York Middle School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate with a focus on world class knowledge, world class skills, and life and career characteristics. We are continuously seeking ways to improve and expand our instructional programs. Teachers use units of instruction developed through department and team collaborations to integrate the content areas, deliver quality instruction, and determine understanding through the evaluation of common assessment data. The curriculum and instruction focus for 2023-2024 school year was integrating small groups and conferencing in core instruction. There was a continued focus on designing common assessments to align with the rigor of academic standards.  

York Middle School is a 1:1 school where all students have a Chromebook to use for instructional purposes. Teachers integrate these devices into all realms of instruction, including during elective classes. In modern classrooms, technology has become an invaluable instrument for students. It supports the learning process by engaging students in interactive lessons that delve deep into content and require problem-solving skills. Departments and teams of teachers utilize the 1:1 technology to begin the process of creating mastery paths to learning where there is some individualization in learning and differentiation in the final product that represents learning. York Middle School is continuing to focus on Student Centered Learning where technology plays a role in individualized learning paths.  

York Middle School continuously evaluates school based instructional programs. Teachers creatively seek ways to integrate enrichment and remediation periods for all learners. This can be seen through altered team-based schedules to offer these additional instructional learning times for all students. In addition, the literacy support programs, Read 180 and System 44, were utilized for targeted instructional support for a pilot group of 7th and 8th grade ELA students. There was a Response to Intervention time embedded into the school schedule.  

Through the integration of ROAR (Respect, Organization, Attitude, Responsibility) and the completion of “Cougar Academy” by all students at the beginning of the school year, we modeled student behavior expectations to provide a strong foundation for the school year. “Cougar Academy” took place the first week of school where students practiced expectations throughout the school building such as what does it look like to ROAR during transitions, during lunch, during arrival and dismissal, and all throughout the day. Students practiced these expectations and were given feedback on ways to continue to make strong choices throughout the year. These elements were referenced daily on the morning announcements. 

Our Guidance Team developed targeted lessons to meet the specific needs of classes and grade levels. Students could participate in a Guidance and a Careers course to further develop their understanding of career options and college and career opportunities after school. Lunch with Leaders were held with students with individuals from various professions which helped to further expand students’ knowledge of college and career choices after high school. York Middle School hosted a career conference in March in which all students participated. They learned about applying for jobs, interviewing, and heard from guest speakers in many career paths. All 7th grade students took part in a field trip experience that helped them to learn about careers, budgeting, taxes, and working within a community. 

We look forward to continuing to grow as a community of learners and individuals, have an increased focus on student achievement and rigor, and provide quality arts and athletic experiences for our students.  

Cassidy Valerino 

Principal 

York Middle School