work embodies the school’s STEM philosophy, fostering curiosity, empowering students to lead their learning, and inspiring others to pursue excellence in teaching and learning.

Through every transition and challenge, Wellcome Middle School has remained steadfast in its belief that resilience, innovation, and community are the cornerstones of success. The school’s motto, “We Build. We Rise. We Succeed.” captures the essence of its journey, one defined by perseverance, adaptability, and a relentless commitment to student growth. Today, Wellcome Middle stands as a model of how a school can evolve, thrive, and continue to advance STEM education even amidst change, demonstrating the true spirit of a Prepared NC STEM School of Distinction.

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