During the 2021 – 2022 school year, our school continued to face challenges as a result of COVID-19.  As students transitioned back from staying home for almost two years, we were faced with major gaps in learning, lack of social interactions, as well as collaboration and teamwork skills.  Regardless, the school continued to focus on our goal to help all students develop the world class skills of the profile of the South Carolina graduate.  Teachers worked diligently to plan and create instructional content that promoted and assessed critical thinking skills through Common Planning meetings and professional learning opportunities.  In return, high standards and expectations continued to be implemented and students were challenged to perform at higher DOK levels.  Rigorous standards and objectives continued to allow teachers to prepare students for common assessments, benchmarks, standardized testing regardless of the platform used for instruction. Student / parent surveys were also used which helped us to better understand the needs of our students.  Ultimately helping produce graduates who were equipped with the necessary skills to excel in today’s highly competitive global market, and who were prepared for their future in the workforce with the knowledge, skills, and personal attributes needed for success.  Teachers consistently practiced data tracking methods to determine pacing and instructional scaffolding.  Teachers were provided professional development opportunities and training on virtual platforms, data tracking, argumentative writing, digital literacy, and blended learning.  Collaboration teamwork between student and staff was encouraged and strategies were provided. Teachers collaborated in professional learning communities as well as weekly common planning meetings to discuss student data, best practices, pacing, data tracking and technology.  Students were provided opportunities to measure their progress throughout the year with the use of data cards and goal setting to predict standardized scores.  Students were provided new opportunities through rotational model and small groups to further vary instruction and assessments to target individual student needs.

Throughout the 2021 – 2022 school year, collaboration among all stakeholders was encouraged.  Mullins High School provided multiple opportunities for professional development on digital tools like Schoology, Math 180, USA Test Prep, Edulastic, View Board, and Nearpod to better assist our classrooms in cultivating collaboration on technology use.  Resources were established and provided for the use of any classroom teacher to participate.  Our students were provided opportunities for guest speakers, virtual tours and in person tours of colleges, and continued to strive for excellence in our school programs.  These programs consisted of Teacher Cadets, JAG, National Honor Society, Beta Club, Girls State, Boys State, Math competition Team, National Science Honor Society, Academic Challenge, Dual Credit Classes through Florence Darlington Technical College, Early College also through Florence Darlington Technical College, and ACT Career Ready which prepared students with a trade to transition them into the real world workforce. 

Overall, Mullins High School continued to create an engaging and innovative learning environment where collaboration, technology and project-based learning continued to create a critical thinking rich environment.  Teachers built relationships with their students that fostered a love for learning to take place.  Opportunities for critical thinking were provided to challenge all students toward a growth mindset.  Their mastery of content and professional development allowed our teachers to test out new teaching strategies while utilizing data tracking to create an individualized learning experience for each child.

At Mullins High School learning goes beyond the textbook.  It is a place of engagement, collaboration, and high expectations.  Our goal is to instill a passion for learning and to foster a love for learning that will be carried outside of this building.  We want to ensure that all students are molded into well rounded individuals who understand, respect, and contribute to the world around them.  The goal is to utilize the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate in order to provide our students with global perspective and encourage critical thinking skills.  We strive to teach our students strong work ethics and problem-solving strategies to ensure that they can succeed not only within our school but the world outside.  Each classroom creates a family-like atmosphere to ensure every child is encouraged to grow.  The saying, “Once an Auc, Always an Auc,” isn’t just a saying, it is a way of life at Mullins High School.  Mullins High School is not simply an educational institute but a representation of a set of ideals that holds each teacher and student accountable to high expectations.  

Sincerely,

Michael Stone

Principal

Mullins High School