Hand Middle School is helping all students develop World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, by promoting recognition of all of our students, as they reflect the tenets of Hornet Pride: Personal Responsibility, Respect, Individual Readiness, Demonstrated Learning and Effective Behavior. It is well known, that Hand is often regarded as the middle school where students will succeed in high school, and beyond, particularly in academic achievement, and in readiness for college, career and workplace success. Through collective impact, we focus on the 5 A’s of Education: Academics, Arts, Athletics, Attendance, and Attitude. In 2018-2019 school year: Fifty-Eight Hand students were recognized as Junior Scholars. Hand students excelled in musical and visual arts, resulting in many group and individual awards and recognitions. Our students also competed in the state-wide Latin, and Mock Trial, resulting in many group and individual awards. The Boys’ Basketball Team made it to the finals, placing 2nd, the Girls’ Track and Field Team placed 2nd; and the Boys’ Track and Field Team, placed 1st, which is the 3rd consecutive year for the 7th and 8th graders in the Richland One District Championship. Our students have the opportunity to be engaged with a variety of clubs and activities which promote fun through learning. Hand students volunteered thousands of hours, serving food and personal items to the homeless community; and, working with the senior community at the Finley House Assisted Living facility.
Hand is an Arts in Basic Curriculum and Distinguished Arts Program Awards grant recipient. These grants help Hand continue its excellent Arts Integration Program, and give students the opportunity to learn in multiple ways, including dance, theater and drama, which addresses 21st Century World Class Skills, such as: critical thinking and problem-solving, communication, collaboration and teamwork, creativity, knowing how to learn, and cross-cultural skills and appreciation.
Teacher Quality is essential for success in student achievement. We are putting forth a concerted effort, of not only recruiting, but also retaining teachers to provide quality teaching and learning to our students. The current administration recognizes, and is committed to providing a consistent and stable environment, increasing the level of visibility, internally and externally; and, to providing immediate feedback and support which will promote collegiality and directly impact teacher retention over time. Hand continues to be a leader in transforming the lives of students every day, helping them reach their potential and dreams in the 21st Century.
Our Non-Negotiables include best practices for solid academic instruction, incorporation of digital learning tools that foster student engagement, achievement and successful learning, in a safe, caring, and positive teaching and learning environment; exemplary Hornet Pride; Foundational Beliefs of HMS faculty, staff, and administration supporting high expectations; regular school attendance, Parent and Family Involvement, and all else that matters most, in the positive school life of every student, every day, at Hand.
Principal, Patrice T. Green, EdD
SIC Chair, Pamela Gillam
