Berea Middle School is helping all students develop world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate through funding received in an On Track Greenville Grant provided by the United Way and the Social Innovation Fund. This partnership provides our students with a 6-week summer camp for rising 6th graders, an Early Warning Response System, Teen Leadership class, student support specialists at each grade level, and Literacy Specialists who provide staff development on the latest literacy strategies. The grant also provides an on-site health clinic directly connected to Greenville Health System, with a visiting nurse practitioner and registered nurse coming to campus twice a week. All of these entities, along with our dedicated staff, are focused on keeping our students On Track for high school graduation and preparation for a career or higher education.
School-community partnerships continue to provide our students and teachers with much needed school supplies, food items for families in need, uniforms, etc. In a partnership with several different community organizations and businesses, the Berea Spinners Bike Club was continued and expanded to include a group of our special needs students. Adult mentors, teachers, and community members, ride with the students regularly, even during the summer. This past year, Furman University continued the university student led mentoring programs, Ladies and Men of Distinction. This program exposes middle school students to the importance and advantages of a college education. Furman University also continues to send university student tutors on a regular basis to enrich and augment student learning. In addition to the school-based health clinic, Greenville Health System also provides food and school supplies. A weekend backpack program provides food to some of our neediest families.
Professional development plays a fundamental role in our instructional process. Teachers are exposed to ongoing technology updates, workshops, and book studies, with a focus on teacher-student relationships and implementation of state adopted standards. Professional development is designed according to identified teacher and instructional needs.
Our School Improvement Committee meets regularly, providing our school an avenue in which all stakeholders have a voice. As we continue making gains, our vision and focus remain steadfast on improved student achievement. At Berea Middle School, Hard Work Pays Off!
Robin B. Mill, Principal
Dollie Adams, SIC Chairperson
