CAMILLA D. BURTON
As Middleton High School closes out the 2023-2024 year and prepares for the new school year, its new principal, appointed in July of 2023, Camilla D. Burton, remains driven to new heights of achievement when speaking of the work that must continue, from improved test scores on this year’s Florida Assessment of Student Thinking (FAST), and End of Course Exams (EOC) in Biology, Geometry, and US History to the school’s 2024 School Grade.
Principal Burton leads with vision, dedication, and a profound commitment to students’ successes. Her goals for the coming year are to increase community involvement (particularly parent engagement), provide intentional professional development for staff, and build students’ capacity to “buy in” to the rewards of earning a high-quality education.
One of the most tangible measures of Ms. Burton’s impact has been the significant improvement in students’ test scores. Principal Burton re-introduced innovative instructional techniques, such as Learning Intentions and Success Criteria where students must state what they will learn each day and how they know they have learned it during every 90-minute class.
“We’ve made great strides this year,” Principal Burton remarked. “It’s a testament to the collective effort of our entire school community. Our students’ progress results from a shared commitment to excellence, and we’re excited to build on this momentum.”
Beyond academic achievements, Principal Burton has strongly emphasized fostering community engagement. She believes a vibrant school environment extends beyond the classroom and involves active participation from parents, local businesses, elected officials, and community leaders. Over the past year, Middleton High School has seen a surge in community involvement, from volunteering opportunities, particularly with AP Exam Administrations, to partnerships that enhance the educational programs, like Elevate and 5,000 Men Strong programs. She emphasizes the importance of her students knowing Middleton C.A.R.E.S. — that every interaction embodies Collective Intelligence, Acceleration, Resilient Resources, Exhaustive Efforts, and Successful Systems.
This year, however, marks a monumental milestone. Middleton will be celebrating its 90th year of existence. Principal Burton is looking for the entire community (alums, young and old) to participate on Saturday, August 10, beginning at 8:00 a. m. at Ferrell Girls Preparatory Academy (the original Middleton High School). Alumni and leaders will parade up 22nd Street to Middleton’s Memorial Wall. (See advertisements in this edition)
Principal Burton believes that starting the year with community engagement will unite young and old, strengthen bonds within the community, and encourage partners to provide the additional resources needed to support the students.
Also, at 10:45 a. m., teachers will report to their classrooms for a “meet and greet” with parents and students before the start of the new school year. Principal Burton stated, “While we hold Open House every year, this year’s events make Open House very special.”
Then, on Monday, August 12 (the first day of school), from 8:00 am to 11:30 a. m., Middleton Alumni will visit classrooms to share tales of tradition and triumphs while being a student at Middleton.
Principal Burton, who has been a science teacher and an administrator in the district for the past 6 years, enjoys family time with her son, a USF student majoring in Architecture, and daughter, who will begin her junior year in the district.
For more information regarding the 90th Anniversary Celebration, email Octavia Coleman at octavia.coleman@hcps.net.