Bennettsville Intermediate School is helping all students develop the world class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by developing a culture of excellence in teaching and learning. Our school motto, “Building Innovative Students that LEAD”, highlights our commitment to helping students and staff exhibit greatness in Leadership and Innovation. Our vision is to partner with families, businesses, and communities to develop the next generation of responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and global leaders. We focus on Standards and Assessments, Curriculum and Instruction, Professional Development, and Learning Environment to drive our mission and achieve the highest potential for all students. Our instruction aligns with the South Carolina College and Career Standards for fourth and fifth grade. We are an extremely proud Title 1 school!
Our students were awarded many achievements in the 2022-2023 school year. Our school was awarded the Clemson Garden Grant to start a school garden. Our fifth graders were instrumental in getting the garden "growing". Our students participated monthly in STEM Challenges in their classrooms, and the winners went to the School STEM Challenges. Our students learned to use collaboration, creativity, communication, and critical thinking. At BIS, we believe in students excelling not only in academics but also character. Each month we selected a Character Education Student of the Month and a BIS overall school winner. Our school winners were surprised at home each month with a BIS Character Education balloon and a gift card. We had five students from our school win the Marlboro County School District Character Education Student of the Month award.
In the area of World Class Knowledge, teachers participated in professional development designed to build capacity in teacher leadership in the school through a curriculum-based focus. The participating teachers dedicated two days each week to receive professional development through Professional Learning Communities which focused on disaggregation of student data, reading strategies, and reviewing and reflecting on student work. This type of collaboration promotes growth within teachers, grade levels, and vertical articulation among schools.
Instruction is, as always, our top priority, and as such we select only the most effective programs to motivate our students to greatness academically. Our mission to acquire and use programs to launch our students into 21st century learners was greatly enhanced by our school districts 1:1 initiative. All students in grades 4-5 were provided a Chromebook and access to their own Google account, through which teachers could also provide digital assignments and links to great online resources. ALL BIS teachers and assistants were connected to our students through Google Classroom. We also utilized our state-of-the-art STEM lab which was fully equipped with current technology that included iPads, 3D printer, drones, large-screen TVs, coding, mbots, and computers. Students were instructed in small group activities each week with a focus on collaborative STEM lessons and activities.
In addition to academics, students and teachers at BIS strive to give back to the community and include the community. This school year we partnered with Carlie C's to provide birthday cakes to all students on their birthdays. Within our school, we had dedicated staff members who stepped up to mentor our students. Our PEARLS girls club worked on monthly community projects. We supported several community fundraising events such as Lids for Kids, the American Heart Association, and the March of Dimes.
Lawrence N. Dease, Principal
Katashala Curry, SIC Chair
