Hartsville Middle School

09/06/2026

Take advantage of this yearbook offer.

09/04/2026

Proud To Be An American Week-HMS United By HEART ❤️ 🖤

HMS CELEBRATES PROUD TO BE AMERICAN WEEK
(Story and Photo by Elizabeth Heim)

Hartsville Middle School (HMS) was excited to celebrate Proud to Be American Week, a special week dedicated to honoring the values of patriotism, kindness, responsibility, and teamwork within the HMS community. Each day gave students and staff an opportunity to reflect on what it means to be a good citizen and to show appreciation for the people who serve and support our community.

The week began with Honor, as Hartsville Middle School recognized the veterans and military families of HMS staff members. Students and staff took time to reflect on the courage, sacrifice, and dedication of those who have served and continue to serve our country.
Tuesday focused on Empathy. Students were encouraged to write quick notes of encouragement, appreciation, or gratitude to someone at HMS. These simple acts of kindness helped spread positivity throughout the school and reminded everyone of the importance of looking out for one another.
On Wednesday, students focused on Accountability—understanding that being a responsible citizen and member of a school community means taking ownership of our actions, making good choices, and doing our part to make HMS a better place. Students were reminded that accountability begins with each individual and contributes to the success of the entire school.

Thursday's theme was Respect. Students demonstrated their respect for our country and for one another. The day provided an opportunity to pause and recognize the freedoms and responsibilities that come with being an American and a member of the HMS community.

The week concluded with Team Player, a theme that perfectly represents the spirit of Hartsville Middle School: At HMS, we work together as a team! Students and staff came together for a memorable celebration by forming a giant American flag for a school photograph.

The celebration became even more special as HMS welcomed the brave officers of the Hartsville Police Department, who joined students and staff for the flag photo. Their presence provided a wonderful opportunity for our school community to show appreciation for the men and women who work every day to protect and serve Hartsville.

The Proud to Be American Week celebration was a wonderful reminder that patriotism is about more than just a flag—it is about honoring those who serve, showing empathy and kindness, taking accountability, demonstrating respect, and working together as a team.

Hartsville Middle School is proud to celebrate these values and even prouder to be part of a community where students, staff, families, and local heroes come together.

09/03/2026

🌱🌍 Learning is always a little sweeter with cookies! 🍪
As part of our News-2-You Earth Day Guardians lesson, our students made Earth Day cookies! Through this hands-on activity, they practiced important life skills such as following directions, measuring, mixing, baking, and cleaning up while connecting their learning to the importance of caring for our planet.
It was a sweet opportunity to build independence, teamwork, and real-world skills while having a little fun in the kitchen! 💚🍪

09/03/2026

09/02/2026

Have you ever watched students become detectives of the past? 🕵️‍♀️🗺️ Ms. Washington’s students turned into historians and explorers — investigating clues, collecting evidence, and piecing together the reasons Europeans explored North America. From trade and resources to curiosity and empire-building, their discoveries sparked big conversations!

09/02/2026

DCSD ANNOUNCES 2026-27 HONOR ROLL TEACHERS
Five Darlington County School District educators have been selected as finalists for the 2026-27 District Teacher of the Year. Known as "Honor Roll Teachers," the five educators were selected for their commitment to students, excellence in the classroom, and leadership within their schools.

The five Honor Roll Teachers are:
• Alexandra Buchner, second grade teacher, J. L. Cain Elementary School
• Michelle Greene, Mathematics teacher, Lamar High School
• Shalecka McKithen, English/Language Arts teacher, Hartsville Middle School
• Melissa Morris, K-2 Mathematics teacher, Pate Elementary School
• Danielle Reames, PK/K Speech Language Pathologist, Southside Early Childhood Center

“Great teaching starts with knowing our students, believing in what they can achieve and helping them get there,” Superintendent Dr. Matthew Ferguson said. “Our Teacher of the Year finalists do that work every day. They set high expectations, build strong relationships and create classrooms where students are challenged, supported and known. We are proud to celebrate them and the many outstanding educators across DCSD who make a difference for students each day.”

The District Teacher of the Year program recognizes educators who demonstrate outstanding teaching, a commitment to the success of all students and leadership that extends beyond their own classrooms. School Teachers of the Year also serve as members of the Superintendent’s Teacher Cabinet, providing feedback and perspective from educators across the district.

The 2026-27 School Teachers of the Year are:
Bay Road Elementary - MyKenna C. Hatfield
Black Creek Elementary - Maryanne Howle
Brockington Elementary Magnet - Kenyatta "Ken" Ashley
Carolina Elementary - Jordan McCoy
Darlington High - Dr. Xy-za Ceriales
Darlington Middle - Delonte Hough
Darlington County Intervention/Digital 360 - Sgt. Xavier Everett
Darlington County Institute of Technology - Ernest "Dale" Cook
Hartsville High - Kaitlyn O'Callaghan
Hartsville Middle - Shalecka McKithen
J.L. Cain Elementary - Alexandra Buchner
Lamar High - Michelle Greene
Lamar-Spaulding Elementary - Bethany Perry
Mayo High School for MST - Dr. Paula S. Bailey
North Hartsville Elementary - Dustin Moree
Pate Elementary - Melissa Morris
Southside Early Childhood Center - Danielle Reames
Spaulding Middle - Dr. Flori Divvela
Thornwell School for the Arts - Dorothy Dewitt

08/31/2026

🔎 Classroom detectives at work! Ms. Goodwin and Ms. Steen turned their students into microscope investigators — examining mystery samples, recording observations, and using evidence to answer one big question: Is it alive? 🤔🧫🧪

08/31/2026

Who saw Ainsley light up the J. Lowery Volleyball Tournament? 🏐🔥 Ainsley earned MVP with an unbelievable 21 aces (yes — 11 in a single set!), 20 assists, 6 tips, and 2 kills. As a setter, she listens to her teammates, delivers the perfect sets, and is lightning-quick at the net — saving plays with rock-solid defense. So proud of this performance! 🙌🏆

08/31/2026

Gallery walk in action! 🖼️✨
Ms. Jernigan’s students moved through stations filled with Mesopotamia fact cards, analyzed the info, and pulled out key details to record as bullet points on graphic organizers. Hands-on thinking and clear note-taking help learning stick. 📄🧠💬

08/30/2026

September is almost here! Check out our upcoming events.