Haut Gap Middle School had a tremendous year navigating our new Professional Learning Communities and professional development with staff. Haut Gap Middle School is a constituent magnet consisting of 6th, 7th, and 8th grade college prep classes and 6th, 7th, and 8th grade advanced academic magnet classes. In a positive and safe environment, our teachers are challenged to inspire and instill a love of learning. All students experience a unique and personalized learning experience through a varied and rigorous academic tract that meets the needs of all learners. Data reflect consistent strides in closing the achievement gap among students from varying ethnic groups, genders, and socio-economic levels. Differentiated instruction in addition to targeted instruction will remain a paramount goal for staff to elevate the academic success of our students.
The Profile of the South Carolina Graduate has provided a solid learning pathway for all students. HGMS utilizes rigorous standards and steps towards career and college readiness. We want to instill in all students: integrity, self-direction, global perspective, perseverance, work ethic, and interpersonal skills. HGMS focuses on these 3 domains: World Class Knowledge, World Class Skills, and Life and Career Characteristics.
Our math data assists our teachers in utilizing research-based strategies that address specific math deficiencies for tier 2 students. The use of targeted digital content using ALEKS digital platform, and The MAP Accelerator program will assist students needing targeted instruction to master state standards. Teachers will continue to be trained using OGAP strategies for specific math domains along with full implementation of the Illustrative Math Curriculum. All math students will utilize conceptual based math manipulatives to assist in the understanding of math concepts. This data also indicates a need to continue a math intervention program for tier 3 students. A math coach has been added to the HGMS faculty to assist with math intervention and work with classroom teachers to assist students who are scoring in the lowest percentiles.
Our data for ELA/reading indicates a need for researched-based strategies that address specific reading and writing deficiencies for tier 2 students. The use of targeted digital content using the No Red Ink and Achieve 3000 digital platforms will assist students needing targeted instruction to master state standards. ELA classroom teachers will continue to collaborate with Social Studies teachers for the delivery of vocabulary and informational text reading instruction. Writing instruction will include the Step into Writing program to provide consistent writing instruction across all grade levels. The reading interventionist will continue to provide targeted writing instruction to tier 2 students during related arts periods by collaborating with classroom teachers to plan instruction. The reading interventionist will also continue to utilize the Language Live instructional program with tier 3 reading students 40 minutes each day.
Weekly instructional PLC meetings will continue to address student academic needs via data analysis. AVID strategies have been implemented school-wide and will continue to be implemented with two AVID positions on staff to assist classroom teachers and students.
Our staff is excited about education, as we look forward to serving our scholars, parents/guardians, and our growing community in the upcoming school year.
J. Travis Benintendo, Principal
James Anderson, SIC Chair
