Palmetto Middle School is a public institution with high expectations for student learning. We strive to Prepare Minds for Success.
During the 2021-2022 school-year, Palmetto Middle School helped all students develop World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, by fostering collaboration and teamwork, improve communications using media and technology, supported students in knowing how to learn, and problem solve. In addition, students were taught life skills to guide self-direction, work ethic, and learn how to persevere when faced with challenges.
At Palmetto Middle School, we believe it takes all parties working together to help students and our school achieve success. Our motto is Moving Forward! Growing Together! Getting Better! The students at Palmetto are vital to the learning equation. To increase their chances for success, staff and students participated in academic conferences to help students understand their personal data. This data included classwork, standardized test scores, district assessments, discipline, and attendance. Together, teachers and students discussed specific learning needs based on content, social-emotional issues, and ways to improve efforts in all areas.
Students received digital devices to support their online learning needs. Students had to demonstrate mastery using online platforms such as Lexia (Reading), Pearson Realize (Science), Read-180, Schoology (Learning Management System), and Zearn (Mathematics) to assist with the ease of instruction.
We maintained our high expectations for student learning to help students reach their personal best while striving to meet state standards. Students were accountable for learning and were active participants in the instructional process. This year, heavy emphasis was placed on literacy as ELA classes used the Balanced Literacy Framework to improve reading and writing. Students responded to Text Dependent Analysis questions by providing sound evidence to their positions for reading passages. Students also had the opportunity to read for leisure as our classroom libraries were leveled and stocked with high interest books for the different learners.
Teachers supported students by providing whole group and individualized instruction as a means for reducing learning loss. In addition to direct instruction and targeted interventions, Palmetto provided afterschool tutorials through our Practice Makes Perfect (PMP) Homework Center. Here, students received additional support in English and Math. A new addition to our school was the acquisition of a Math Interventionist. Students received small group support throughout the year to further develop mathematical skills. Overall, fifty percent of the students met their projected growth targets in reading and math on the Measure of Academic Progress (MAP) Assessment from Fall to Spring.
Innovations during the 2021-2022 school year included the establishment of a Fellowship of Christian Athletes Group and a Pro Team class for eighth grade students to encourage the pipeline to Teacher Education as a career. We continued to utilize our social media pages and Blackboard to keep our families apprised of school events and updates. However, Bright Arrow was a new online database in PowerSchool that allowed us to reach parents via email. Coupled with Microsoft Teams, Bright Arrow increased our access to families and improved communications. These innovations helped Palmetto Middle School maintain our connections for community outreach.
Moving forward, we will continue to address our students’ academic and social needs. We will continue to address the social-emotional needs of students and staff. Our priority at Palmetto Middle School is to work with students, families, and the community to provide valuable learning experiences. We will execute effective practices to help students embody the Profile of a SC High School Graduate and experience student growth.
Dr. Regina J. Gilchrist, Principal
Meliah Littlejohn, SIC Chair
