Grades Taught: 6 – 8 Percentage of Teachers with Advanced Degrees: 60% 2016-17 School Enrollment: 761 School Website: blms.beaufortschools.net Principal: Pat Freda Questions? Contact Us: [email protected]

Bluffton Middle

School 30 New Mustang Drive • Bluffton • SC • 29910 • 843-707-0700

843-707-0700

Technology Leading the Way Bluffton Middle is a state-of-the-art, STEM-focused, 6th/7th/8th grade middle school aimed at being a “school of tomorrow” where learning through technology empowers students to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

“All four of our children have attended BLMS and we have always been impressed with the quality education they’ve received (and continue to receive!). The teachers and staff have always demonstrated a genuine interest in each student’s academic success and character development. BLMS has been, and continues to be, an institution of excellence that ensures our children are well prepared for their transition to high school and beyond.” — Cheryl Fletcher, parent

BLMS 2016-17 STEM Events:   

Lady’s Island Cougar VEX Qualifier—October 10, 2016 College Park Middle School, Ladson, SC VEX Qualifier—December 3, 2016 War Hawk Middle School VEX Qualifier, Columbia, SC—February 2017

BLMS 2015-16 STEM Events:    

iRobots Team traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC where they competed in the SC First Lego League State Championship at Carolina Forest HS. CVK Vex robotics team was one of three champion teams at “The Cougar Challenge” -They attended the SC State VEX Championship competition in March 2016. BLMS students participated in the state sponsored “Day of Code” BLMS GTT students participated in iTeams Summer Camp which offered opportunities in computer science and technology and challenged students to collaborate and problem solve with peers.

BLMS 2014-15 STEM Events: 

Robotics team competed at the State Competition in Charleston. Their mentor coach received recognition for her efforts. The VEX team advanced and competed at the State Level in Columbia, SC.

Focusing on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts, students are offered a comprehensive program that embeds technology into all core and exploratory classes. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) (including Gateway) places an emphasis on curriculum that encourages hands-on engagement, problem solving and the use of technology for research, collaboration and project presentation. The middle school engineering program (Gateway) features a project-based curriculum and program so that students may design and test their ideas with advances modeling software. Students study mechanical and computer control systems, robotics and animation and explore the importance and how to reduce, conserve and produce energy.

www.blms.beaufortschools.net Bluffton Middle School 

STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) - An integrated discovery and exploratory learning experience that requires students to engage in active and innovative problem solving.

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PATH Time—A daily 30-minute character education program designed to develop positive character traits in our students.

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Technology Integration—Students and teachers have access to state-of-the-art computer equipment—computer labs, laptops, tablets, carts, Promethean boards—that enhances students’ academic work.

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Advanced Studies Program—Seeks to develop a learning community where technology supports the development of lifelong learning skills. Technology and 21st Century skills (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity) are embedded in this program and result in the production of authentic student work.

“The coaches, teachers and parents involved in the robotics teams are so motivated to help these girls and boys succeed now so they can make a difference later in their personal and professional lives, whether they pursue a career in science or engineering or something else. It’s exciting to see how passionate my son and his teammates are about competing in an arena outside of their regular sports and other club competitions.” — Holly Sherburne, parent

“The first time I attended a VEX team competition I had no idea what to expect but I was surprised to see all the creativity in on e room. I was very Impressed with all the designs the students had built. These students are tasked with the responsibility of designing, building and programming a robot to play against other teams in a game based engineering challenge. This is a great platform for students to enrich and enhance science and math skills. This experience allows the students to create in an exciting environment and then show off to

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State Palmetto Silver Award for academic gains.

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Annual BLMS Digital Science Fair in February—Winners advance to the Sea Island Science Fair.

others what their robots can do. My child enjoyed it and I would encourage other parents to get involved and see what the VEX team is all about.” — Lisa Cunningham, parent

Why Bluffton Middle School? Our school offers Gateway to Technology (GTT) classes to students, providing a foundation for continued advancement in science, technology, engineering and math at the high school and college levels.

At Bluffton Middle School, we seek to provide each student with a learning environment that is both challenging and rewarding; one that encourages discovery and the development of special talents, abilities and interests; one in which the teacher serves as a facilitator and catalyst to learning as well as a source of knowledge.

We are located in the beautiful natural setting that encourages appreciation and conservation of the environment. An outdoor classroom and a nature trail—The Mustang Path—provide students with the opportunity to explore, discover and study the surroundings natural habitat. We Focus on the whole child to strengthen academic skills as well as social, emotional and physical well-being. By infusing the use of technology and an integrated subject matter approach, Bluffton Middle aims to develop responsible and global citizens equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful in tomorrow’s workforce. All teachers attend SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Preservation Protocol) training, and many are certified in Gifted/Talented education. Special training is provided for teachers in Gateway to Technology (Project Lead the Way) courses.