Awards and Accolades for  Hand Middle School

 

The mission of Hand Middle School is to ensure that all students are provided opportunities to become productive, responsible citizens and lifelong learners in a safe and supportive environment characterized by a demand for excellence and enriched by the diversity of the community of learners.

  •  State Champions 2006 South Carolina Middle School Mock Trial

 

Nine Hand Middle School students, along with Coaches Robert Lominack and Medina Boggs proudly won the South Carolina Middle School Mock Trial championship.  These students were Priscilla, Kendall, Zach, Dayne, Lizzie, Sarah, Madison, Allison, and Brandon.

 

National History Day

Four Hand Middle School students competed in the 2007 National History Day competition in Washington, DC.  These seventh grade students were Jackie, Sarah, Aran, and Ginger.  They had already won at the school, regional and state level competitions.

 

  • Kennedy Center Creative Ticket Schools of Distinction Award

Hand received the prestigious Kennedy Center Creative Ticket School of Distinction Award.  Only five schools in the nation are given this annual award.  As a result, a collaborative group of our fine arts students performed an original musical on the Kennedy Center's Community Stage.

  • 2006-2007 Girls Basketball Regular Season Champions and Tournament Runners -Up - Coach Jody Davidson

 

  • Arts in Basic Curriculum

Hand has been recognized as an Arts in Basic Curriculum School since 2000 by the South Carolina Arts Commission.

 

  • Partners in Education Grant

  •    Congratulations to Dywanna Smith, 7th grade Language Arts teacher, for being awarded a $500 PIE (Partners in Education) grant!  This grant will give Ms. Smith an opportunity to implement innovative projects to enhance her classroom instruction.

 

·        Flagship School of Promise

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators (SCASA) has recognized Hand Middle School as a Flagship School of Promise.  SCASA is the professional organization for educational leaders in our state. 

 

A Flagship School has signed the Schools of Promise pledge, has established its school-community collaborative process, has a diverse community team in place, has set specific measurable goals, and has a plan for developing unmet resources. 

 

As a School of Promise, Hand pledges that every child will have

  • an ongoing relationship with a caring adult;
  • a safe place to learn and grow;
  • a healthy start and a healthy future;
  • a marketable skill through effective education;
  • an opportunity to give back through community service. 

·        Red Carpet School

Hand Middle School has been named a Red Carpet School by the South Carolina State Department of Education in recognition of our family-friendly environment.  Our Red Carpet hangs proudly in our front foyer.

 

  • 20 Duke Tip Scholars

Twenty-two students from Hand were named 2006 Duke Tip Scholars.  Duke Tip Scholars at the State Recognition level must receive a score of 510 or higher in either the verbal or the math section of the SAT.  Hand’s State Level students for 2006 were William, Abby, Jonathan, Kristen, Samuel, Rickey, Breland, Mia, Faelan, William, Austin, Raven, Johnice, Marion, Kathryn, Dillon, Mitchell, Aran, Virginia, Jad, Collin and Lilian.

 

·        Middle School Award for Excellence for Family and Community Involvement

 Hand Middle School received the South Carolina Middle School Association’s Award for Excellence for Family and Community Involvement. 

 

·        Middle School Award for Excellence for Volunteer Programs

Hand Middle School also received the South Carolina Middle School Association’s Award for Excellence for Volunteer Programs.

   

  • Time Magazine’s Middle School of the Year

 Hand Middle School was named by Time Magazine as its Middle School of the Year.  The article applauded Hand for its “devoted community of friends, neighbors, teachers and preachers” that sparked a revival at the school.

 

  • 2006 Principal of the Year

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators named Marisa Vickers the 2006 State Middle Level Principal of the Year.  She was praised for assembling an outstanding faculty and staff.

 

  •   2006 Assistant Principal of the Year

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators named Elizabeth Williams the 2006 State Middle Level Assistant Principal of the Year.

 

  • Exemplary Writing Hall of Fame

Since 2000, the Writing Improvement Network and State Department of Education has recognized Hand Middle School by naming Hand to the Exemplary Writing Hall of Fame.

 

  • Blue Ribbon Special Emphasis Award for Family Involvement

In September 2000, Hand Middle School was one of eight schools in the nation to receive the  Blue Ribbon School Special Emphasis Award for Family Involvement.  Hand Middle School was recognized for including parents as valued partners in education, for exchanging information with families about school policies and programs, and for providing a welcoming climate for visitors. 

 

  • Blue Ribbon School of Excellence

The US Department of Education has recognized Hand Middle School as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence.

 

·        Palmetto’s Finest

The South Carolina Association of School Administrators has recognized Hand Middle School as a Carolina First Palmetto’s Finest Award winner for excellence in public education in this state.