Dear A. R. Rucker Family,
Throughout the 2011-2012 school year, Aaron Riley Rucker Middle School focused on continued school improvement. We had many highlights during this school term. We received the coveted Palmetto Silver award for the second year in a row for general performance from the State of South Carolina Department of Education.
We were able to achieve Palmetto Silver by continuing to focus on implementing differentiated instruction for all of our students. The successful addition of our single-gender classes in 8th grade brought about a better school environment too. The sustained implementation of our International Baccalaureate-Middle Years Programme and focus on literacy helped drive our instruction. More importantly, students discovered how their unique talents, when developed, become pipelines for future careers. Teachers, administrators, counselors, and all other staff members worked together to create a culture that breeds success. We concentrated on learning activities designed to address multiple learning styles and achievement or developmental levels.
Although there is still plenty of room for improvement and much work remains to be done, the positive trends in achievement for our students give us greater confidence and serve as a motivating factor to stay the course in our commitment to continuous improvement.
Thank you!
Phillip N. Mickles