Our school is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by emphasizing the four Cs-critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. The staff at Wallace Elementary Middle School (WEMS) is committed to its mission of providing a quality education and enabling all students to achieve their highest potential. Our vision is to partner with all stakeholders to develop responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and global leaders.
Students at Wallace Elementary Middle School continue to experience positive learning opportunities in a state of the art facility. All classrooms are equipped with SMART devices and laptop computers that are used to integrate technology within daily instructional practices. There are four computer labs located throughout the school that provides students with an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills with personalized learning and/or STEM related programs. Our students also develop their creatively with 3-D printing.
Collaboration among stakeholders includes NC State University, local 4-H organization, and the Pee Dee STEM Center to implement its STEM curriculum and provide teachers with professional development opportunities focusing on STEM education. This past year, our third grade students were able to experience hands-on leaning during their study of Embryology. During our after-school program, students were required to utilize their critical thinking skills, collaborate with each other, and be creative in the development of robotics.
Wallace Elementary Middle School maintains and communicates a purpose and direction that is committed to high expectations for learning as well as shared values and beliefs about teaching and learning. WEMS hosted two Literacy Nights (one per semester) with the theme “Growing Readers”. These events welcomed students, parents, and community members and provided insight on the importance of literacy. Families engaged in literacy activities throughout the evening.
During the month of December, WEMS held its’ annual Spelling Bee and four students walked away with the title of grade level winner and/or school winner. These students went on to represent WEMS at the district level Spelling Bee. Our school winner also represented WEMS at the Regional Spelling Bee in Florence, SC.
WEMS also provides students opportunities to display creativity through enriched art classes as evidenced throughout the building. One student was recognized by the Marlboro County 4-H for his entry into the 4-H Fire Safety Contest. During the awards ceremony, he placed third in the six through eighth grade creative poster category. Students also have an opportunity to experience music and join a school-wide band program.
The integration of STEM and literacy has provided students with engaging and creative projects along with authentic experiences to help enrich and enhance learning. Our students in grades four through eight participated in our annual science fair. WEMS also hosted a STEM Night for students, parents, and community members. Last year, one student to receive an honorable mention at the Pee Dee Regional Science Fair at Francis Marion University. This past summer, two students from Wallace Elementary Middle School were nominated and selected to participate in the Partners for Minorities in Engineering and Computer Science at the University of South Carolina (USC).
For the past three years, the Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has brought theater in our school, which offers our students an opportunity to become part of a theatrical performance. This past years performance was a production of “The Wizard of Oz”. Students auditioned for leading roles and spent many hours preparing for the production. The cast included students in grades three through eight.
College and Career awareness is a major focus for our students at WEMS. During the 2017-2018 school year, seventh and eighth grade students visited various colleges and universities to gain insight on the overall college experience and career options. In an effort to bring career awareness to fifth through eighth grade students at WEMS, a new initiative known as Lunch and Learn has been introduced at the school. The Lunch and Learn initiative provided small group presentations by organizations and/or business to help students obtain knowledge on various career choices. Lunch and Learn sessions included presentations by a NFL player, Marley Engineers, Forestry Management, and First Citizens Bank. Eight grade students were also encouraged to participate in our job shadowing program.
Our Junior Beta Club and Student Council remains very active within our school and community. Each year Junior Beta Club members attend the South Carolina Junior Beta Club Convention. During the month of November, the Junior Beta Club held a food drive and collected over 300 food items and turkeys for each family. The Student Council Organization sponsored a sock and scarf drive in December.
Each nine weeks grading period, students at WEMS are recognized for their excellence in academics, attendance, and character. This year, our eight grade students were able to obtain high school credits for successful completion of Keyboard and Computer Applications.
Extracurricular activities (including academic challenge, football, boys and girls basketball, baseball, and softball) are offered to middle school student. In addition, WEMS received over $9,951.00 from the Justin J. Watt Foundation to fund uniforms and equipment to support our athletic program.
Based on our 2017-2018 discipline data, the number of discipline referrals have decreased from the previous year. According to our NWEA, SC READY, and SC PASS data, we have made some positive gains. We will continue to maximize on our strengths and implement best practices to assist in continuous improvement.
Mr. David Best serves as the School Improvement Council Chairperson. Mrs. Mahilda Douglas is currently the principal at Wallace Elementary Middle School.
