Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing opportunities for students to be critical thinkers, communicators, collaborators, and creative problem-solvers. Our mission, “Connect, Engage, Create,” is evident through our commitment to building positive, student-centered relationships, providing rigorous, standards-based instruction, and taking into account the whole child by capitalizing on each student’s unique talents, goals, and passions. Our teachers and staff engage in collaboration that builds solid foundations for professional learning communities and continuous reflection for growth and improvement.
In the most unique and challenging 2020-21 school year, we offered a variety of programs and supports to extend our mission:
Connect
Woodmont Middle School made connection a priority in the 2020-21 school year. In a Before school even began, our students participated in virtual orientations where they fellowshipped with new and old classmates, met their teachers and support staff, virtually toured the school, and learned about the new health and safety procedures in place. We also held a virtual open house in September where our families met with teachers, discussed the first few weeks of school, and had an opportunity to ask questions. Although we were not able to offer physical field trips, our teachers brought the world to our doorstep through virtual experiences with artists, scientists, mathematicians, authors, and more. Our fine arts programs championed through a year with many new restrictions, and our FFA, Student Council, and Beta Club continued to meet as well, both virtually and in person. Relationship-building continued throughout the year as students had weekly opportunities for “Team-Time” and SEL activities with our school counselors and teachers. Our year together culminated in very special awards ceremonies for each grade, and a special cookout and outdoor celebration for our eighth graders.
Engage
In an effort to prepare students for college and career readiness, we raised the bar on rigor and engagement in the classroom. This year, Woodmont Middle School continued our Carnegie Mathematics program, a curriculum that focuses on drawing students in, activating their prior knowledge and experiences, presenting real-world examples, and facilitating collaborative classroom activities that generate curiosity and plant the seeds for deeper learning. Students engaged in the Mathia software and had opportunities to earn weekly prizes based on their work in the program. We continued to support the implementation of high school credit courses in middle school core and related subjects through a variety of seated and virtual offerings. Through all instruction in and around the building -- whether in person, virtual, or hybrid, we developed the skills students need to think critically and independently, work collaboratively, and take supported risks in their learning.
Create
Woodmont Middle School understands the benefits of integrating creative processes into our classrooms, such as providing students with hands-on opportunities, fostering flexible thinking, and enhancing students’ conceptual understanding. Woodmont Middle School focuses on its mission to prepare students academically, artistically, and socially through our STEAM-based instructional program. We strive to provide our students with a variety of opportunities in academic, artistic, and extracurricular endeavors that will achieve this goal and provide a solid foundation for continued success.
To celebrate our students’ growth and achievements this year, Woodmont Middle School held quarterly awards ceremonies where students were honored not only for characteristics exhibiting World Class Knowledge, but also for their World Class Skills and Life and Career Characteristics. Each quarter, teachers recognized chosen students with Profile of the Graduate (PoG) Awards that included personalized accolades of that student’s commitment to characteristics such as integrity, perseverance, collaboration, and communication. Through this recognition and celebration, students learned the importance of striving for excellence in all areas of life and supporting their classmates in a variety of achievements.
Moving forward, Woodmont Middle School will continue to rise up and propel our students into success through our commitment to making connections amongst our school and surrounding community, engaging collaboratively throughout a rigorous curriculum, and creating ways for our students to experience success through middle school, high school, and beyond.
