Banks Trail Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills and the Life and Career Characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. Our school’s vision is to provide educational experiences in and outside of the classroom which empower all students to make a positive impact on their world. Teachers plan engaging and rigorous learning opportunities that incorporate the four C’s of our district’s STEM initiative – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Innovation is embraced with effective strategies, including: Google Apps for Education, 1:1 Chromebook initiative, student-centered feedback, inclusive teaching practices, research-based best practices for literacy integration across all content areas, and common assessments. We are proud of our extraordinary history of academic success. We model and teach our school’s mission statement, “We are the TRAIL – Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, and Leadership” as we focus on developing the whole child.
Our focus on the four C’s has been achieved through integrating more inquiry-based learning opportunities for our students. Through our STEM initiative in Fort Mill, students are engaged in problem-based learning in all four core subjects and in related arts classes, as well. Four teachers were chosen as STEM leaders and participated in Discovery Education STEM training throughout the year with other district teachers chosen for their leadership qualities. The STEM leaders in our school share information they receive through district- and school-based professional development opportunities. In addition, all staff members participated in a 1:1 technology professional development course to assist with the implementation of the 1:1 roll out. Teachers participating in the study met monthly to share ideas for implementing technology and developed lessons that they could use in the future.
Our performing arts classes continue to offer award-winning programs. Twenty-six students received York County Honor Band recognition, twenty-six students were selected for all region band, and two students earned All State Band recognition. The BTMS Theater Company performed Mary Poppins Jr. Two performers were named All-Star performers at the MTI Broadway Junior Musical Festival.
Our staff’s commitment to professional growth and dedication to providing a rigorous academic program is evident in the many accomplishments our students and staff have worked together to achieve. A total of thirty-four 8th grade students were recognized as S.C. Junior Scholars. Twenty-two students were invited to attend the Duke T.I.P. Scholars program, and five qualified for state recognition.
Banks Trail had numerous students competing in extracurricular activities. The MATHCOUNTS and Academic Challenge teams enjoyed spirited competition at local and regional meets. The Science Olympiad Team placed 7th in the state. On the athletic field we had successful seasons in all sports. All four of our basketball team (7th grade girls and boys and 8th grade girls and boys) won the Fort Mill Athletic Conference Championship. In the spring, our baseball team won the championship. Because of the success during athletic competition, the BTMS Athletic Program won the Athletic Directors Cup for have the most success compared to the other teams in the conference.
The faculty and staff of Banks Trail seek to support charitable causes and encourage our students to do the same. This year BTMS raised money for Angel Tree ($1,500), Hoops for Heart ($1,500), and collected 3,000 pounds of food for families in need. This could not have been possible without the generous support of our community.
Throughout the year, teachers participated in a variety of staff development opportunities, including Read to Succeed literacy training, professional book studies, vertical articulation, STEM training, and the implementation of college and career readiness standards. We implemented our first ever One School One Book initiative, hosted our annual Family Literacy/STEAM Night event, unveiled new additions to our Humans of Banks Trail gallery of inspiring students, teachers, and staff members, and our BTMS Step Team continued to perform and inspire at our pep rallies.
While we celebrate our many accomplishments in the 2018-19 school year, we are currently planning for future successes in coming years.
Michael Pratt, Principal
Don Elliott, SIC Chair