Vision in Action: The ASCD Whole Child Award

Past Award Recipients  |  Program Information

Vision in Action: The ASCD Whole Child Award is designed to recognize schools that have gone beyond a vision for educating the whole child to actions that result in learners who are knowledgeable, emotionally and physically healthy, civically active, artistically engaged, prepared for economic self-sufficiency, and ready for the world beyond formal schooling. This award acknowledges those schools that have changed the conversation about education from a focus on narrowly defined academic achievement to one that promotes the development of the whole child: a child who is healthy, safe, engaged, supported, and challenged.

2017 Vision in Action: The Whole Child Award Recipient

Butterfield Trail Middle School (Van Buren, AR)

Butterfield Trail Middle School was announced as the 2017 Vision in Action: The Whole Child Award recipient at ASCD Empower17 in Anaheim, California. The ASCD Whole Child approach and its tenets are at the core of Butterfield Trail Middle School's mission, vision, policies, and practices. The leadership team at Butterfield focuses on establishing a healthy and safe environment in the school and community. Numerous partnerships and creative use of resources allow Butterfield to make sure all students' basic needs are met, from winter coats and eyeglasses to nutritious food.

One of the ways Butterfield Trail Middle School excels is in its emphasis on strong relationships, which is one of the most important factors in ensuring both the personal and academic success of students. Teachers prioritize strong relationships with students and among their peers, and this collegiality extends to the greater community. A culture of supporting the whole child is embedded into every facet of Butterfield Trail Middle School. For this tremendous dedication and its many accomplishments, ASCD is proud to name Butterfield Trail Middle School as the 2017 winner of the Vision in Action: The ASCD Whole Child Award.

To learn more about Butterfield Trail Middle School and its approach to a whole child education, listen to an episode of the Whole Child Podcast featuring Butterfield staff and read the full press release.