John W. Moore Intermediate School is a Title I school that received Advanc-Ed STEM certification this year. We serve approximately 960 fifth and sixth grade students from 4 different attendance zones in the district. We are unique in that we are the only intermediate school in Florence School District One. At Moore, we work daily to assist students with developing the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We have established high expectations for student learning and are working diligently to provide rigorous instruction that will increase academic achievement in all areas. We are utilizing an extended day program after school to help enhance and meet the individual needs of our students. Students have access to four computer labs with the guidance of a technology coach and STEM coach to assist with technology integration in all content areas. Students research, collaborate and create projects while practicing and learning new technology skills.
Teachers have been receiving ongoing professional development focusing on project based learning, STEM, Design Thinking, technology and the implementation of the SC state standards. We are currently implementing Google Classroom school-wide and are using grant funds for purchasing Chromebooks and other technology devices. In addition, monthly professional learning community meetings are held to share best practices and to analyze student progress. Teachers also have the opportunity to work with our STEM Coach and Literacy Coach who provide professional development, model lessons, and feedback on instructional practices. Due to the commitment and dedication of our excellent teachers, students are provided the opportunity to be creative, innovative and to enhance their academics and leadership potential by participating in many extracurricular clubs/competitions. Students explore the world of fine arts, science, technology, engineering and mathematics by participating in the different clubs we offer: math club, academic bowl, art club, chorus, dance team, band and strings, sports club, cheer team, drama club, debate, chess, engineering club and robotics team. We also have a student morning show crew who makes daily announcements while working with video equipment and practicing writing and communication skills.
At Moore, our mission is to Educate! Prepare! Inspire! We share this mission by preparing students for life. To accomplish this we focus on increasing the principles of character education and citizenship in our students. At Moore we expect our students to R.O.A.R. (Responsibility, Opportunity, Accountability and Respect) We are continuing to implement Positive Behavior Interventions & Supports. We have developed school-wide behavioral expectations for our students and acknowledge positive behavior through programs such as; student of the month, bus of the month, character coupons, ROAR points, academic awards, pep rallies, dances, and other invitations to student events. We integrated the Core Essentials Character Education Program throughout the school and taught the “Steps to Respect” anti-bullying curriculum. The S.A.V.E. club was established to educate students on the need to decrease the potential for violence in our schools and community. One of our most recently established clubs is called the Lions Club. This club was designed to provide academic support, behavioral support and character building with our male population. Moore received an NNPS grant from the FMU Center of Excellence for our K.I.C.K. (Keeping It Classy Kids) program that focuses on our female population and provides the girls the opportunity to learn and demonstrate etiquette, social competence, teamwork and community service. We were recognized by NNPS as a National "School Award" two time winner for our community and family outreach programs. The Character Education Partnership also recognized us as a 2016 & 2018 Promising Practice National and International Award Winner in character education. Our students continue to participate in numerous service learning projects such as Jump Rope for Heart, Pasta for Pennies, several food drives and more. We also encourage our students to explore careers by participating in career day, veterans’ week, Black History Month and inviting guest speakers and community members to participate in school events.
Increasing parental involvement is very important to the success of our school. Parent conferences are scheduled at various times throughout the year to provide important information about the district curriculum, student progress and individual test results. Parents are invited to visit our Parent Resource Center and to volunteer in our school. In addition, parents are invited to serve on our active Title I committee, APT and SIC and NNPS Action Team. Several Title I parent workshops and special family events are held to encourage family participation. Events included; Dads in the Dugout, Maker Moms, Talent Show, Family Math Night, Family Fun Night, Expo/Techno STEM Night, and many others..
With the support of our wonderful parents and community, we will continue to strive for excellence so that every child will develop the world class knowledge and world class skills needed to be future world class leaders.
Carol Schweitz Paula Shriver
Principal SIC Chair
