R.P Dawkins Middle School is helping all students develop the world class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing high quality experiences in academics, athletics, and the arts. A primary goal at Dawkins Middle is to engage students in the learning process to establish a growth mindset aimed at success. We build on accomplishments and look for new opportunities to address student needs while preparing them for the rigors of high school.
At Dawkins, our students are taught the importance of college and career readiness. A college and career awareness assembly for our eighth graders is held at Dorman High School to emphasize and elaborate on the importance of forward-thinking. All students participate in S.C. Occupational Informational System to provide up-to-date educational and career information to students and parents. Our soft-skills initiative of R.O.A.R. (Respectful, Organized, Achieve, Responsible) is helping create lifelong skills that are applicable to college and career readiness.
Our teachers work hard to ensure student needs are met and provide additional practices and programs like the Dawkins after-school program and numerous student clubs and activities, such as the Grub Club, Youth in Government, Beta Club, Chess Club, and Leadership Club, to name a few. Our students are encouraged to give back to the community. This past year, members of our student council and Beta Club led school-wide efforts in support of the Spartanburg Soup Kitchen, Spartanburg Humane Society, Total Ministries, and the Spartanburg District 6 Food Pantry. Our school wide initiative of health and well-being resulted in Dawkins being named one of America's Healthiest Schools by the Mary Black Foundation.
With a rich tradition of excellence in academics, arts, and athletics, our goal every year is to make a difference and allow students to achieve success. Some of the highlights for 2022-2023 are:
- 23 students recognized as South Carolina Junior Scholars
- Numerous students recognized and awarded for art work from 6 competitions, including two National Scholastic Key Winners
- Art work displayed at multiple venues throughout the county
- 7th, 8th, & Chamber Orchestra Programs all received Excellent and Superior ratings in their annual state performance assessment.
- 7th, 8th, & Honor Band Programs all received Superior ratings in their annual state performance assessment.
- 7th & 8th Choral Programs all received Superior ratings in their annual state performance assessment.
Our faculty understands the importance of building relationships with our students, parents, and community members. These relationships are essential for achieving our goals and continue to be the most important part of our identity. Through our combined efforts, the 2022-2023 school year was a success at Dawkins Middle School.
Justin Funderburk, Principal
Leigh Smith, SIC Chair
