Bennettsville Intermediate School (BIS) has a student body of 246 and serves fourth and fifth graders. Our demographic composition includes 77% African American, 13% Caucasian, 1% Hispanic/Latino and 9% mixed race and other. As a Title 1 campus, 100% of our students receive free breakfast and lunch.
At Bennettsville Intermediate School, we are committed to developing the world-class skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by fostering a culture of excellence in teaching and learning. Our motto, “Embracing Our Past to Empower Our Scholars” reflects our dedication to promoting greatness in leadership and innovation among both students and staff. Our vision includes collaboration with families, businesses, communities and all stakeholders 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 Academic Standards for fourth and fifth grades.
Each year, we 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 2024-2025 school year, our students achieved numerous accolades: four of our students selected as the district’s character education winner, through participation in monthly STEM Challenges, with winners advancing to school-wide competitions, our students developed skills in collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. BIS improved our 2022-2023 Unsatisfactory Report Card Rating to Below Average on our 2023-2024 Report Card. Our school became the first school in Marlboro County School District (MCSD) to receive Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) certification designation through Cognia. Students 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 emphasized character education, selecting a Character Education Student of the Month and an overall BIS school winner each month. Four of our students won the MCSD 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 leadership skills through a curriculum-based focus. Teachers participated in Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) twice a week, focusing on student data analysis, reading strategies, and student work review. This collaboration promoted growth within teachers and across grade levels and schools.
Instruction remains our top priority. We implement only the most effective scientifically based programs to motivate our students academically. MCSD’s one-to-one 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 is 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 partner with Carlie C's, a local community grocery store, to provide birthday cakes for all students and staff. Students participate in field trips, and staff members mentor students. Our Perseverance, Empathy, Acceptance, Respect, Leadership & Support (PEARLS) girls club work on monthly community projects, and we support 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
Chavette Rhodes, SIC Chair
