The faculty and staff of Gilbert Middle School are committed to developing in our students world-class knowledge and skills of the South Carolina Graduate. We strive to prepare our students to use the characteristics of integrity, self-direction, perseverance and effective interpersonal skills as they become active citizens in our global community. This is accomplished through the utilization of district approved curriculum, continuous professional learning on best practices in instructional strategies, the integration of technology as a learning tool, and personalized support for struggling learners as well as extension for accelerated learners.
As a faculty and staff, we began our year revising and committing to shared beliefs. Our beliefs include the belief in a learning community where all members feel safe, and valued; that learning is collaborative, active, meaningful and appropriately challenging for each learner; the intentional use of time to maximize all learning; our obligation and ability to successfully support each of our learners. These beliefs serve as a filter as we make decisions in the best interest of our students, parents, and teachers.
Throughout the year, our professional learning focused on EL Education’s Management in the Active Classroom text. Our goal to create classrooms where students self-directed and self-disciplined learners was supported by the strategies presented in the text. Teachers engaged in learning cycles that included reading, discussing, implementing, and reflecting on classroom strategies and practices to increase the opportunity for high levels of student achievement. We are excited to have the opportunity continue to grow professionally through our partnership with EL Education in the upcoming school year.
To best meet the needs of our students, GMS implements a variety of strategies designed to provide the support necessary for learning to occur. For qualifying students in English language arts and or math, GMS provides Response to Intervention services. All students, regardless of ability level have access to multiple digital resources. Adaptive programs and resources enable teachers to provide students with more personalized support based on individual needs. Star 360 assessment data provide teachers with students’ current levels of performance in the areas of math and English language arts.
We are proud of our world language department. Our students are excelling in their studies of world languages. Spanish Immersion students experience and practice the language and as well study the history and cultures of Spanish speaking countries through the two immersion classes they attend each day. Non-immersion students have the opportunity to enroll in French, German, Spanish, or Latin each year.
GMS students are provided opportunities to study and gain knowledge in other areas including STEM, iCivics, Family Consumer Science, visual and performing arts, and physical education. Students participate in two exploratory classes each day. Many of these classes provide opportunities for learning experiences outside of the regular school day. Students can choose to continue to develop their knowledge and skills by participating in extracurricular activities including our robotics team, jazz ensemble, or spring musical. Our Student Council and Jr. Beta Club develop our student’s leadership skills as well as foster a mindset of community service.
In addition to opportunities in academics, GMS strives to develop the whole child by providing outstanding programs in the arts and athletics. We are proud of the consistent superior ratings our fine arts students receive at state and regional performances. Our athletic teams also perform at high levels, consistently earning winning records. This year, we celebrated our football team’s honor of winning the Lex 10 East Conference Championship. Our archery team continues to win numerous awards and qualify for State and national competitions.
We are proud of our students and their accomplishments. We want to thank our parents and community for their support as we continue our efforts to improve the achievement for our students in the classroom and on the performance stage and athletic fields.
Benji Ricard, Principal
Nathan Taylor, SIC Chair
