Clinton Middle School is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate by expanding on our existing programs, by providing meaningful professional development opportunities for teachers, and by helping students develop life skills. The 2018-2019 school year at Clinton Middle School has been a year focused on forging new directions and cultivating best instructional practices. We are a part of Laurens County School District 56 and serve approximately 700 students. This year we were designated a Comprehensive Support and Improvement (CSI) school but the state for low achievement on state testing. We have analyzed our areas of opportunity and we are committed and moving towards marked academic improvement. This year we have the assistance of a CSI coach from the state to help us identify areas of instruction that need work. Our teaching staff remains committed to teaching rigorous standards and is focused on building rigor in the math and ELA classrooms by implementing a balanced workshop style approach to instruction. Teachers are working collaboratively to increase classroom instruction and learning on a weekly basis during professional development meetings and are intentionally analyzing assessment data to make informed instructional decisions. In the next school year we will bring on an interventionist to help work with students in the areas of math and ELA as well as a full time instructional coach to help our teachers grow their practice. Students who were enrolled in high school credit bearing Algebra 1 and English 1 achieved a high passing rate on the state End of Course exams. Clinton Middle School continues to implement the AVID program which prepares students for college and other post-secondary opportunities. Our AVID elective students visited multiple college and university campuses this year and explored post-secondary opportunities. Additionally, our 7th grade cohort of students has a new GEAR UP grant and coordinator that will help guide them through high school and navigate the world of higher education. This year marked the continuation of a successful agricultural science elective for 8th graders where the students are immersed in the class and travel to Clinton High School to attend class. Our newly renovated technology lab hosted a full course of students involved in the PLTW curriculum this year and will offer new courses in modeling and design and computer science in the fall. Clinton Middle has had a rich tradition of honoring and celebrating success. Our volleyball, football, and basketball teams once again all produced winning seasons and brought home some hardware to the trophy cabinet. Our Science Olympiad Team won the state championship for the 17th year in a row. Our Special Olympic Teams earned many medals throughout the state in various competitions. The members of the band and chorus were outstanding with top recognition at competitions. In the arts, athletics, and academics many students were recognized for their hard work and accomplishments. Many of our student clubs and organizations complete service projects in our school and around our community. Clinton Middle School was recognized again this year as a school of excellence for its thriving and active Beta Club chapter. Our students are learning to be servant leaders and give back to various individuals and organizations. We are so proud of our students and staff at Clinton Middle School and look forward to building upon the goals and accomplishments of the 2018-2019 school year. At Clinton Middle School, we aim to produce ethical and productive citizens by achieving excellence, embracing innovation, and forging new traditions.
Chris Winkler, Principal
Ashley Martin, SIC Chair
