Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by our commitment to nurturing knowledge, cultivating character, relishing relationships, and tailoring talent.
As an educational institution, we take great pride in our commitment to academic excellence and character development. We are proud to have been redesignated as a National AVID Demonstration site during the 2024-2025 school year. We are proud to be recognized as a National AVID Demonstration site, a National Magnet Schools of America School of Excellence for our school within a school magnet, Kelly Mill, INC. and a National Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction for our schoolwide STEAMM magnet. These accolades reflect our dedication to educational innovation and achievement.
At Kelly Mill Med Pro Middle School, we believe in treating all students with utmost respect and dignity. Our educational approach fosters a nurturing environment where students are academically challenged and individually cherished.
Our success is built on the collaboration between students, staff, parents, and the wider community. Together, we embrace AVID's mission to close the opportunity gap for all students and help them excel in their chosen paths. We are thrilled to highlight our students' remarkable accomplishments this year, including the recognition of South Carolina 12 Junior Scholars. Additionally, we have students who excel in the arts and who have gained State recognition based on their endeavors with SC Economics.
At Kelly Mill Med Pro Middle School, we prioritize standards-based instruction and the whole-school adoption of the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) System. This instructional emphasis not only accelerates student learning but also provides critical support through the implementation of Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR) structures. Inquiry-based teaching methods have become an integral part of our school's culture. As an AVID National Demonstration Site and a STEAMM/Med Pro Magnet school, we are firmly committed to closing the achievement gap and ensuring the success of all learners.
We owe a significant portion of our success to the invaluable contributions of our dedicated parent and community volunteers. Their selfless commitment and countless hours of service have significantly enhanced the dynamic and effectiveness of our organization. Notably, Kelly Mill's PTO plays a pivotal role in our learning community, while our School Improvement Council continuously seeks opportunities to mentor our students and improve our school. Both parent groups share our mission of preparing global citizens for college and career readiness by providing engaging and meaningful experiences.
To ensure a cohesive and comprehensive educational experience, we incorporate a district-wide instructional model and uphold our district's instructional expectations. We integrate AVID and STEAMM concepts and strategies into all subject areas, providing our students with a well-rounded education. We adhere to “The Kelly Mill Way”, a universal set of expectations for every classroom to provide consistency and focus. Additionally, our students benefit from social-emotional learning through our structured character lessons.
Recognizing that students learn differently, we embrace a variety of academic approaches. Our school-wide AVID and STEAMM focus equips all students with the necessary skills for college attendance and 21st-century careers while aligning with the profile of a South Carolina graduate. Specifically, the AVID elective class provides targeted support to students who may face barriers to college attendance. Through AVID, these students receive academic advancement, tutoring, social skills development, organizational training, study skills, and test-taking strategies. Furthermore, all AVID elective students are advanced into one or more honors classes, allowing them to thrive in more rigorous courses with the support of our administrators and teachers.
To ensure effective coordination and communication, we conduct regular assessments and monthly meetings, including AVID and STEAMM Site Team meetings, school-wide meetings, and department meetings. We align our master schedule, bell schedule, partnerships with local businesses, and parental involvement initiatives to address the specific needs of our students and families.
Furthermore, our campus houses an elementary magnet program (CFA) catering to students in grades 2 through 6. While several elementary schools feed into our middle school, we embrace the diversity resulting from school choice, serving students from across our district. Our student body encompasses families from various backgrounds and cultures, enriching our academic and cultural growth and providing ample opportunities for character development.
The staff at Kelly Mill Med Pro Middle School has worked tirelessly to earn the trust, respect, and affection of our community. In partnership with students, parents, and the wider community, we remain dedicated to academic excellence, collaboration, student achievement, critical thinking, and robust parent and community involvement. Our collective aim is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills required for success in the 21st century.
We extend a warm invitation to you to visit our world-class learning environment, where we strive to provide relevant and meaningful learning experiences. As we continue to educate young minds, we look forward to working hand in hand with our students, community, and staff to unlock their full potential.
Sincerely,
Jamilia L. Kenely
Principal
Dr. Elisha McDonald
SIC Chair
