Newberry Middle School G-T Summer Institute:
Three years ago, we launched the G-T Summer Camp/Academy, and I remain incredibly proud of what this program has become. I want to begin by thanking our district officials for supporting this initiative and allowing me to establish it during my very first year as principal at Newberry Middle School.
This camp is dedicated to serving our most promising and gifted students—young leaders who are already making a positive impact on our school. They stand out among their peers for their dedication, curiosity, and drive. I have every confidence that these students will continue to strive for excellence in all they do. School truly is what you make of it, and these young people are well on their way to becoming the cream of the crop—not only at NMS but across our district and our state.
To the parents: thank you for allowing your child to participate in this enriching experience. Your support is critical to their success. Great turnout today!
And to our phenomenal educators—this camp could not have happened without you:
Mrs. Shealy – Recently welcomed a new baby and completed her G-T Endorsement through the State Department. Congratulations!
Mrs. Wiggins – Also completed her G-T Endorsement, will be teaching Honors 7th and 8th Grade ELA this upcoming school year, and has been named our 2024–25 NMS Teacher of the Year.
Taylor Gooding – Balancing the demands of G-T Camp while preparing for her upcoming wedding. Best wishes to her!
Mrs. Shiniqua Mays – Represented NMS and the Newberry County School District as a presenter at a personalized learning conference in Montana just yesterday and today.
Crystal Boyd – One of our top teachers at NMS, who has done an exceptional job with our 6th grade high-flyer ELA students while also supporting administration—including by driving a school bus when needed!
This program is a shining example of what can be accomplished when students, educators, and families come together with a shared commitment to excellence. I’m proud of all we’ve achieved and deeply grateful for everyone’s hard work.
Go Tigers! Proud of our students, faculty, & staff. Thank you to Mr. Pressley, Dr. Brooks, & Dr. Singletary for attending today’s celebration.
Shiniqua Mays presenting in Montana at the the Doris Mountain Summit. (6/25 and 6/26)
Celebrating Shiniqua Mays: Featured Presenter at the Doris Mountain Summit in Montana.
We are proud to announce that Shiniqua Mays, 6th Grade ELA Teacher and Department Lead at Newberry Middle School, has been selected to attend the Doris Mountain Summit, an invitation-only, all-expense-paid professional learning event held on June 25–26.
This prestigious summit celebrates educators who have led the way in advancing Personalized, Competency-Based Education (PCBE), and we are thrilled that Shiniqua will be sharing her expertise by leading a breakout session on “Agency and Data-Driven Instruction in the Middle Years.”
🌄 And to Top It Off…
On Friday, June 27, Shiniqua will join keynote speakers, featured presenters, and special guests for an unforgettable scenic float down the North Fork of the Flathead River, bordering Glacier National Park. This one-of-a-kind networking opportunity is the perfect way to reflect and recharge in one of the most beautiful settings in the country.
🎉 Congratulations, Shiniqua! Your voice, leadership, and passion for student-centered learning continue to inspire us all. We can’t wait to see you shine on the summit! Thank you for being a lead teacher at Newberry middle school. We can’t wait to hear about your experience.
Go Tigers!!!
Picture below with Mrs. Mays and her beautiful daughter. Mrs. Mays is a school district Newberry County graduate from MCHS. One of Mr. Reid’s former students. She serves as the NMS 25-26 ELA Department Lead & was a 24-25 NMS Teacher of the month. Mrs. Mays is a former Lexington 3 Teacher of the Year.
Welcome Back & Retiree Luncheon at Newberry Middle School on August 1st, 2025 from Noon to 1PM.
Retirees welcome back! Please contact Mr. Reid at zreid@sdnc.org if you are interested in attending.
Final Reminder: Mrs. Perez will be available at NHS for 1 more day to assist parents/students with registration needs at NHS. Please see Poster/Flyer!
25-26 Student Fee (Pay for School and Course Fees) Note: You will need your student's student ID # The student ID # can be found on a previous report card or on parent portal. https://payments.efundsforschools.com/v3/districts/56366
5/30/25 Friday Message
Good Afternoon NMS Students & Parents:
We hope you are doing well and having a great Friday! If Your child is scheduled to attend NMS Summer School due to failure in ELA and/or Math core classes during the 2024-2025 school year. Attendance and participation from your child are mandatory to be promoted to the next grade level. If your child does not attend, is a behavior issue, or attends and does not put forth adequate effort in classes (as determined by summer school teachers and student performance), they will be retained in their current grade level for the 2025-2026 school year.
Note: Students that received an invite (hard copy) from Administrator, Letter mailed home to parent/guardian, or parent contacted by school officials will need to attend Summer School 2025.
NMS Summer School will begin on Monday, June 2nd. Summer school will run Monday through Thursday each week during the month of June from 8:00 - 11:30 AM each day. Students will be taught by certified teachers, focusing on ELA and Math content. Students will be served breakfast and a to-go bag lunch each day. All students will report to the NMS Cafeteria to start the day.
Dates:
June 2 - 5
June 9 - 12
June 16 - 29
June 23 - 26
Times:
8:00 - 11:30 AM each day
School Rules:
All school rules from the NMS Student Handbook and SDNC Code of Conduct will apply during summer school. This includes the district cell phone policy. Consequences for violating school rules will follow the code of conduct and could result in dismissal from summer school. Dismissal from summer school will result in students being retained for the 2025-2026 school year.
Student Materials:
Students will be provided with materials at school and do not need to bring any items.
Car Rider Dropoff/Pickup:
Car Riders will be dropped off at the Cafe breezeway near the NMS Cafeteria (Note: Students will begin each day at the NMS Cafeteria) Students can enter the cafeteria at 7:50AM
Summer School Contact Information:
Please call the school at 803-321-2640 if you have any questions. You can also reach out to Stacie Coleman, NMS Summer School Lead Administrator if you have any questions. You may also email at scoleman@sdnc.org
Thank you again for your support with this opportunity for your child. We are excited to see their growth during this summer and gaining additional skills needed to be successful in the next grade.
🎉 Celebrating Tracy Werts 🎉
After 20 incredible years of dedicated service as the school nurse at NMS, we celebrate Tracy Werts as she begins a well-earned retirement!
Your compassion, care, and unwavering support have made a lasting impact on generations of students and staff. From bandaging scrapes to offering kind words on tough days, you've been a source of comfort and strength for our entire school community.
💐 Happy Retirement, Tracy!
You will be deeply missed, but your legacy of care and kindness will live on at NMS for years to come.
With love and gratitude,
Your NMS Family
A big thank you to Mr. Reid for his generous $200 donation to the Newberry Middle School Raffle Attendance Incentive Raffle, which rewards teachers who go an entire month without an absence.
This year, we had a record number of teachers qualify for the raffle—an incredible achievement!
We're excited to announce that the 2024–2025 Cash Winner of $200 is Coach Gunter!
(Pictured here proudly with his winnings!)
Congratulations, Coach Gunter, and thank you to all the dedicated teachers who help make NMS a great place to learn!
We’re thrilled to announce that Dr. Ashley Swygert is the 2024–2025 Newberry Middle School Faculty & Staff Attendance Air B & B/Edisto Beach Trip Winner! 🏖️
As a reward for outstanding attendance and dedication, Dr. Swygert will enjoy a relaxing weekend getaway for two at a beautiful beach house in Edisto Beach, South Carolina during Fall 2025.
This well-deserved retreat is made possible thanks to the generosity of Mr. Reid, Principal of Newberry Middle School.
Enjoy the sun, sand, and serenity, Dr. Swygert—thank you for your commitment to excellence!
Quarter 4 Awards (6th/7th Grade) Newberry Middle School
5/21/25- Proud of the Tigers!
Darius York (former NMS Student/NHS Graduate) Haven presents award to NMS Students for Attendance. GO TIGERS!
We are excited to welcome Hannah Rutland as the newest member of the Newberry Middle School faculty! Ms. Rutland will be joining us as a Social Studies teacher.
A recent graduate of Winthrop University, Ms. Rutland completed her student teaching at Lancaster High School, where she gained valuable classroom experience and a passion for helping students connect with history and the world around them. Most recently, she has been serving as a substitute teacher in Fairfield County, SC, further expanding her skills and versatility in the classroom.
Please join us in giving Ms. Rutland a warm Newberry welcome — we are thrilled to have her as part of the NMS family!
1. My Full Name is: Hannah C. Rutland
2. What city and state were you born in? I was born in Columbia, South Carolina
3. Name the cities and states you have lived in? I have lived in Ridgeway, South Carolina. I also stayed in Rock Hill, South Carolina during my time at Winthrop University.
4. What is your favorite movie? My favorite movie would probably have to be Twister or Sweet Home Alabama
5. What is your favorite musician/band? My favorite band would probably have to be Fleetwood Mac or Queen and my favorite musician Reba McEntire or Tim McGraw.
6. My favorite kind of food/meal is? My favorite kind of food is comfort. Although I think my favorite food is chicken and dumplings or alfredo.
7. College or University (Degrees Earned) I attended Midlands Technical College and earned an associate’s degree in science. I also attended Winthrop University and earned a bachelor's degree in individualized studies with a minor in educational studies and concentrations in history and psychology.
8. My favorite book? My favorite book would probably be Pet Sematary by Stephen King or The Westing Game by Ellen Raskin.
9. My favorite quote is? My favorite quote would have to be “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.”- Maya Angelou
10. Write (ONE) word to describe yourself? Honest
11. Name your first automobile/vehicle. My first vehicle was a Chrysler 200.
12. Name any other jobs you have held prior to your current position: I have held cashiering jobs at Sonic Drive-In and Dollar Tree. I have also worked as an academic computer lab operator at Winthrop University. I am currently working as a substitute teacher at Fairfield Central High School.
Coach Singleton gives his 1st place award (I-ready 1st place 8th grade incentive award winner)
Pictured at the NMS 5/20/25 Promotion Ceremony @ NMS (Location: Gym)
J. Bishop (8th Grader 24-25) Miss NMS- selects her $1,000.00 Winner! Pictured with Ms. Emily Gantt, NMS Band Director
GO TIGERS!
RE: Pictured at the NMS Promotion Ceremony 5/20/25
Griffin Wix- Woodmen Award (American History Award) Presented by Carol Marlow at the 5/20/25 Promotion Ceremony
Congratulations to the 8th Grade Class of 2025! Future Bulldogs!
Promotion Ceremony on 5/20/25
🎉 Welcome, Demarcus Gilmore! 🎉
We are thrilled to welcome Demarcus Gilmore as the new Physical Education Teacher at Newberry Middle School!
A proud former Tiger and standout athlete with the Newberry High School Bulldogs Football team, Demarcus brings passion, experience, and deep community roots to our school. He recently earned his master’s degree and is eager to inspire and engage our students through physical education and teamwork.
Let’s give him a warm NMS welcome as he begins this exciting new chapter!
GO TIGERS! 🐅
1. My Full Name is: Answer: Demarcus Gilmore
2. What city and state were you born in? Answer: Newberry south carolina
3. Name the cities and states you have lived in? Answer: Pasadena California, Towson Maryland
4. What is your favorite movie? Answer: Baby boy
5. What is your favorite musician/band? Lil Baby/ Drake
6. My favorite kind of food/meal is? Answer: Favorite food is wings favorite meal is pot roast mac and cheese
7. College or University (Degrees Earned) Please add information below: Pasadena City college (associate) Towson University (bachelors) Northwest Missouri State University (masters)
8. My favorite book? Where Tomorrow's Arent promised- Carmelo anthony
9. My favorite quote is? Answer: I can't relate to lazy people dedication makes dreams come true and everything negative- pressure, challenges is all an opportunity for me to rise - kobe bryant
10. Write (ONE) word to describe yourself? Answer: Humble
11. Name your first automobile/vehicle. Answer: Chrysler 200
12. Name any other jobs you have held prior to your current position: In School suspension monitor, Director of operations assistant. Collegiate assistant offensive line coach
Subject: NMS: May 2025 Student, Teacher, and Support Staff of the Month (GO TIGERS!)
May 2025
6th Grade: Zan Borden
7th Grade: Jalen Dunbar
8th Grade: Vansh Dhanoa
Teacher: Shannon Reid
Support Staff: Officer Caleb Kierstead
