Beech Springs Intermediate School is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by implementing the South Carolina standards in English/language arts, math, science, and social studies. These standards are entrenched with opportunities for students to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, investigators, leaders of technology, all while learning how to work collaboratively with their peers.
This is Beech Springs’s second year as a Title I School. Because of the additional funding that Title I afforded us, we were able to add more teacher and student support positions to our faculty and staff. This allowed us to have smaller class sizes and gave teachers a better opportunity to individualize instruction for all students. We are continuing to provide additional high-interest reading materials to all classroom libraries.
Teachers have benefited from professional development that will equip them to better serve our student population. Math teachers were trained on the Guided Math Model last year and were able to receive follow-up training for the model this year. In addition to our district-wide Professional Development Cohorts and state-wide professional development workshops, teachers continued working in Professional Development Teams to build engaging and challenging assignments that would create a new excitement for learning with our student body.
Our students have experienced a variety of opportunities to excel in performing arts. Our Band students received a “Superior” rating at Concert Festival and our Orchestra students received a “Superior” rating at the same event. Our Chorus had several students selected for the SC Elementary Honors Choir, performed at Carowinds Festival of Music, as well as, offered winter and spring concerts. We had students’ artwork on display at Chapman Cultural Center and our district’s Fine Arts Center throughout the year. Finally, our students showcased their acting and singing skills as they took to the stage this spring and performed Disney’s Mary Poppins, Jr. The response from the community was very inspiring.
Leadership opportunities are plentiful for our students. Students were able to participate in the BETA Club, Student Council, Art Creations, and the Morning News Show Crew. Teachers also gave students an opportunity to earn leadership roles in the classrooms. Students raised funds to support Relay for Life through our Color Run, a Sock-Hop dance, class and grade-level competitions, and by purchasing treats throughout the year. They also financially supported March of Dimes and donated clothes to the Middle Tyger Community Center. One of our fifth grade students began an afterschool chess club and another student started an afterschool crocheting club that crocheted recyclable plastic bags into bed mats for the homeless.
Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has been instrumental in helping provide instructional materials for students and teachers and for hosting ice-cream celebrations for students who made All A Honor Roll for each nine weeks. They have also provided opportunities for students and adults to fellowship by hosting, “A Gathering with Grands”; “Doughnuts for Dads”; and “Muffins for Moms.” They were also instrumental in recognizing teachers for all that they do throughout the year by hosting faculty and staff luncheons as well as providing treats and fundraising prize incentives.
While our students and teachers have had a remarkable academic year, we will continue working diligently to fulfill the mission of Beech Springs Intermediate School, which is to provide every student quality educational experiences in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.
Christopher E. McCants, Principal
Kelly Watson, SIC Chairperson
