Our school is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the 'Profile of the Graduate' by developing world class citizens and learners.
McCants Middle School is pleased to have a reputation of excellence and a tradition of academic achievement in the Anderson community for over 80 years. Our students engage in scholarly pursuits while participating in inquiry-based learning and our goal is to raise the academic achievement level of all our students through the philosophy of providing a "STUDENT CENTERED EDUCATION."
We continue to implement new instructional strategies to move all students to their greatest academic potential and encourage them to become successful self-directed learners. McCants’ teachers participate in professional learning opportunities that are determined based on test data, observational data, the needs of our students, and the goals of our school. Some of the professional learning that has continued in our building this year has revolved around developing a common language in all of our classroom through the Literacy Design Collaborative. We have identified strategies for our classrooms that are used continuously to build understanding and comprehension across the curriculum. In our year six of this growth model, we focused on common writing in all content areas again this year with the support of our district literacy specialist. In our math classes, our math department has embraced Glenna Tabor's Rotations for the fifth year. In addition, our core teachers have implemented a "Thrive" program to assist students who are needing additional assistance each week. These encounters address individual needs of students at their specific level of learning on a regular basis. Our school’s goals continue to include research-based instructional practices, parent communication, data analysis, and technology integration.
Under Anderson School District Five’s leadership, we have continued to offer one to one technology for the 2022 - 2023 academic school year. All students in grades 6-8 received a Chromebook so that we can fully integrate technology into our curriculum and instructional program. This gives all learners an opportunity to reach their fullest potential. We continue to push out new strategies that integrate technology into each class.
Our instructional focus is only one area of what we want our students to demonstrate success. Another goal for our students to become world class citizens and ready for life paths is to embrace literacy in all facets. We are focused on literacy being a target skill in all academic areas. We embrace students being independent in their communication skills within the class and as a social part of the school environment. As a middle schooler, learning takes place outside of the classroom too. Our HOUSE program emphasizes soft skills like perseverance, integrity, compassion, loyalty, valor and reverence. We want to promote the opportunities for our students to grow as individuals to help them be a success. We also have weekly grade level meetings to address important issues regarding our school, students and community. This provides a safe environment for students to express themselves and share their opinions.
McCants Middle School strives for excellence in the arts, athletics, and academics. We are pleased to offer a strong fine arts programs in which students have the opportunity to take courses such as band, orchestra, chorus, art, and drama. We offer Gateway to Engineering courses and a variety of technology options to better prepare our students for possible STEM majors and careers. Various exposures to careers occur through our career facilitator who presents relevant learning to our students and through visits to local businesses in our area. Athletic opportunities at the middle school level include football, basketball, volleyball, and cheerleading as a pep club option.
McCants follows a model of high expectations and continuous improvement as we strive to be on the cutting edge of student engagement and achievement. We make every effort to provide an educational environment in which all students have the opportunity to inspire, motivate, and be future ready. We strive for our students to be globally prepared for 21st century challenges, as well as, to be caring people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
