Guinyard-Butler Middle School prepares our students to walk in their destiny in the areas of Academics, Athletics, and the Arts. The 2017-18 school year has been productive for faculty, staff, and students as we are committed to making teaching and learning our focal point. We are utilizing data to drive instruction, best practices, and accountability to ensure the success of our students and our school. The School Improvement Council and Parent Teacher Organization continues to work to increase parent and community involvement. GBMS strives to keep parents and the community involved through the website, social media, parental contacts, letters, Remind 101, the local newspaper, and PowerSchool Parent Portal. Students are afforded the opportunity to begin high school with 2 ½ credits which include: Algebra 1, English 1, and keyboarding.
Guinyard-Butler Middle School has the opportunity to expose students to numerous potential career opportunities as a result of our STEM lab. Students work with a partner at one of 12 stations, which are divided into two modules. Some of the modules include engines, sustainable agriculture, flight, rocket science, electricity, and alternative energy. Annually, students participate in the Annual STEAM Fest. This year we were privileged to have a total of 29 industries and professional societies with 80 presenters present. Presenters were present in core content area classes and presented to four groups of students. This opportunity allowed our students to use critical thinking skills and teamwork to solve problems. It also aided our students in understanding the STEAM approach as modeled in a variety of ways used in real –life work environments. Our seventh and eighth graders are responsible for completing a science project annually. Mentors (engineers) assist students with questions regarding projects and the process. Stakeholders judged student projects. This year we were able to obtain 35 judges representing 29 different industries, universities, and professional societies.
Twenty-six students were inducted in the Jr. Beta Club. Thirty students were inducted in the National Junior Honor Society. The Junior Beta Club and the National Junior Honor Society participated in various community service projects. We were privileged to have 43 students enrolled in the GBMS band program (20 students participated in the Edisto Conference Band Clinic, 13 students performed at the SCBDA Solo and Ensemble Festival, and one student participated in the All-State Band). GBMS had 3 Junior Scholars for this academic school year and one Duke Scholar. Our seventh grade students participated in a field study to Washington, D.C. and our eighth graders participated in a field study visit to Orlando, Florida.
We look forward to the continued support of our parents, community members, and stakeholders as we continue to prepare OUR students to walk in their DESTINY.
Dr. Tywana Branch, SIC President and Dr. Jessica Brabham-James, Principal
