Beech Springs Intermediate School is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by implementing the South Carolina standards in English/language arts, math, science, and social studies. These standards are entrenched with opportunities for students to be critical thinkers, problem-solvers, investigators, leaders of technology, all while learning how to work collaboratively with their peers.
This year Beech Spring received the designation as a Title I School. The purpose of a Title I School-Wide Program is to strengthen the school’s overall educational program in order to improve academic achievement so that all students, particularly the lowest-achieving students, demonstrate proficiency of the state’s academic standards. Because of the additional funding that Title I afforded us, we were able to add more teacher and student support positions to our faculty and staff. We added four new classroom teaching positions. This allowed us to have smaller class sizes and gave teachers a better opportunity to individualize instruction for all students. We were able to add a Reading/Math Interventionist who worked with students, in a small group setting, that had significant academic gaps. We were also able to add a STEM Facilitator who worked with fifth and sixth grade Math and Science teachers with developing lessons that effectively incorporated STEM activities. We added additional high-interest reading materials to all classroom libraries.
Teachers have benefited from professional development that will equip them to better serve our student population. Math teachers were trained on the Guided Math Model and all teachers were trained on Inclusive Teaching practices by Marilyn Friend. In addition to our district-wide Professional Development Cohorts, teachers continued working in Professional Development Teams to build engaging and challenging assignments that would create a new excitement for learning with our student body.
Our students have experienced a variety of opportunities to excel in performing arts. Our Band students received a “Superior” rating at Concert Festival and our Orchestra students received a “Superior” rating at the same event. Our Chorus had several students selected for the SC Elementary Honors Choir, as well as, offered winter and spring concerts. We had students’ artwork on display at Chapman Cultural Center and our district’s Fine Arts Center throughout the year. Finally, our students showcased their acting and singing skills as they took to the stage this spring and performed Disney’s Mulan, Jr. The response from the community was very inspiring.
Leadership opportunities are plentiful for our students. Students were able to participate in the BETA Club, Creations, and Morning News Show Crew. Teachers also gave students an opportunity to earn leadership roles in the classrooms. Students raised funds to support Relay for Life through our Color Run, Clemson/Carolina Penny War, and by purchasing treats throughout the year. They also financially supported March of Dimes and donated clothes to the Middle Tyger Community Center. One of our fifth grade students began an afterschool chess club and another student started an afterschool crocheting club that crocheted recyclable plastic bags into bed mats for the homeless.
A mentoring program has been re-established this year to provide opportunities for identified students to meet weekly with influential community members. In an effort to cultivate a love for reading and build reading confidence, a group of male students were selected to be a part of a book club --“Books ‘N Bros.”, which was led by Principal McCants. The book club had thirty members. We were able to bring in “Just a Chicken” authors to encourage this group as well as the student body.
Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) has been instrumental in helping provide instructional materials for students and teachers and for hosting ice-cream celebrations for students who made All A Honor Roll for each nine weeks. They have also provided opportunities for students and adults to fellowship by hosting, “A Gathering with Grands”; “Doughnuts for Dads”; and “Muffins for Moms.” They were also instrumental in recognizing teachers for all that they do throughout the year by hosting faculty and staff luncheons as well as providing treats and fundraising prize incentives.
While our students and teachers have had a remarkable academic year, we will continue working diligently to fulfill the mission of Beech Springs Intermediate School, which is to provide every student quality educational experiences in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment.
Christopher E. McCants, Principal
Tiffany Darling, SIC Chairperson
