Hillcrest Middle School is located at the intersection of Old Camden Hwy and Highway 441 in Dalzell, South Carolina. We serve approximately 389 students from sixth through eighth grade from Dalzell, Shaw Air Force Base, and surrounding communities. As an AVID School, we teach our students independent learning and organizational skills daily, celebrating their successes collectively. Our dedicated staff includes 24 certified members and 14 support staff, contributing to a nurturing and academically challenging environment.
We are proud to have the AASE 2023 Teacher of the Year, teachers nominated for Sumter’s Best, and two published authors among our faculty. Additionally, 90% of our teachers are highly qualified, and all paraprofessionals are fully qualified. Many of our teachers hold advanced degrees, with one teacher holding a doctoral degree. We also have a USC Noyce Teaching Fellow with National Board Certification. Hillcrest Middle School has earned Palmetto Status in both 2021 and 2022, reflecting our ongoing commitment to excellence in education.
We celebrate student achievements with Quarterly Attendance, Behavior, and Grade Celebrations, and our Quarterly Academic Awards Program recognizes outstanding academic performance. This commitment to excellence is reflected in our Algebra 1 Spring 2023 EOC results, where 96% of our students scored an A, B, or C. Additionally, three students achieved perfect scores on the SC Ready assessments, and five students qualified as Junior Scholars in the South Carolina Junior Scholars Program.
Extracurricular activities such as the STEM Club, Beta Club, and National Junior Honor Society provide students with opportunities to explore their interests and develop leadership skills. Events like the 2023 Boeing Dream Learners - Relaunch, Red Ribbon Week, Veterans Program, and Black History Program enrich our dynamic school culture. Our commitment to the arts is highlighted by the Wildcat Band Program, with 38 instruments donated, and our Art Class's participation in the Walk of Art.
Our Athletic Program has had an outstanding year, with numerous students qualifying for All-Conference in various sports, including volleyball, football, basketball, and track. Additionally, two students represented HMS at the South Carolina High School League Leadership Summit, and our Unified Sports team attended the Sports Pep Rally at the State House, celebrating inclusion and teamwork.
Hillcrest Middle School is also proud to engage in a wide range of service projects. Our students and staff participate in the American Heart Walk and Relay for Life, promoting health awareness and supporting vital causes. The National Junior Honor Society organizes a canned food drive for the Catchall Center for Seniors and the "Shower Shaw with Goodies" program, providing essential items to military personnel. Our Unified Sports Team creates Valentine’s Baskets for the Crosswell Children’s Home and supports the March of Dimes. These service projects reflect our mission of "Believing, Achieving, and Succeeding through Academics, Citizenship, and Service," and demonstrate our commitment to nurturing compassionate, responsible, and engaged citizens.
Tarsha B. Staggers, Principal
Tremain Owens, SIC Chair
