Innovation and Leadership: Inside Paul Revere Middle School

"When you walk into the doors of Revere, you're going to see students of all backgrounds speaking various languages from almost every continent in the whole world," says Principal Shani Wyllie. 

This global energy is the first thing people will notice at the front check-in area, where the word "Welcome" is painted on the walls in many different languages. This atmosphere of inclusion is part of a history that began when the school first opened in 1980. The campus has long been a place that opens its doors, most notably in the mid-2000s when it served as a hub for over 2,900 students who were forced to leave their homes because of Hurricane Katrina.

While the school has a long history in the Briar Forest area, families from across the city choose to attend Revere for its high-level academics. The campus is home to a prestigious STEM magnet program that offers advanced work in math and science along with non-traditional electives. As a neighborhood campus that also welcomes students from all over Houston, Revere provides eligible scholars the opportunity to take advanced classes and earn up to three high school graduation credits before they even leave middle school.

Earning High School Credits in the STEM Lab

A major highlight of the STEM program is the Personal Flight Engineering course, a high-school-level class designed specifically for eighth graders. Teacher Wayne Wise runs the classroom as a professional workspace. One side is a computer lab set up like a "bullpen" so he can easily see everyone's work, while the other side is a dedicated ‘makerspace’ where students bring their ideas to life.

"Over here is more of our makerspace... where they can do their designs and build," Mr. Wise explains. "There are plenty of tables over here where they can pull out their robot boxes and start building in peace and order things together." In this program, students learn drafting, measuring, and 3D printing. 

The goal is to give students a head start on their future. "If they pass this course, they get a free high school credit," Mr. Wise says. "You don't have to take it when you go to high school. And so that's one step closer to graduating early or maybe moving on to something else."

A Dedicated Focus on Literacy

At Revere, there is a heavy emphasis on making sure every student becomes a strong reader and communicator. Principal Wyllie believes these skills are the foundation for everything else a student will learn.

"We just really are focused on literacy and language acquisition," she explains. "We know that literacy is going to define the trajectory of their future. And so we are really working hard to make sure that they are at grade level or above grade level in reading, as that pours into other content areas." 

Building Character through Kickstart Karate

The commitment to student growth extends to character and personal discipline. The Kickstart Karate program is a favorite for both students and parents. Instructor Jose Vente leads the program with a special connection to the school, as he was once a student here himself. He teaches students that karate is about being "strong from the inside out" by focusing on respect and responsibility.

"The biggest thing we try to instill is the respect thing, the dedication, the responsibility," Vente says. Students participate in belt ceremonies and competitions, learning how to handle themselves with confidence.

Sixth-grader Orester Castrillo says the class taught him "discipline and how to act in different situations," while eighth-grader Janet Morisho appreciates the persistence the program requires. "Even if you don’t get it the first time, we get to go over it again and again," she says.

Leadership and Culture in Dance 

The arts also play a major role in how students build leadership skills. The Revere Dance Company trains students in styles ranging from ballet to hip-hop. Principal Wyllie describes the program as "absolutely amazing in merging students with their culture in an environment of dance."

Under the direction of Tranesha Seals, the company produces accountable leaders who take pride in their craft. "We produce leaders. They're very accountable for what they do, and they just love dance," says Ms. Seals.

For eighth-grader Camila Morales, the program is a vital way to express herself. "I like modern because it's very emotional, and I like expressing myself when dancing," she explains. Even though competitions can be nerve-wracking, she says the experience of working with a team is always rewarding in the end.

Campus Close-Up: Paul Revere Middle School

The energy of Paul Revere Middle School is best captured through the voices of its students and staff. In the playlist below hear more from the people who make this school a unique environment to learn.