McCormick High School ~ Chieftain Pride!
McCormick High School (MHS) is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by creating a school of inquiry and innovation, continuing the quest to meet the needs of students through personalized learning. MHS is persistently working to embed the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate within the school culture through collaboration and communication between and among students and staff alike. MHS is also working to develop critical thinking skills through creativity and problem-solving.
Building Upon Strengths
- MHS offers student opportunities through partnerships with Abbeville County Career Center, Piedmont Technical College Career Pathways, and Lander University and Piedmont Technical College Dual Enrollment Programs. This past year, MHS introduced a professional learning course to support college and career readiness through business partnerships.
- The Jobs for American’s Graduates (JAG) Program continues to grow. Making up 13.2% of the current population, the JAG program has allowed MHS students to network through conferences such as the Multiplying Good’s Mid-Winter, the National Career Development Conference, and the State Career Development Conference.
- The MHS Academic Bowl Team hosted its first competition during the 22-23 school year.
2022 – 2023 New Growth
- MHS increased its Career and Technology courses in the Business Management and Administration Cluster, increasing student opportunity for completion.
- MHS began cooperative (Co-Op) career experiences through work-based learning, piloting the program with available students who scored silver and/or above on the Career Readiness Assessment. MHS is currently working with the South Carolina Department of Commerce Upper Savannah Region Regional Workforce Advisor to develop stronger relationships with businesses to support cooperative experiences.
- The Professional Leadership course will be added for grades 10 and 11 in order to support career goals earlier and better prepare students for college and career opportunities.
- MHS added a transition coordinator to meet needs of special service students through work-based learning using the PAES Lab for training, working with outside agencies such as Walton Options, student placement in job opportunities to earn hours towards a South Carolina Credential. MHS students created a school store called The Snack Shack. The Snack Shack requires student workers to run the business of inventory, stocking, receiving, re-ordering, etc.
- MHS introduced new clubs to continue its quest of personalized learning opportunities for students. MHS introduced a Broadcasting Club that joined Skills USA and competed for the first time. Reinstated the Future Business Leaders of America Organization to support students within the Business Management and Administration Cluster.
- In efforts to support students and the MTSS process. MHS began Me-Time for students who require make-up work, remediation, enrichment and or seat-time. Me-Time helps reduce interruptions during instruction.
- Teacher professional development provided Micro-burst training credential to Career and Technology Education staff to support classroom learning within the Business Management and Administration Cluster. Focusing on student ownership, student feedback and student-centered classrooms are supported through Professional Learning Communities with staff.
2023 – 2024 Future Plans
- Include more competitive clubs through local, state and national organizations
- Build community support through increasing communication with local churches
- Provide training and support to implement teacher made assessments, aligned with unit planning to provide Depth Of Knowledge (DOK) levels 3 and 4.
- Build teacher capacity and quality through Teacher-led PD cohorts to support ownership and voice.
- Align school goals, teacher professional development, and professional learning communities with the School Renewal Plan.
MHS, a small rural school in the Piedmont area of South Carolina, is a goldmine on Chieftain Hill!
Gena K. Wideman, Principal
McCormick High School
Qusondra Wideman, Student
School Improvement Council Chair
