Curriculum
At Burdick School, we implement a curriculum that is thoughtfully planned, challenging, engaging, developmentally appropriate, culturally and linguistically responsive, comprehensive, and likely to promote positive outcomes for all of our children.
At Burdick School, we ensure that:
- Children are active and engaged.
- Goals are clear and shared by all.
- Curriculum is evidence-based.
- Valued content is learned through investigation and focused, intentional teaching.
- Curriculum builds on prior learning and experiences.
- Curriculum is comprehensive.
- Standards validate the curriculum’s subject-matter content.
- The curriculum will benefit children.
Fine Arts and Physical Education
Burdick has a rich tradition of educating the whole child and is one of the few Milwaukee Public Schools that offers a full compliment of fine arts and physical education classes. Students at Burdick receive a quality, rigorous education in Music, Art, and Physical Education. In addition to having specialist teachers on site full time, Burdick also offers students band, chorus, and percussion instrumental lessons.
The staff and students of Burdick partner with the Milwaukee Symphony Orchestra as part of the nationally recognized ACE (Arts in Community Education) Program. The ACE program offers Burdick students unprecedented exposure to arts and cultural experiences. Burdick has been designated an Exemplary Arts School by the Wisconsin Alliance for the Arts; it has also been recognized for its support of music education and instruction by the Civic Music Association.
Burdick students are regular participants in the Wisconsin School Music Association State Festivals. In addition, Burdick is known for it’s enjoyable winter and spring musical concerts.
STEM / Trade and Technology
Burdick offers a Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics curriculum for all interested students. Eighth-grade students participate annually in the Future City competition as well as engage in various engineering activities throughout the year. STEM instruction begins in early grades. Burdick also offers instruction in Manufacturing Trade and Technology for students in grade 8.
Computer Technology
Burdick students currently have access to over 600 Chromebooks, and 100 desktop computers. Each classroom has a one-to-one student-to-computer ratio. In addition, Burdick has two all-school computer labs and two digital eighth-grade classrooms equipped with Macintosh computers and Chromeboxes for each student. Each Burdick teacher has a computer, projector, and access to a SMARTBoard and visual presenter. Students use computers purposefully and leave Burdick prepared to utilize technology effectively in personal and professional endeavors.
Students in Burdick’s seventh and eighth-grade classes have access to MacIntosh desktop computers, Chromebooks, and Chromeboxes, and engage in true 21st Century learning. The students create blogs, contribute to wikis, create online video and audio content, and collaborate with peers and professionals using various Web 2.0 tools. In addition, students explore the power of mobile devices and are at the forefront of a true classroom digital revolution. Most importantly, this technology is used to implement the standard curriculum with fidelity.
Athletics
Burdick offers all students in grades 1-8 the opportunity to participate in after-school athletics and compete in leagues with other MPS schools. During the fall, we offer middle school girls basketball and grades 5-6 co-ed volleyball. In the winter, we offer co-ed basketball for students in grades 5-6, middle school boys basketball, and co-ed volleyball for students in grades 7-8. During the spring, we offer co-ed soccer for students in grades 1-8 and co-ed softball for students in grades 4-8. Ms. Wilde is the Athletic Director.