Heyward Gibbes Middle School (HGMS) is committed to helping all its students develop world-class skills according to the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through our emphasis on quality instruction, social-emotional learning, and robust extra-curricular activities. At HGMS, we are engaging in a transformational educational model that aligns with the mission and vision of Richland School District One.
The mission of HGMS is to develop 21st-century skills, life-long learning, and a sense of school pride among students as we prepare them for a successful future in a globally competitive society. Heyward Gibbes Middle School will focus on "The Five 'Cs' of Success” (Culture, Climate, Communication, Collaboration, and Celebration) to create a learning environment where our students thrive academically, our faculty and staff grow personally and professionally, and our school achieves its goals. HGMS Eagles S.O.A.R. with Pride and Success. We are: S- Safe O- On Task A- Accountable and R- Respectful.
Academically, we offer a wide range of rigorous courses that challenge students. Our focus on quality instruction involves helping teachers implement the instructional framework with fidelity through professional learning communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development. Our professional development activities are designed to help teachers identify and implement best practices in increasing student engagement, developing literacy and numeracy skills, and developing innovative assessment and data analysis approaches. Our highly qualified educators use strategies designed to increase academic achievement across the curriculum, improve school culture and climate, and meet the emotional needs of our students. We also offer academic intervention services through our MTSS framework, social-emotional learning and behavior support programs, and an extensive fine arts program to expand exposure and grow students' interests.
All students have laptops, which provide access to digital learning platforms and enhance communication to improve the educational experience. Technology is utilized to foster collaboration among students, allow opportunities for students to work closely with their teachers on coursework, and help teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students. Our teachers use a technology-integrated approach to assess our students’ mastery of the standards and to provide additional academic remediation and support as needed throughout the year. We also offer 18 student interest clubs, including Anime, Soap and Candle Making, Gardening and Beautification, Sports, Board Games, and Social Media, to provide time for students to build meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers centered on advocacy and mutual interests.
At HGMS, we are proud of our students’ continued participation and excellence in extracurricular activities, athletics, and the performing arts. The HGMS Football team won the Richland One district championship during the 2023 season. All of our athletic programs qualified for the district playoffs, and we had a male track athlete win three gold medals at the Richland One district championship. Our band, chorus, dance, orchestra, and theatre students showcased their talents by participating in district and region competitions. We also restarted our Academic Quiz Bowl and Mock Trial teams to offer additional opportunities to students with those interests. Further, we had students receive recognitions throughout the year, such as the University of South Carolina’s Talent Search (TRIO), Richland School District One’s Superintendent’s Writing Contest, R1 Rising Stars, and R1 Middle School Scholars.
At HGMS, we are optimistic that the transformational model being implemented is efficacious and that there are tangible indicators of schoolwide growth. We remain committed to improving in all dimensions of school performance while we S.O.A.R. with Pride and Success.
Dr. Gregory T. Pickett
Principal
Mrs. Barbara Tiller
SIC Chairperson
