At Hand Middle School, our unwavering, priority is to ensure that every scholar reaches high levels of achievement in a safe, secure, and positive learning environment. This commitment is deeply rooted in the belief that scholars thrive when challenged academically, supported holistically, and surrounded by a school community that values their growth.
We proudly affirm our dedication to helping scholars develop the World Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, centered on the Four Cs of 21st Century Skills: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity. We aim to empower scholars not only to acquire and apply knowledge, but also to work together in generating new knowledge that is purposeful and transformative.
During the 2024–2025 school year, we were honored to be redesignated as an Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) School, one of only 65 in the state. This designation affirms our intentional work to ensure every scholar has meaningful access to the arts and that their educational experiences are engaging, inclusive, and reflective of our commitment to whole-child development. We continuously examine our policies and practices to ensure they align with this mission.
The Hand Administrative Leadership Team, which includes our principal, assistant principals, department heads, teachers, staff, and dedicated parent and community partners, is united in the purpose of serving every child, every day. Our collective beliefs center around - fostering positive, supportive relationships, holding high expectations and instilling pride; educating the whole child; and cultivating character and readiness for high school, college, careers, and citizenship.
We are driven by an intentional focus on scholar competencies aligned with South Carolina Curriculum Standards, Targeted Goals, and Performance Indicators, as expected by Richland School District One.
Our scholars demonstrate remarkable academic success. In the 2024–2025 school year approximately 40% of scholars per grade level achieved a 3.5 GPA or higher each quarter; 41 eighth-grade scholars were recognized as Richland One Middle School Scholars for sustained academic excellence and community involvement; approximately seventeen scholars received awards at the USC Regional Science Fair, and, 2 received the Dr. Gary Allen Excellence in Scientific Communications award; exemplifying our school’s motto that "Science happens at Hand."
Athletically, our scholars also demonstrated leadership - boys’ basketball, R1 District champions; girls’ basketball: 2nd place in regular season and district runner-up; football: 3rd place in district; and boys’ and girls’ track & field teams: District champions.
In language learning, our Language Immersion (LI) Program celebrated its first promotional class. These scholars demonstrated exceptional proficiency in Chinese and Spanish—reading, writing, and speaking with confidence. As they move into high school, they are well on their way to becoming fluent, bilingual global citizens.
We are proud of our inclusive school culture, one that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and integrates these values into every aspect of school life. We are honored to work alongside a school community that embraces the uniqueness of every individual—staff and scholar alike.
At Hand Middle School, our trajectory of progress is limitless. With a strong foundation in academic rigor, the arts, character development, and community values, we are shaping scholars who are ready for the challenges of the future—locally, nationally, and globally.
To learn more about Hand Middle School, please visit our webpage: https://hand.richlandone.org/?_gl=1*1v5fq48*_ga*MzQ0NjYyODY5LjE3NDk0OTk5Nzc.*_ga_YY459D8Z9J*czE3NDk1NTY3NzAkbzIkZzAkdDE3NDk1NTY3NzAkajYwJGwwJGgw.
Respectfully,
Patrice T. Green, EdD, Principal
YS Kinloch, SIC Chair
