Banks Trail Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills and the Life and Career Characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. Our school’s vision is to provide educational experiences both in and outside of the classroom which empower all students to make a positive impact on their world.
Teachers plan engaging and rigorous learning opportunities that incorporate the four C’s of our district’s STEAM initiative – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Innovation is embraced with effective strategies and resources, including: Google Apps for Education, a 1:1 Chromebook initiative, student-centered feedback, inclusive teaching practices, research-based best practices for literacy integration across all content areas, and common assessments. We are proud of our extraordinary history of academic success. We model and teach our school’s mission statement, “We are the TRAIL – Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, and Leadership” as we focus on developing the whole child.
Our focus on the four C’s has been achieved through integrating more inquiry-based learning opportunities for our students. Through our STEAM initiative in Fort Mill, students are engaged in problem-based learning in all four core subjects and in related arts classes, as well. Four teachers served as STEAM leaders and participated in Discovery Education STEAM training throughout the year with other district teachers chosen for their leadership qualities. The STEAM leaders in our school share information they receive through district- and school-based professional development opportunities. In addition, all staff members participated in a 1:1 technology professional development course to assist with the implementation of the 1:1 roll out. Teachers participating in the study met monthly to share ideas for implementing technology and developed lessons that they could use in the future.
Our performing arts classes continue to offer award-winning programs. Twenty students received York County Honor Band recognition, twenty students were selected for all region band, and three students earned All State Band recognition. The BTMS Theater Company brought Madagascar to the stage.
Our staff’s commitment to professional growth and dedication to providing a rigorous academic program is evident in the many accomplishments our students and staff have worked together to achieve. A total of twenty-four 8th grade students were recognized as S.C. Junior Scholars. Twenty-three students were invited to attend the Duke T.I.P. Scholars program, and one students was recognized for State Recognition for the Duke TIP Program.
Banks Trail had numerous students competing in extracurricular activities. The Academic Challenge teams enjoyed spirited competition through virtual regional meets. On the athletic field we had successful seasons in all sports. Our 8th grade volleyball team, our 7th grade boys basketball team, and the boys track team won the Fort Mill Athletic Conference Championship. Because of the outstanding records during athletic competition, the BTMS Athletic Program won the Athletic Directors Cup for having the most success compared to the other teams in the conference.
Throughout the year, teachers participated in a variety of staff development opportunities, including Read to Succeed literacy training, professional book studies, vertical articulation, STEAM training, and the implementation of college and career readiness standards. We continued with our One School One Book initiative, hosted a virtual Family Literacy/STEAM Night event, unveiled new additions to our Humans of Banks Trail gallery of inspiring students, teachers, and staff members.
While we celebrate our many accomplishments in the 2020-21 school year, we are currently planning for future successes in coming years.
Marc Pyrc, Principal
Amy Merrigan, SIC Chair
