Woodruff Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a positive, innovative, and nurturing school environment in which students achieve academic success and evolve into life-long learners. WMS believes that student achievement is attained through lofty expectations, academic rigor, and a solid work ethic. Because of this belief, WMS Cubs are consistently striving to be “On the P.R.O.W. L.” or to be Prepared, Responsible, Outstanding, Wolverine, Leaders. This theme is not only embraced by students but by faculty members, parents, and a close-knit community that dedicate themselves daily to the bright and emergent futures of our students. The students at WMS benefit from instructional rigor, an emphasis on character and career development, and extracurricular activities that further develop interpersonal skills.
Woodruff Middle School has a strong academic core that is driven by scholastic rigor, inquiry, and project-based learning. This is evident in our students’ achievements and accomplishments. Five students were identified as Junior Scholars. 69 students were inducted into the National Junior Beta Club. Approximately 400 students were recognized for maintaining an A or A/B average throughout the year. 100% of our students utilize one-to-one technology via the use of chromebooks. Teachers and students alike eagerly explore new educational avenues through technology daily.
At WMS, students engage in interactive, real-world programs by taking a career assessment in which they study career paths and research colleges. Students utilize career interest inventories to aid in directing their investigation of career choices. These enriched inquiries culminate into eighth grade field trips in which students visit a local college campus as well as our local vocational center. WMS continues to explore new paths in career and character development as well as technology. Keyboarding, word processing, and training in multi-media resources enhance our school's daily curriculum. Discovering Computer Science has been added to the curriculum to aid in further developing the world class skills needed for career paths. Beginning in 7th grade students can start earning their Discovering Computer Science credit and as eighth graders; Chorus, Art, Geometry, Honors English I, and Band are offered to provide an opportunity to earn high school credit, allowing them to get a head start on their academic journey. Earning these credits creates flexibility for our students transitioning to Woodruff High School.
A multitude of extracurricular opportunities that encourage people skills are provided at WMS. They provide our students with incentives and opportunities to apply real-world communication, team building, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills to their daily lives. 350 students were recognized as Cubs on the P.R.O. W. L. for possessing good character traits. Student organizations at the school continued to make a positive impact through service, fundraising, and community outreach. Beta Club, with 141 students, supported numerous initiatives including collecting donations for the Spartanburg Humane Society, Project Hope, contributing $2,500 to the WMS library, planting trees at the high school, and showing appreciation for staff by providing breakfasts, and desserts. FCA maintained 150 active members and participated in fundraising efforts for a fellow teacher, while also hosting a before-school Book Club with six participants. Maroon on a Mission, with 25 active members, focused on community service by creating Christmas and Valentine's Day cards for nursing home residents and raising funds for a teacher through the sale of pink bracelets. The Student Council, with 12 representatives with four students from each grade level, led school-wide initiatives, including raising $840 for the Bearden Josey Center for Breast Health through a Pink Out campaign, supporting a faculty member battling cancer, sponsoring faculty appreciation events, organizing student/staff games and activities, hosting food truck events, coordinating spirit days, and managing quarterly concession sales. These organizations demonstrated strong leadership and commitment to supporting both the school community and local charitable causes. WMS showcased innovative STEM learning opportunities throughout school year. Teachers were invited to Columbia to participate in the 2026 STEM Education Day at the Capitol, hosted by South Carolina’s Coalition for Mathematics and Science. WMS educators shared the school’s STEM-focused projects, including the Earth Day Fair and Farmers Market Project, with state leaders, educators, and stakeholders from across South Carolina. The Earth Day Fair provided students and families with the opportunity to explore and celebrate student-created projects that highlighted environmental stewardship and hands-on STEM learning. The teachers were awarded a grant that helped fund a Farmers Market Project, and students connected classroom learning to real-world agricultural experiences by engaging with local farmers, business owners, and agricultural professionals. The event featured numerous presenters and vendors who shared expertise in farming, food production, and agricultural careers while offering samples, and locally produced goods. These experiences strengthened community partnerships and provided authentic learning opportunities that helped students develop a deeper understanding of STEM applications in agriculture and entrepreneurship. WMS partnered with iRIZE Prevention to provide sixth-grade students with valuable education focused on preventing substance abuse and promoting mental wellness. Through this partnership, students received age-appropriate information, learned positive coping strategies, and explored the importance of building strong support systems. Bringing this prevention program to our school, WMS helped equip students with the skills to make healthy choices and avoid behaviors that can lead to misuse, supporting both student well-being and long-term success.
Woodruff Middle School also provides opportunities for students in the arts and on the athletic fields. Twenty students participated in Gifted Art. Eighteen students had works on display for the 2026 Youth Art Month show. 141 students participated in the WMS band. Eight students participated in the Woodruff High School Marching Band, and four students placed in Junior Region band. These band students along with 82 chorus students performed Christmas and spring concerts for their peers and the Woodruff community. WMS athletics continued to provide students with opportunities for participation and excellence both on and off the field. During the school year, 68 students participated in fall sports and 48 students in winter sports. Student-athletes demonstrated outstanding commitment to academics and athletic performance,10 athletes earning All-Conference honors and 78 athletes receiving All-Academic recognition. The volleyball program enjoyed an exceptional season, finishing as runner-up in the Woodruff Stars Volleyball Tournament, capturing both the Foothills Conference Regular Season Championship and Foothills Conference Tournament Championship, and producing the Conference Player of the Year. The girls' basketball team also had a remarkable season, earning the Foothills Conference Regular Season Championship. These accomplishments reflect the sportsmanship and hard work of WMS student-athletes and coaches throughout the year.
At WMS, our student accomplishments and achievements are treasured. A hard working and dedicated school faculty as well as the small community of Woodruff work together to encourage and promote the continued emotional and academic progress of every student.
D. Scott Lawson, WMS Principal
