Harleyville Ridgeville Middle School is a small rural school in upper Dorchester County in southwestern South Carolina. Our school is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate by ensuring that improving student learning through quality instruction continues to be the focus of Harleyville Ridgeville Middle School. We are working for increased achievement through an instructional vision based on five concepts. Rigor, collaboration, student engagement, standards based instruction, and data driven decision making make up these concepts. Teachers and administrators have analyzed data and have identified specific areas on instructional need.
Reflecting on the school year has shown room for growth in several areas. Data from the report card show that areas of not met are high across the four content areas. Since the school has a small population, it will be possible to target students for intervention to help improve student achievement. Consultants will be used to work with math and ELA teachers in order to improve teacher quality. Also, in order to address teacher quality, several personnel changes will take place for the upcoming year. Administrators will be attending a Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) training in order to improve the structure and expectations of the students, teachers and staff. Also, an improved effort is needed to garner more parental as well as community involvement.
Along with areas with room to grow, there are some areas of strength. For a rural school there is a strong technology presence. Each student is provided with a Chromebook and all teachers either have or have access to a Promethean Board or a Smart Board. Read and Math 180 supplemental classes provide a strong intervention for struggling students. The 21st Century After School Program is also an avenue to target struggling students as well as serve as a support for all students. This program also provides for ways to reach out to parents. The size of the school (less than 200) can also be a strength. Being small allows more individualized attention being given to student outcomes.
This school year has presented many challenges for Harleyville Ridgeville Middle School. Several areas need addressing and improvement. In order to achieve this improvement, strong areas must be maintained and utilized to strengthen weaker areas and therefore increase achievement in all facets of the school.
Catherine Yates- Harleyville-Ridgeville Middle School Principal
Shelia Cobbs- School Improvement Chair Person
