Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by Nurturing Knowledge, Cultivating Character, Relishing Relationships, and Tailoring Talent. We strive to become the premier middle school of excellence in academics and character development. Kelly Mill Med Pro Middle School is an educational institution that takes great pride in its commitment to academic excellence and character development. As a National AVID Demonstration site, a National Magnet Schools of America School of Distinction, and a Magnet Schools of America National Certified Demonstration Magnet School for both our STEAMM and INC magnet programs, we uphold the highest standards of educational innovation and achievement.
We embrace the challenges of the new millennium and believe in treating all students with utmost respect and dignity. Our educational approach fosters a nurturing environment where students are academically challenged and individually cherished.
Central to our success is the collaboration between students, staff, parents, and the wider community. Together, we embrace AVID’s mission to close the opportunity gap for all students and help them to excel in their chosen paths. We are delighted to highlight our students' remarkable accomplishments this year, including the recognition of 11 Junior Scholars. Moreover, our statewide testing results indicate significant growth in the number of students meeting or exceeding targets for ELA, math, and science. This achievement stems from our unwavering commitment to implementing best practices, optimizing instructional time, and leveraging data-driven decision-making to allocate resources effectively.
At Kelly Mill Med Pro Middle School, we prioritize standards-based instruction and whole-school adoption of the Advancement via Individual Determination (AVID) Program. This instructional emphasis not only accelerates student learning but also provides critical support through the implementation of Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading (WICOR) structures. Moreover, inquiry-based teaching methods have become an integral part of our school's culture. As an AVID National Demonstration Site and a STEAMM/Med Pro Magnet school, we are firmly committed to closing the achievement gap and ensuring the success of all learners.
We attribute a substantial portion of our success to the invaluable contributions of our dedicated parent and community volunteers. Their selfless commitment and countless hours of service have significantly enhanced the dynamic and effectiveness of our organization. Notably, Kelly Mill's PTO plays a pivotal role in our learning community, while our School Improvement Council continuously seeks opportunities to mentor our students and improve our school. Both parent groups share our mission of preparing global citizens for college and career readiness by providing engaging and meaningful experiences.
To ensure a cohesive and comprehensive educational experience, we incorporate a district-wide instructional model and uphold our district's instructional expectations. Furthermore, we integrate AVID and STEAMM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Medical sciences) concepts and strategies into all subject areas. Additionally, our students benefit from social-emotional learning through the implementation of the 7 Mindsets program.
Recognizing that students learn differently, we embrace a variety of academic approaches. Our school-wide AVID and STEAMM focus equips all students with the necessary skills for college attendance and 21st-century careers while aligning with the profile of a South Carolina graduate. Specifically, the AVID elective class provides targeted support to students who may face barriers to college attendance, including a lack of familiarity with the college system, limited family history of college attendance, inadequate study and organizational skills, and limited awareness of available opportunities. Through AVID, these students receive academic advancement, tutoring, social skills development, organizational training, study skills, and test-taking strategies. Furthermore, all AVID elective students are advanced into one or more honors classes, allowing them to thrive in more rigorous courses with the support of our administrators and teachers. We consistently engage in and showcase AVID instructional practices to prepare all students for college and 21st-century careers, while also promoting critical thinking and collaboration.
To ensure effective coordination and communication, we conduct regular assessments and monthly meetings, including AVID and STEAMM Site Team meetings, school-wide meetings, and department meetings. We are deliberate in aligning our master schedule, bell schedule, partnerships with local businesses, and parental involvement initiatives to address the specific needs of our students and families.
Furthermore, our campus houses an elementary magnet program (CFA) catering to students in grades 2 through 6. While several elementary schools feed into our middle school, we embrace the diversity resulting from school choice, serving students from across our district. Additionally, our school proudly reflects the rich tapestry of our community, with families speaking ten languages other than English. Our student body encompasses families from various backgrounds and cultures, including military families, those employed by small and large corporations, and individuals from both high-income waterfront homes and subsidized housing. This diversity enriches our academic and cultural growth and provides ample opportunities for character development.
The staff at Kelly Mill Med Pro Middle School has worked tirelessly to earn the trust, respect, and affection of our community. In partnership with students, parents, and the wider community, we remain steadfast in our dedication to academic excellence, collaboration, student achievement, critical thinking, and robust parent and community involvement. Our collective aim is to equip our students with the knowledge and skills required for success in the 21st century.
We extend a warm invitation to you to visit our world-class learning environment, where we strive to provide relevant and meaningful learning experiences. As we continue to embrace the awe-inspiring task of educating young minds, we look forward to working hand in hand with our students, community, and staff to unlock their full potential.
Jamilia L. Kenely
Principal