At Lexington Middle School we inspire, prepare and empower our students to make their world a better place with specific focus on developing the world-class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We provide our students with specifically designed experiences that allow them to create, innovate, think critically, problem-solve, work collaboratively with peers, integrate information media, communication skills and technology, and assess their development as learners and citizens of the world. All subject areas strategically focus on implementation of interdisciplinary units of study grounded in the International Baccalaureate objectives and competency-based assessment criteria, project-based learning, blended learning and performance-based assessment. As a result, we provide students the structure and opportunity to demonstrate that they are well on their way to being ready for college and careers.
Students at LMS receive a rigorous and balanced program of studies guided by the South Carolina State Academic Standards and IB Objectives. This program consists of eight subject areas: mathematics, science, social studies, English language arts, world language, arts, design and physical education. A comprehensive Response to Intervention program identifies students who need assistance reaching academic and social goals. Teachers in all areas provide content and instruction that is individualized for students’ needs. Our students have been recognized for their hard work in several ways. LMS is home to 26 South Carolina Junior Scholars and 10 Duke Tip State Finalists, and has 271 students active in National Beta Club. Standardized test scores also indicate that our students continue to grow under the careful monitoring of teachers, school counselors and administration.
All students at LMS participate in Approaches to Learning, which not only gives them access to an adult advocate on campus, but also enables students to work weekly on personal engagement and self-reflection. The school focuses on producing students who demonstrate integrity, self-direction, perseverance, work ethic and interpersonal skills, and who have a global perspective. Students have benefited from the structure at LMS by consistently achieving in all areas including arts and athletics. The LMS volleyball team earned the title of PAC Champions, and our cheerleading team earned first place in the Debbie Rogers State Championship. Our band, chorus and orchestra students garnered acclaim by securing superior rankings at various assessments within and outside of the state. Our fishing club won the state tournament. The LMS Dance Company competes on the state level as well. Many students have been recognized through District Honor and Region Orchestra, S.C. Youth Philharmonic, District Honor Choir, District Honor Band, District Honor Art Program, South Carolina State Fair and Tri-District Arts Consortium in Band, Chorus, Theater, Visual Arts and Orchestra.
Additionally, our students actively connect with the world outside of LMS. Our students participate in an international exchange program with students from Claremont, France. Groups of students traveled to Costa Rica and Italy this year, and experienced German culture by visiting and volunteering at Columbia’s Oktoberfest. The school enjoyed working with S.C. Artist in Residence Bob Doster this year to create an art installation. Students this year were also able to participate in a LEGO Robotics competition and gained firsthand experience in programming and coding. Community involvement is also encouraged through annual Groundhog Day job shadowing.
LMS also brings our mission to life by giving back to the local community through volunteerism and raising awareness. Students participate in the Special Olympics State House Rally, raise money for Relay For Life, contribute to the Make-A-Wish Foundation, volunteer with several animal rescue organizations and engage in community-service opportunities. All eighth-grade students focus on becoming empowered to make the world a better place through community-service projects that have an impact locally and globally.
Additionally, faculty members at LMS constantly work to develop in their respective fields. This year, our teachers have attended IB training, participated in the Dynamic Learning Project through Google, gone to the Southern Conference on Language Teaching, helped the local eco-system by raising trout in the classroom for release and received a grant from Bright Ideas.
LMS remains committed to a culture of excellence and continued growth for all students. Through the dedication of our faculty and staff, we inspire, prepare and empower students to change the world and embody the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate.
Gloria B. Nester, Principal
Mandy Bowden, SIC Chair