Estill Middle School is committed to helping all students develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing rigorous, personalized environments of academic excellence that prepares Each Child, Each Day, and in Every Classroom to be college/career and citizen ready. Our teaching and learning environments support social-emotional learning, mastery of the academic standards, and opportunities for remediation and acceleration. We are a Title I school that serves approximately 130 6th – 8th grade students.
Estill Middle School is located in Hampton County. As of the census of 2010, there were 2,040 people, residing in the town. Estill is about a 45-minute drive from Savannah, Georgia, Hilton Head Island, Beaufort, and Charleston. The major industries are timber and agriculture. The racial makeup of the town was 16.0% White. 77.7% African American, 0.6% Native American, 0.1% from other races, and 0.7% from two or more races. Hispanic or Latino of any race were 4.8% of the population.
The district’s mission is provide all students with the highest quality education that equips them to succeed in an evolving world. Our vision is to, “Empowering students to achieve excellence and positively impact the global community.” Below you will find a list of this year’s initiatives/strategies for continuous improvement:
- Intervention- a 60-minute intervention period is included in each student’s daily schedule. Two of the programs we use with our Tier 2 and 3 reading and math students are described below:
- Read 180 – is blended learning intervention program that builds reading comprehension, academic vocabulary, and writing skills for struggling students.
- Math 180® is an engaging and motivating digital math intervention program with flexible print for students in middle school who need to build foundational skills to close skills gaps and to successfully transition to Algebra.
- Acellus (Science and Social Studies) – Acellus is a learning accelerator. It uses video-based lessons with cutting-edge technology to accelerate learning, elevate standardized test scores, reduce dropout rates and transition more students into careers and college.
- EMS House Academic and Behavior Houses- staff promotes positive behaviors and academic engagement and growth with the use of points and competitions. Students that meet expectations are invited to participate in competitions and celebrations.
- Activities and Clubs- students participated in clubs such as STEM, Weightlifting, Gaming, Gentlemen’s Club, Gardening, Girls’ Club, Percussion Band, and Chorus, and etc… to give our students opportunities to lead, collaborate, and work together.
- SC State 1890 Research & Extension- this year we partnered with S.C. State to offer a leadership club to a selected group of students. Students participated in club sessions and field trips throughout the year.
- College and Career Exploration- we have School Counselor and Career Development Facilitator that incorporates college and career development information or skills with students.
- Second Step Social Emotional Curriculum- Middle school is a time of change. Second Step helps t teach powerful skills and competencies—like handling strong emotions, setting and meeting goals, making good decisions, and forging positive relationships—while building the safe, supportive learning environment middle schoolers need to succeed. We continue to use this program on SEL Mondays and during our small group guidance sessions.
- Family Nights- this year families were invited to participate in several informational evening sessions ---- Literacy Night, Assessment Night, Winter Program, and SIC Nights. Our students did a phenomenal job leading some of those sessions.
At Estill Middle school we work hard to provide a safe and supportive environment that cultivates character, fosters positive social-emotional behaviors, and inspires the love of learning for all students. We look forward to continuing to serve the amazing students of this community as we look forward to the many opportunities for success the 2024-2025 school year will bring.
Forward We Will Go!
Shronda Taylor, Principal
