William J. Clark Middle School is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on academic excellence and educating the whole child. We strive to provide every student with the tools necessary for success by fostering a supportive culture through daily classroom instruction and through school-wide events presented during the school year.
Our Gifted and Talented program, as well as other programs, integrated with Project-Based Learning, offer additional opportunities for our students to explore and expand their knowledge base. Through innovative, and fine arts courses, our students are able to further explore their interests in the arts, technology, and career/college advancement.
We continuously focus on improving instructional delivery and increased student achievement. Staff development and Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) were conducted to assist teachers and support staff in the delivery of classroom instruction and other student services. Each activity was data-driven and based on student need. Students were provided the opportunity to receive assistance with SCPASS, End of Course Examination Program, and SC READY through various online tutorial programs. School data was used to increase student awareness of the school’s academic performance, school-wide goals, and increased student involvement in the learning process. Quarterly honors and awards programs, and other student recognition initiatives, have all increased student awareness of the importance of good grades and led to improved student academic performance. With student achievement as a top priority, the school continues to see evidence of student success.
We are extremely proud to highlight our students and their accomplishments. Some of the school’s highlights include six students being recognized as USC 64th Regional II Annual Science and Engineering Fair winners. Students were also recognized as Best in Show and second place art winners at the SC State Fair, second place and merit winners in the Read Across SC art contest, as well as, other top national and state honors through our visual arts program. Our performing arts (band and choral) programs were unable to compete in state competitions due to the cancellation of events as a result of the pandemic this year. Students were able to participate virtually in the Orangeburg-Calhoun Consortium for the Arts Summer Program, the Governor's School for the Arts science engineering and design camps, and the district’s two week gifted and talented E-360 Scholars Institute. Students were also exposed to in-service learning projects and job shadowing experiences. The guidance department expanded our students' knowledge of career choices as they hosted monthly business Lunch and Learn sessions, held a school career fair, and held our first Annual Eighth-Grade Girls Summit with breakout sessions.
The School Improvement Council continues to play a vital role in terms of support to William J. Clark Middle School in helping meet the needs of the school. We believe that student success is a direct result of a supportive culture. We will continue to solicit parental, community, and business support through partnerships.