Banks Trail Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills and the Life and Career Characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. Our school’s vision is to provide educational experiences in and outside of the classroom which empower all students to make a positive impact on their world. Teachers plan engaging and rigorous learning opportunities that incorporate the four C’s of our district’s STEM initiative – critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Innovation is embraced with effective strategies, including: Google Apps for Education, use of personal electronic devices to enhance instruction, student-centered feedback, inclusive teaching practices, research-based best practices for literacy integration across all content areas, and common assessments. We are proud of our extraordinary history of academic success. We model and teach our school’s mission statement, “We are the TRAIL – Teamwork, Responsibility, Ambition, Integrity, and Leadership” as we focus on developing the whole child.
Our focus on the four C’s has been achieved through integrating more inquiry-based learning opportunities for our students. Through our STEM initiative in Fort Mill, students are engaged in problem-based learning in all four core subjects and in related arts classes, as well. Four teachers were chosen as STEM leaders and participated in Discovery Education STEM training throughout the year with other district teachers chosen for their leadership qualities. The STEM leaders in our school share information they receive through district- and school-based professional development opportunities. In addition, 31 of our teachers participated in a professional book study on inquiry using Harvey Daniels and Sara Ahmed’s research-based book Upstanders: Engaging Adolescent Hearts and Minds with Inquiry. Teachers participating in the study met monthly to share ideas for implementing more inquiry as they meet our state’s college and career ready standards.
Because they believe in life-long learning, our staff embraces opportunities to grow professionally. They attend district Read to Succeed endorsement courses, professional learning community (PLC) meetings both at the school and district level, the FM 21 professional growth sessions at the beginning of the year, and attend state and local conferences related to their curriculum areas.
Our staff’s commitment to professional growth and dedication to providing a rigorous academic program is evident in the many accomplishments our students and staff have worked together to achieve. A total of 30 8th grade students were recognized as S.C. Junior Scholars. Twenty students were invited to attend the Duke T.I.P. Scholars program, and four qualified for state recognition. In addition, 98% percent of the 8th grade Algebra I and 100% English I students passed the End of Course test. Some 150 8th grade students completed the PSAT.
Our performing arts classes continue to dazzle audiences and produce award-winning programs. Twenty-eight students received the York County Honor Band recognition, 20 students were selected for all-region band, and 2 students earned All State Band recognition. The BTMS Theater Company performed “The Little Mermaid” to great reviews and a packed house for each performance. Three performers were named All-Stars at the Broadway Junior Musical Festival in Charlotte.
Banks Trail had numerous students competing in extracurricular activities. The MATHCOUNTS and Academic Challenge teams enjoyed spirited competition at local and regional meets. The Science Olympiad Team placed 5th in the state. The Howl News Team participated in the Student Television Network National Competition and received 2nd place for best anchor team, 3rd place for best silent film, and 3rd place for best short film. On the athletic field we had successful seasons in all sports. Our undefeated 8th grade football team won the Fort Mill Athletic Conference Championship, and the 7th grade girls’ and boys’ basketball teams won the Fort Mill Athletic Conference Tournament. The girls’ track team won the Fort Mill Athletic Conference Championship for the second year in a row.
The faculty and staff of Banks Trail seek to support charitable causes and encourage our students to do the same. This year BTMS raised money for Angel Tree ($1,300), Hoops for Heart ($1,500), and 3,000 pounds of food for families in need. This could not have been possible without the generous support of our community.
Throughout the year, teachers participated in a variety of staff development opportunities, including Read to Succeed literacy training, professional book studies, vertical articulation, STEM training, and the implementation of college and career readiness standards. We implemented our 2nd annual Family Literacy Night and Read Across America Day events, unveiled new additions to our Humans of Banks Trail gallery of inspiring students, teachers, and staff members, and our newly-formed BTMS Step Team made their debut at the spring pep rally.
While we celebrate our many accomplishments in the 2017-18 school year, we are currently planning for future successes in coming years.
Michael Pratt, Principal
Montrio Belton, SIC Chair
