Heyward Gibbes Middle School (HGMS) is committed to helping all its students develop World-Class Skills in accordance with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through our emphasis on quality instruction, social-emotional learning, and robust extracurricular activities. At HGMS, we are engaging in a transformational educational model that aligns with the mission and vision of Richland County School District One.
The mission of HGMS is to develop 21st-century skills, lifelong learning, and a sense of school pride among students as we prepare them for a successful future in a globally competitive society. HGMS focuses on "The Five Cs of Success" (Culture, Climate, Communication, Collaboration, and Celebration) to create a learning environment where our students thrive academically, our faculty and staff grow personally and professionally, and our school achieves its goals. HGMS Eagles S.O.A.R. with Pride. We are: S – Safe, O – On Task, A – Accountable, and R – Respectful. We teach our students to be engaged, risk-taking, goal-oriented, and resilient learners through our learning dispositions.
Academically, we offer a wide range of rigorous courses that challenge students. Our focus on quality instruction involves using the Visible Learning framework to help teachers implement high-quality, evidence-based instructional strategies. During the 2026 school year, HGMS was recognized as a Visible Learning+ Certified School. The Visible Learning+ Certification is the highest award given to schools that implement Visible Learning worldwide. Visible Learning Certification recognizes schools that intentionally focus on evidence-based instructional practices, provide meaningful feedback, encourage student ownership of learning, and develop a culture of continuous improvement. This certification signifies that learning is made visible for both students and teachers at HGMS, resulting in higher levels of engagement, achievement, and growth.
Our professional learning communities (PLCs) and ongoing professional development activities are designed to help teachers identify and implement best practices in increasing student engagement, developing literacy and numeracy skills, and creating innovative assessment and data-analysis approaches. Our highly qualified educators use strategies designed to increase academic achievement across the curriculum, improve school culture and climate, and meet the social-emotional needs of our students. We also offer academic intervention services through our MTSS framework, social-emotional learning and behavior support programs, and an extensive fine arts program to expand opportunities and grow students' interests.
At HGMS, all students have laptops, and all classrooms have Smartboards, which provide access to digital learning platforms and enhance communication to improve the educational experience. Technology is utilized to foster collaboration among students, provide opportunities for students to develop research and inquiry skills, and help teachers differentiate instruction to meet the needs of all students. Our teachers use a technology-integrated approach to assess students' mastery of standards while providing additional academic enrichment and support as needed.
We are proud of our students' continued participation and excellence in extracurricular activities, athletics, and the performing arts. We also offer eighteen (18) student-interest clubs, including Anime, Soap and Candle Making, Gardening, Sports, Board Games, and Social Media, to provide opportunities for students to build meaningful relationships with their teachers and peers centered on advocacy and mutual interests.
Athletically, the HGMS football team won the Richland One District Championship during the 2023 and 2024 seasons and was the district runner-up during the 2025 season. Our girls basketball and volleyball teams advanced to the semifinals of the district playoffs, and our girls track team finished as runner-up in the Richland One Track Championship.
Artistically, our art, band, chorus, dance, and theatre students showcased their talents by participating in district and state competitions and winning individual and group awards. The art program won first, second, and third place in the Richland One Secondary Art Showcase. The band achieved an "Excellent" rating at the concert performance assessment and had several students selected for the Richland One Honors Band and Jazz Ensemble. The chorus program had several students selected for the Richland One Honors Chorus, while the dance and theatre programs achieved "Excellent" ratings at the South Carolina State Dance Performance Assessment and the South Carolina Theatre Association Festival, respectively.
Our Academic Quiz Bowl, LEGO Robotics, and Mock Trial teams offer additional opportunities for students with those interests. In 2024, we completed a Makerspace project, which concluded with the opening of a collaborative learning space that enhanced STEM learning for our students. In 2026, we refurbished the Makerspace to provide additional STEM opportunities for students. Furthermore, students received recognitions throughout the year through programs such as the University of South Carolina's Talent Search (TRIO), Richland School District One's Superintendent's Reading Contest, Richland One Rising Stars, and Richland One Middle School Scholars.
At Heyward Gibbes Middle School, we are optimistic about our indicators of schoolwide growth. We remain committed to working with all stakeholders and improving in all dimensions of school performance to best serve our students. Together, we S.O.A.R. with pride while demonstrating that we are Richland One's "Small School with a Big Heart!"
Dr. Gregory T. Pickett
Principal
Mrs. Barbara Tiller
SIC Chairperson
