Our theme for the 2022-2023 school year was “Collectively Achieving Excellence”. The word collectively simply means as a group or as a whole; together. Achieve is defined as to successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective, level, or result) by effort, skill, or courage. Excellence is defined as the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. By developing and intentionally employing a growth mindset, as a staff, we embarked upon a trajectory to improve in all areas of the school organization with a focus on excellence.
McColl Elementary Middle School is helping all students to develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by educating and enabling all students to achieve their highest potential. Our vision is to partner with families, businesses, and communities to develop the next generation of responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and global leaders.
During the 2022-2023 school year, we utilized NWEA MAP (K-8) and MAP Fluency (K-5) to gather baseline achievement data. We focused on Tier I standards-based instruction, small-group instruction, student work, common assessments, and formative assessments to inform daily practices. We offered remediation services for all students with identified learning needs, and enrichment services for students who are identified as academically gifted. Teachers participated in monthly vertical planning and articulation meetings to ensure that instructional content was presented in an intentional and deliberate manner. We also employed two instructional interventionists who provided early intervention for primary students in reading and one for mathematics.
The supplemental programs we utilized consisted of Waterford Upstart, IXL, American Reading Company (ARC), University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), Raz Kidz Plus, Accelerated Reader and DreamBox. In addition, we recognized Bri’s Book Buddies, implemented 8th Grade Student Ambassadors, and continued with our Academic Challenge Team and Junior Beta Club.
Our Kindergarten through Third Grade teachers participated in LETRS training through Lexia, which focuses on the science of reading. Those teachers also received training in the University of Florida Reading Foundations.
MEMS implemented Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports schoolwide, which celebrated the positive behaviors that were demonstrated by students, and greatly reduced the number of discipline incidents overall.
MEMS continues to have some of the highest rates of family and community engagement statistics in Marlboro County School District. We boast on average 255 parents per event, with Open House and our quarterly award ceremonies being our highest attended with over 400 parents in attendance.
In conclusion, at McColl Elementary Middle School we recognized the fact that we have the unique and powerful opportunity to impact our students from four years old to fourteen years old because MEMS is a part of our students’ lives from Pre-K or Kindergarten through eighth grade. Moreover, we recognize the opportunity to impact multiple stages of students’ growth and maturity and accept the challenge to make the most of the many years that we have with them. Our highest ambition is to pour into them the best we have, and to give them every opportunity possible to leave our school prepared to be leaders, trendsetters, and lifelong learners. We believe in not only imparting knowledge into the minds of our scholars, but in also filling their hearts with love, compassion, and empathy towards our fellow man. We will proceed with laser focused motivation to launch our scholars forward as we provide them with the tools necessary for them to make a positive mark on the world.
Oscar C. Gregg III
Principal
McColl Elementary Middle School
