Ocean Bay Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by ensuring that many different skills and characteristics are integrated thoroughly throughout the year. Critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity are skills students need as they progress through school and into their careers. We provide an engaging, rigorous, differentiated curriculum that is designed to address student needs. Daily instruction is rich in technology with the use of 1:1 Chromebooks, digital content providers and student technological creations. Reading and math foundations are strengthened through daily technology time where students work on digital content in both subjects. Teachers collaborate several times each week to incorporate blended learning and engagement structures into their lessons. Teachers work with our Digital Integration Specialist to learn and use new technology then share it with other teachers to broaden the use throughout the school. Students keep a digital portfolio of grades and test scores. Teachers and students conference about these points of data in order to help students understand the meaning behind the data and to set goals for continued progress. Students sharpened their critical thinking and communication skills by learning how to lead parent conferences regarding their data. Students shared their data housed on their Google Site, shared their successes and struggles in individual classes, and created scholarly habits with their parents.
Ocean Bay Middle School also supports a broad range of extracurricular clubs, organizations and activities. Students have participated in a STEM program, student government, Beta Club, Science Club, Earth Day, environmental study trips, robotics, Rubik’s Cube Club, National History Day Competition, Running Club, Technology Fair projects, fine arts programs, and Art Club. Through such offerings and events, we provide opportunities for students to broaden their interests and develop skills that will strengthen their college and career objectives. Guest speakers and a newly formed club, Sweetheart Club, reinforce the need for tolerance, acceptance, and self-worth. Our students participate in sports in 7th and 8th grade; often competing at the high school level. Sports participation helps them develop and cultivate the essential skills of teamwork and collaboration.
Our guidance counselors play a major role in helping students understand the different high school options they have after middle school. Career exploration and Career Day enhance instruction while giving students a look at different opportunities to explore as they make decisions about their futures. Ocean Bay Middle School is dedicated to creating a culture where students come to discover and experience learning by collaboration with teachers, peers, and the community. We strive to build a strong foundation and to understand and appreciate the wealth we see in each other. Furthermore, we believe in ourselves and our abilities to do great things individually, but even greater things together.
Barbara McGinnis
Principal