Hemingway M.B. Lee Middle School’s Narrative
Nestled within the mission and vision statements of Hemingway M.B. Lee Middle School is the core belief that every child is an opportunistic learner. When presented with prime instructional circumstances, rigorous initiatives, and strategic scaffolds, students in grades 6-8, will meet and exceed the requisites of The Profile of the South Carolina Graduate as outlined by The South Carolina State Department of Education, as they are prepared for the good citizenship and high school.
As the only feeder school of Hemingway High School, our year began with celebration and an overall rating of “Good” as designated by The South Carolina State Department of Education and being removed from The Priority School’s List because of student achievement and marked academic growth. According to 2019 SCReady and SCPasss Results for math and English & Language Arts, Hemingway M.B. Lee Middle School earned growth in all areas from 2018 by an average of 5.1%; experiencing the most growth in 8th grade mathematics from 29.7% to 42.8%.
The immersion of “The Leader in Me” initiative by Stephen Covey, with district support has also resulted in marked reductions in discipline. These practices have assisted students in being reflective with their actions and decisions. There was 100% parental participation in the development of student's Individual Graduation Plans for the 2019 - 2020 school term. The state end-of-course assessment results for 2020 were 100% passage rates for middle school students enrolled in Algebra 1.
The school’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) representatives have been very successful again this year. The Hemingway M.B. Lee Middle School’s Junior Beta Club participated in The 2019-20 State Convention and placed in The Technology Competition, at first for the school and its members. Student participation also included academic challenge and The Tiger Paw Book Club, consecutive district champions. Students continue to participate in many other extra-curricular activities that include football, boys and girls basketball, and track.
Our school continues with The Rita N. Lowery 21st Century After-School Grant. This allowed continued focus on character development, extended academic endeavors such as Mathletes, and conflict resolution.
Hemingway M.B. Lee Middle School will continue to focus on academics, tiered collaboration, and discipline as these components are an integral part of student success. In the fourth year of a multi-tiered system of supports for foundational academics and behavior, students are actively centered and participatory in their improvement. Part of this support system included the implementation of an after-school tutoring program. These supports allow teachers students, and parents to use the data received to assist students with self-direction perseverance, and academic goal setting. Teachers are committed to attending professional development sessions, on-site and off, which helped them to polish their skills to better reach students and meet their needs. The entire school family embraced its motto of “Every Child, Every Day…Together!”
Dr. Tara L. Richardson, Principal
Mrs. Devon Wilson, Parent & SIC Chair
