Dear Parents,
Berry Shoals Intermediate School is excited to be helping our future graduates develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. We pride ourselves at being academically driven, where Together Everyone Achieves More. Our rigorous standards and curriculum in all subjects are designed to challenge every learner. In addition to our rigorous core curriculum, our students are immersed daily in high-quality arts, science, and character programs. We believe in teaching the whole child so that each one can reach their true capacity.
In order to provide world-class skills to our students, our teachers are continuously participating in professional development to increase their effectiveness in the classroom. Teachers spend countless hours writing and editing instructional units, preparing for the ever-evolving academic standards in Language Arts, Math, Science, and Social Studies. Teachers participate in ongoing training in the integration of the latest technology hardware and software in order to provide our students with skills in communication, information, media, and technology. Using research-based best teaching and learning practices, our students are able to continue to grow in all core academic areas. Our students are succeeding thanks to hands-on learning, rigorous school-wide research practices and real-time laboratory experiences that require critical thinking, problem-solving, and teamwork. Students also have dedicated time in the schedule every day to work on individualized skills specifically targeted to each student.
Every student participates in our award-winning performing and related arts programs. Our fine arts program provides students multiple opportunities for self-expression, creativity, and innovation in the areas of instrumental, choral, and general music, visual arts, and dramatic arts. Students participate in numerous drama productions, chorus, and instrumental music programs throughout the year. Our students in band, drama, and orchestra earn consistent Superior Ratings at state-sponsored events such as Solo and Ensemble, Concert Festival, and Drama State Competitions. Many of our band, choral, and orchestra students audition for and are selected to participate in their region and state honor ensembles. This year, our band program received the Outstanding Performance Award for the 5th time in 6 years. The SCBDA Outstanding Performance Award is the highest possible award given to a band program in the state of South Carolina. Points are accumulated through participation and ratings earned at state-sponsored performance events. In locations throughout the community or as you walk through the building, you will see exceptional work by our visual arts students. Although each work of art is unique, collectively, they make our building look beautiful.
Our students develop life and career characteristics, as well as citizenship attributes through service to our school and community. Berry Shoals is pleased to report that 100% of faculty, staff, and students participate in service learning. Collectively, our school conducts four grade-level “hall” service projects, a school-wide service project, a teacher and staff service project, and club-sponsored service projects. Projects range from beautifying the school grounds, supporting medical research, recycling, to working with local charities and agencies such as the Ronald McDonald Houses and the Humane Society. These service learning projects support academic activities as well as serve to instill a sense of community and responsibility in each of our students. In addition to providing our future world-class citizen's opportunities to serve in our community, our future graduates participate in year-long interpersonal and anti-bullying programs that enhance character, interpersonal skills, integrity, and compassion for others.
As we strive to shape our future graduates, we will continue to improve overall student achievement and school success while working hard to meet the individual needs of the whole child. We are thankful for the support of our PTO, School Improvement Council, local businesses, and all who support the TEAM efforts of Berry Shoals Intermediate School.
Michael A. Powell, Ed.S
Principal
Mollie Williams
SIC Chairman
