The 2017 school year began with our theme “Rumor Has It..... FMSMS Rocks.” This theme focused on the fact that all students in our school are awesome. Administrators, faculty, and staff ensure our students are well- rounded and successful by concentrating on the whole child. We strive to continue to help our students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing an education that allows them to be critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators and be creative through rigorous, engaging, and innovative activities. All the components of STEAM give our students a well-rounded academic experience by integrating the arts into the curriculum being taught.
The STEAM focus allows students to be creative, critical thinkers, work as a team, collaborate with each other on problem-solving and develop interpersonal skills. Each year we focus on various project-based learning opportunities that aid students in solving complex problems. We incorporated several innovative programs this year, such as STEAM Day, March Math Madness Day, OMA Nights (Opening Minds Through the Academics and the Arts), blending learning with the arts’ classes, Literacy Board displays and Math Bowl for analytical problem-solving.
Our students have been given the opportunity to give back to the community and the state through their performances at Rock Around the Clock, Arts on the Ridge, performances at several events hosted by the District's Elite Ladies group, and an event recognizing Honors Arts group for their book illustration. The Beta Club completed service learning projects for our local food bank, soldiers, and Jump Rope for Heart.
1:1 Chromebooks provide all students the opportunity to work in cooperative groups and be advocates for their own learning while the teacher serves as the facilitator. This has also allowed teachers and other faculty members to collaborate on other ways to prepare students for college and careers. Assessments are created using Mastery Connect as well as other online programs aligned with the South Carolina College and Career Ready Standards. These programs are used to assist teachers in analyzing the results so daily intervention and enhancement can be planned for students.
Academic recognition received by our students this year are: 2018 National Beth Club School of Merit for student achievement, the only school in SC to have the highest scores in both Art and Music for SCAAP (SC Arts Assessment Program) for two consecutive years, National winners for the NAYGN poster contest for SCANA ( two consecutive years) and many other local, state and national art winners. Our Academic Challenge Team was successful in being in the top three in competition. The National Junior Honor Society students were recognized for their outstanding academic achievements.
Our Parent Liasion, SIC, and PTO met their goal of improving community and parent involvement in the school by providing several opportunities for parents to be involved in the academics, arts, volunteering, and performances.
We are looking forward to the 2018-2019 school year as we continue to create success in our students as we continuing to move “FULL STEAM Ahead.” FMSMS will remind our students they "Rock" while preparing them for college and/or career readiness.
Shayera L. Whitfield, ED.S, Principal
Beverly Bookert, SIC Chair
