J.E. Pearce Middle School in East Austin is walking on thin ice and if the school doesn't improve and meet certain academic state requirements, it will be forced to close down.
Through the state's eyes, it's been rated academically unacceptable by the Texas Education Agency because of their low Texas Assessment of Knowledge and Skills test scores.
"I accepted the challenge of coming to Pearce and helping the students and teachers get through it, and come out of it," Pearce Middle School Principal James Troutman said.
Troutman has started implementing some changes this academic year. It starts with accolades for improved grades and rewards for good attendance.
"If you're in school, there's a much better chance that you're learning than if you aren't in school," Troutman said.
And that has helped teachers step up their lesson plans.
Another important link in the process is parental involvement, which is something that some say has been lacking in the past.
Parent Paula Rodriguez echoed those sentiments.
"Some people work too much and they don't even come to the school and don't even know their children's teachers," she said.
But Tuesday night, parents, teachers and administrators put their heads together to create a game plan to prevent their school from being shutdown.
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Peace Middle School
J.E. Pearce Middle School in East Austin is walking on thin ice and if the school doesn't improve and meet certain academic state requirements, it will be forced to close down.
 
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Troutman said the community needs to unite to support the students and to keep the halls of Pearce Middle School from falling silent.
