Our school is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by emphasizing the four Cs-critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. The staff at Wallace Elementary Middle School (WEMS) is committed to its mission of providing a quality education and enabling all students to achieve their highest potential. Our vision is to prepare students to become lifelong learners and productive citizens in a global society.
Students at Wallace Elementary Middle School continue to experience positive learning opportunities in a state-of-the-art facility. All classrooms are equipped with SMART devices and laptop computers that are used to integrate technology within daily instructional practices. Marlboro County School District and Wallace Elementary Middle School are one-to-one with Chromebook devices for all students in grades Kindergarten through Eighth. The Chromebooks provide students with an opportunity to develop critical thinking skills with personalized learning and/or STEM related programs. In addition to the Chromebooks, we also utilized two Learning Platforms to help with instruction when we had students on quarantine due to COVID. We used Schoology and See Saw. Within the school building, we have two computer labs that are utilized by teachers to enhance instruction and student achievement. Our students also may develop their creativity with 3-D printing capabilities.
Collaboration among stakeholders includes our local 4-H organization and the Pee Dee STEM Center to implement its STEM curriculum, resources, and provide teachers with professional development opportunities focusing on STEM education. During our 21st Century After-School Program, students utilized their critical thinking skills, collaborated with each other, and were able to be creative in STEM related activities, reading and math.
Wallace Elementary Middle School maintains and communicates a purpose and direction that is committed to high expectations for learning as well as shared values and beliefs about teaching and learning. During the 2021-2022 school year, WEMS hosted various parenting workshops virtually and Face to Face including promoting literacy, healthy eating, understanding PowerSchool, and utilizing Schoology and See Saw.
WEMS provides students opportunities to display creativity through enriched art classes as evidenced throughout the building. Students also have an opportunity to experience music and join a Middle School band program.
The integration of STEM and literacy has provided students with engaging and creative projects along with authentic experiences to help enrich and enhance learning.
For the past five years, our students have had an opportunity to become part of a theatrical performance. This past year's performance was a production of “Aladdin”. Students auditioned for leading roles and spent many hours preparing for the production. The cast included students in grades three through eight. The production provided huge support from families and the community.
College and Career awareness is a major focus for our students at WEMS. Six through eight grade students participated in virutal job-shadowing opportunities. Through this experience, students gain knowledge of today’s work environment. Our on-site Global Career Development Facilitator provides career interest assessments, information on various colleges and careers, and assist students and families with planning for occupation.
Our Junior Beta Club and Student Council remains very active within our school and community. During the 2021-2022 school year, our Student Council conducted a food drive to assist families in need. This past year, our students and staff also participated in a project in conjunction with the American Heart Association. Our BETA Club students competed at the National BETA Club convention in Myrtle Beach, SC and won 5th place in the Robotics competition.
Each nine weeks grading period, students at WEMS are recognized for their excellence in academics, attendance, and character. Student recognitions were held in person and virtually. This year, students were also recognized for their display of character based on monthly traits. Many of our students were chosen as District Character Education Student of the Month for their outstanding character and leadership.
During this past year, we were able to offer high school courses (Algebra I and English I) to middle school students. Wallace Elementary Middle School continues to offer extracurricular activities (including academic challenge, football, boys and girls basketball, baseball, and softball) to our middle school students.
Students in grades three through eight participated in SC Ready and/or SC PASS testing. Based on our administration of NWEA MAP tests in reading and math, we saw growth with our students from the beginning of the year to the end of the year. We also experienced growth in grades K-5 based on Fountas and Pinnell assessment data. We will continue to maximize on our strengths and implement best practices to assist in continuous improvement.
Mr. David Best serves as the School Improvement Council Chairperson. Mrs. Crystal Halma and Mr. Jason Bracey currently serve as the administrators at Wallace Elementary Middle School.
