McColl Elementary Middle School’s (MEMS) theme for the 2023 - 2024 school year was “Collectively Achieving Excellence” #LaserFocused #HighQuality #DailyInstruction. Collectively means as a group or as a whole; together. To achieve is to successfully bring about or reach (a desired objective, level, or result) by effort, skill, or courage. Excellence is the quality of being outstanding or extremely good. By developing and intentionally employing a growth mindset, our staff embarked on a trajectory to pursue continuous improvement in all areas of the school organization, focusing on excellence.
McColl Elementary Middle School is dedicated to helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by engaging our students in critical thinking skills through innovative learning opportunities, encouraging students to create, design, and implement new ideas, challenging our students to set goals and follow through with action planning, and by focusing on rigorous teaching and learning opportunities in all areas of curriculum. Our vision is to partner with families, businesses, and communities to develop the next generation of responsible citizens, lifelong learners, and global leaders.
During the 2023-2024 school year, we utilized the Phonological Awareness Screening Test (PAST) (Pre-K), MAP Fluency (K-5), and NWEA MAP (K-8) to gather baseline achievement data. We focused on high-quality, standards-based Tier I instruction, dynamic small-group instruction, student work, common assessments, and formative assessments to inform daily instructional practices. IXL and Progress Learning were utilized for progress-monitoring. We offered remediation services for students with identified learning needs and enrichment services for academically gifted students. Teachers participated in monthly vertical planning and articulation meetings to ensure the intentional and deliberate delivery of instructional content. We also employed two instructional interventionists who provided early intervention for primary students in reading and mathematics. In addition, we utilized Multitiered Systems of Support (MTSS) to provide targeted support to struggling students.
Our supplemental programs included Waterford Upstart, IXL, Progress Learning, University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI), Raz Kidz Plus, and Accelerated Reader 360®. Additionally, we recognized Bri’s Book Buddies, continued the implementation of 8th Grade Student Ambassadors, and maintained our Academic Challenge Team as well as our Junior Beta Club.
We proudly became a Project Lead the Way (PLTW) School for the first time and offered Design and Modeling (DM) to all middle school students, with plans to add additional PLTW courses over the next two years. PLTW courses provide students with the opportunity to explore possible careers in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics. All of our students are afforded the opportunity to be creative, innovative, and enhance their interpersonal skills.
We were recognized as a National Beta Club School of Distinction for the third consecutive year. Our Kindergarten through Third Grade teachers participated in LETRS training through Lexia, which focused on the Science of Reading, and received training in the University of Florida Reading Foundations.
MEMS implemented Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports schoolwide, celebrating positive behaviors demonstrated by students and significantly reducing the number of discipline incidents. MEMS continues to have some of the highest rates of family and community engagement in Marlboro County School District, with an average of 255 parents per event and over 400 parents consistently attending Open House and our quarterly award ceremonies.
At McColl Elementary Middle School, we recognize the unique and powerful opportunity to impact our students from four years old to fourteen years old, as MEMS is a part of their lives from Pre-K or Kindergarten through eighth grade. We acknowledge the opportunity to impact multiple stages of students’ growth and maturity and accept the challenge to make the most of the many years we have with them. Our highest ambition is to pour into them the best we have and to give them every opportunity possible to leave our school prepared to be leaders, trendsetters, and lifelong learners. We believe in not only imparting knowledge into the minds of our scholars but also filling their hearts with love, compassion, and empathy. Our ultimate goal is to launch our scholars forward by providing them with the tools necessary to make a positive impact on the world as we "Show That Red Devil Pride" each day.
Oscar C. Gregg III, Principal
Errika Adams, Parent Advisory Council Chairperson
