Pelion Middle School is helping all students develop the World-Class Skills, as well as life and career characteristics, of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a learning environment that continues to embody a holistic approach to education. Through incredible challenges, the PMS team integrated highly effective instructional practices and provided students with the social-emotional supports needed to help each child be successful. With an intentional focus on rigor and developing a sense of belonging across all students and staff, PMS empowers students with the tools they need to thrive in the 21st century. Maintaining a focus on educating “the whole child,” we remain committed to cultivating an environment in which all students can become extraordinary communicators, collaborators, creators and critical thinkers.
In order to support students’ efforts to gain world-class skills, we strengthened a variety of structures, made necessary adjustments and continued our partnership with The Paideia Institute. While our implementation of several initiatives looked different in facilitation due to social-distancing guidelines and other necessary protocols, we were committed to modeling active learning, making connections, critical thinking and goal-setting. By setting personal and professional goals, we were better equipped to support student needs, particularly with regard to literacy and communication. In addition to each classroom offering a class library with a focus on representation of all students, we provided each student with several books to support in-home libraries. We were also fortunate to be able to update our school library to create more engaging experiences for students through literacy. Students also utilized world-class skills through our visual/performing arts offerings. We were excited to welcome the PMS community to band and orchestra performances before the end of the school year.
The resilience and drive of the PMS team was on full display as we completed a mid-year campus change without a drop in instruction or professional learning. Years of collaboration, hard work and effort brought together a shift from 758 Magnolia Street to a state-of-the-art building on 325 Main Street. In January 2021, we welcomed students and families to a new 203,000-square-foot school that serves as a physical representation of the work we do for our students and the quality educational experience that all of our stakeholders deserve. Through the use of collaborative spaces and a host of other instructional amenities, we are able to maintain our commitment to ensure success and access for every child. The work put forth by our staff and district support was truly unmatched, and we are fortunate to be able to continue our work in a new space while honoring the ideals and history established at our former campus.
While we faced many challenges during the 2020–21 school year, we celebrated several successes as well. As a school, we boasted an 8% increase in students scoring at or above benchmark on Star 360 from fall to winter. Seven PMS eighth grade students were accepted into The College Center at Gilbert High School. Our average of daily late/early dismissal dropped from 37.8 students to 29.6 students. Our Agriculture program had consistent participation with the Floriculture team, Tool ID team and Agronomy team. One of our students won the Middle School division in Mr. FFA. In addition, our students were recognized as the State Champion for the 2021 SC FFA State Convention for Conduct of Chapter Meetings LDE.
In addition to student successes, our staff members were recognized for their work as well. Some of their accomplishments included Brandy Wood (seventh grade social studies teacher) and Jen May (eighth grade science teacher) earning the prestigious Dr. Elizabeth Gressette Scholarship from the Palmetto State Teachers Association, and our Spanish teacher, Mrs. Jessica Oberly, being selected to present at SCOLT 21. Our Director of Counseling Clayton Henke was highlighted by SCETV during National School Counseling Week. Ms. Whitney Wiles, sixth grade math teacher, was selected as a top 10 finalist for District Teacher of the Year. We were also privileged to be able to highlight our efforts to honor the varied stories and experiences of our school and community through a national webinar hosted by The Leadership Academy titled, “Self & System: How school districts can take a comprehensive approach to equity.”
PMS continues to promote positive family engagement by providing families with various opportunities to be engaged in their child’s learning by participating in family events/activities, community outreach and active participation in our School Improvement Council and the Title I Planning Team. While several events were conducted virtually, we were proud to be able to engage with students and families during the school day and outside of school hours. Events included “Let’s Get Crafty,” “Are You Smarter Than a Middle Schooler?” and our End-of-the-Year Drive-Thru Celebration, where we hosted a record number of families) Our Family Resource Center presents stakeholders with an opportunity to gain access to instructional materials that help to move students forward. We were also fortunate to serve as a food pick-up site for families during the second semester of the school year.
In closing, we know that the support of our staff, families and community members were key to our school being able to accomplish what we achieved this year. We truly missed seeing our students and were excited to welcome many back face-to-face. With the circumstances of the school year, combined with a mid-year move, however, we are reminded of the importance and impact of relationships. We pride ourselves in our care and advocacy for children, and were truly able to put our “why” into action this year. With the lessons we have learned, we look forward to welcoming our students back to 325 Main Street to continue our work and the development of the PMS story.
Kailanya S. Brailey, Principal
Tabitha Causey, SIC Chair
