Bennettsville Intermediate School, BIS, serves fourth and fifth grades, with a student body of 228. Our demographic composition includes 78% African American, 13% Caucasian, and 9% mixed race and other. As a proud Title 1 campus, 100% of our students receive free breakfast and lunch.
At Bennettsville Intermediate School, we are committed to developing world-class skills as outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning. Our motto, “Building Innovative Students that LEAD,” reflects our dedication to promoting greatness in leadership and innovation among students and staff. Our vision is to collaborate with families, businesses, and communities to cultivate the next generation of responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and global leaders. We emphasize standards and assessments, curriculum and instruction, professional development, and a conducive learning environment to achieve the highest potential for all students. Our instruction aligns with the South Carolina College and Career Standards for fourth and fifth grades.
For the upcoming school year, we have set high expectations for both teachers and students. Plans for high-quality instruction and professional development are in place to ensure student academic growth. Through dedication, hard work, and intentional effort, we aim to equip students and teachers with the necessary educational tools for success.
In the 2023-2024 school year, our students achieved numerous accolades. They participated monthly in STEM Challenges, with winners advancing to school-wide competitions. Our students developed skills in collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. We also emphasize character education, selecting a Character Education Student of the Month and an overall BIS school winner each month. Four of our students won the Marlboro County School District Character Education Student of the Month award and were recognized at school board meetings.
In the area of World Class Knowledge, teachers engaged in professional development to enhance their leadership skills through a curriculum-based focus. Teachers participated in Professional Learning Communities twice a week, focusing on student data analysis, reading strategies, and student work review. This collaboration promotes growth within teachers and across grade levels and schools.
Instruction remains our top priority. We implement only the most effective programs to motivate our students academically. Our district’s 1-to-1 initiative provided all fourth and fifth graders with Chromebooks and Google accounts, enabling digital assignments and access to online resources. All BIS teachers and assistants connected with students via Google Classroom. Our state-of-the-art STEM lab, equipped with iPads, a 3D printer, drones, large-screen TVs, coding tools, mbots, and computers, facilitated weekly small group STEM lessons and activities.
Beyond academics, BIS students and teachers actively engage with the community. We partnered with Carlie C's, a local community grocery store, to provide birthday cakes for all students and staff. Students participated in field trips, and staff members mentored students. Our PEARLS girls club worked on monthly community projects, and we supported fundraising events such as Lids for Kids, the American Heart Association, and the March of Dimes.
Our goal at Bennettsville Intermediate School is to strengthen the home-school connection, increase onsite activities and opportunities, and enhance the overall growth of our students.
Jarriel J. Jacobs, Principal
Rosalyn Coleman, SIC Chair
