My Students 

Enrollment: 

• 8th Grade

• Prealgebra/ Algebra

• 25 student class size with a 250 student enrollment 

Student Characteristics: 

• Race/ Ethnicity

  • White: ~80–85%

  • Black/African American: ~5–7%

  • Hispanic/Latino: ~5–7%

  • Multiracial: ~3–5%

  • Asian/Native American/Pacific Islander: <1% each

• Gender Distribution: around 50% male, 50% female

Special Populations 

• • Students with disabilities (IEP/504): ~10%

  • English Learners: ~2–3% (mostly Spanish-speaking households)

  • Gifted/Talented: ~6–8%

Socionomic Indicators

• • Free/Reduced-Price Lunch: About 60–70% qualify

  • Homeless/Housing Insecure: ~2–3%

Family and Community Factors

• • Parent/Guardian Educational Attainment: Many parents have high school diplomas or some college, but fewer hold bachelor’s degrees 

  • Internet/Device Access: Most families have at least a smartphone, but up to 20–30% may lack reliable home internet

Academic Demographics

• • Student Mobility: ~10%

  • Chronic Absenteeism: Around 12–15%

Community and Contextual Data

• • Neighborhood Socioeconomic Status: $40,000–$50,000, with poverty rates around 15–20%.

  • Local Demographics: Predominantly White, with small but growing Hispanic/Latino populations

  • Geographic Location: Rural

Geography and Environment

The Appalachian Mountains shape the daily lives of the community. The rural setting creates strong connections to the land, with hunting, fishing, and farming being popular outdoor activities that form family and community traditions. The physical isolation of many areas also creates tight communities, while limited access to urban resources contributes to a culture that values local self-sufficiency.

Cuisine and Food

Food traditions in Southwest Virginia reflect the region’s history, geography, and resourcefulness. Staples include beans, cornbread, biscuits, fried chicken, and preserved foods like canned vegetables, jams, and pickles. Dishes such as soup beans with cornbread, apple butter, and country ham are not only meals but traditions passed down through generations.

Art, Music, and Literature

Southwest Virginia is deeply tied to Appalachian cultural expression through traditional music, crafts, and storytelling. Bluegrass and gospel music are important to the region’s identity, with instruments like the banjo, fiddle, and guitar central to local performances and family traditions. Art forms such as quilting reflect creativity and practicality, often passed down through generations. These artistic expressions not only serve as entertainment but also as a way of honoring heritage and strengthening community identity.

Religion and Spirituality

Religion plays a critical role in the culture of Southwest Virginia, with Christianity being the most prominent. Churches are more than places of worship; they serve as community centers, hosting social events, charity drives, and youth programs. Religious values often influence community norms and shape perspectives on family, morality, and education. Faith-based traditions, such as church suppers, gospel music, and seasonal celebrations, bring families together across generations. 

Some adaptive/assistive technology I  may need/ want to use in my classroom are:

• Electronic Math Worksheets: This can give opportunities for students to use technology and grow comfortable with it while also working on the curriculum 

• Memory Aids: This can help individuals with memory impairments organize and recall information, while also being a helpful option for all my students to keep organized 

• Screen Readers and Magnification Software: This can help individuals with visual impairments access digital content

• AI and Machine Learning for Personalized Support: This can support individuals with mental health or cognitive challenges in my classroom to help them when they may not financially or geographically have access to this type of support