Furman Middle School

10/06/2026

Today, on Instructional Coaches Day, we are proud to celebrate two of the very best, our “rockstars”- Mrs. Choice-Miller, our Instructional Coach, and Mrs. McClanahan, our Math Coach!

Around Furman, we affectionately call them “Rise” and “Shine” and there could not be more fitting names.

Through the way they inspire, lead, empower, encourage, challenge, support, and coach, these two incredible educators help our teachers grow, strengthen instruction, and ultimately create better learning experiences for our students.

In fact, their work and the spirit they bring to our school helped inspire this year’s campus theme and theme song: RISE & SHINE.

Because that is exactly what great coaches help others do.

Mrs. Choice-Miller and Mrs. McClanahan, thank you for believing in people, investing in people, and continually helping all of us become better than we were yesterday.

Today, we celebrate Rise & Shine and the tremendous impact you make every single day at Furman!

https://youtu.be/M1WkW-ZXniw?si=zxctjpOTAleuKggc

10/06/2026

High Five Friday was extra special at Furman!

Last Friday, we welcomed the Sumter School District Executive Leadership Team as they joined us in greeting our students, celebrating them, and helping us start the day with the kind of energy we want felt throughout our school.

Later that morning, Superintendent Dr. Gary led our daily affirmations for students and staff, reinforcing the positive culture, high expectations, and sense of purpose we work to build every day.

Thank you to everyone who joined us in making our students feel seen, welcomed, and celebrated.

At Furman, we don’t just finish the week-we finish strong.

10/02/2026

Today, we celebrate the people who work behind the scenes every day to make Furman Middle School a clean, safe, and welcoming place for our students and staff.

In recognition of National Custodians Appreciation Day, our Instructional Leadership Team treated our Building Services Team to a fried fish dinner from one of their local favorites, Liberty Seafood.

We are incredibly grateful for the pride, dedication, and care this team brings to our school each day. Their work matters, their service is noticed, and Furman is better because of them.

Please join us in thanking our Building Services Team for all they do for the Furman family!

09/02/2026

WHY FURMAN?
Today, we get to hear from Mrs. Grant, Mrs. Rogers, and Mrs. Choice-Miller! (Click on each picture to read more about why they choose Furman!)

There is a story behind every school, and ours is being written every day by the students, families, staff, alumni, and community members who are part of Furman.

Why Furman?

Maybe it’s a teacher who made a difference.
A student who found confidence here.
A program or opportunity that opened a door.
A relationship that made Furman feel like home.

Or simply a moment that reminded you what this community is all about.

As we continue our Why Furman? campaign, we want to hear from you.

If you are a parent, student, staff member, alumnus, community partner, or other Furman stakeholder, share your Why Furman with us! See or contact a Furman administrator and tell us your story.
Your voice may be featured as we continue showing our community who Furman is today.

So…Why Furman? We’d love to hear your answer. 💜💛

Sumter School District See less

08/28/2026

Thank You, Furman Families!

We had a great evening at our Fall Title I Meeting, Open House & Data Night. Thank you to every family who joined us to meet teachers, review student data, learn about school programs and supports, and partner with us around student success.

Families participated in individual data meetings with core teachers and attended sessions on Exceptional Education Services, Gifted and Talented Education, State Testing and MAP, Parent Portal and ClassDojo, communication verification, and our Code of Conduct and school behavior management system.

We also enjoyed seeing families complete our Open House scavenger hunt for a chance to win Furman swag and goodies.

Most importantly, the evening gave us an opportunity to strengthen the connection between home and school and ensure families have the information they need to support their children throughout the year.

Thank you to our teachers, staff, students, and families for making the evening meaningful and successful.

Together, Building Lives of Excellence, Purpose and Integrity.



Sumter School District

08/27/2026

We hope to see you this evening!

Join us on Thursday, August 27, from 5:00–6:30 PM for an evening focused on family partnership, student progress, and a strong start to the school year.
This event will also serve as our Fall Title I Meeting, where families will receive important information about Title I supports, programs, and opportunities for family engagement at Furman Middle School.
Families will have the opportunity to:
Meet your child’s teachers
Participate in an individual student data meeting
Review student progress and goals
Learn more about Parent Portal, MAP, Exceptional Education, and other school resources
Verify parent/guardian contact information
Learn more about how Title I supports students and families
Arrival Information:
Enter through the Gym Entrance. Check-in tables will be located on the 100 Hallway.
We hope every Furman family will join us for this important evening.
One Tribe. One Goal. Every Student.
Together, Building Lives of Excellence, Purpose and Integrity

Join us on Thursday, August 27, from 5:00–6:30 PM for an evening focused on family partnership, student progress, and a strong start to the school year.

This event will also serve as our Fall Title I Meeting, where families will receive important information about Title I supports, programs, and opportunities for family engagement at Furman Middle School.

Families will have the opportunity to:

Meet your child’s teachers
Participate in an individual student data meeting
Review student progress and goals
Learn more about Parent Portal, MAP, Exceptional Education, and other school resources
Verify parent/guardian contact information
Learn more about how Title I supports students and families

Arrival Information:
Enter through the Gym Entrance. Check-in tables will be located on the 100 Hallway.

We hope every Furman family will join us for this important evening.

One Tribe. One Goal. Every Student.
Together, Building Lives of Excellence, Purpose and Integrity.

08/26/2026

This Friday, Furman Middle School is putting the spotlight on the power of student voice during our Schoolwide Writing Day!

Across the building, every student will have an opportunity to think, create, organize ideas, and communicate with purpose. Students are also invited to Dress for the Mission by coming to school in a school-appropriate look inspired by a secret agent, news reporter, author/editor, future leader, or school spirit writer. Participation in the dress-up portion is completely optional.

And there is a challenge on the table.

WRITING MISSION CONTEST

* 6th Grade: Best Narrative
* 7th Grade: Best Informational Writing
* 8th Grade: Best Argument
* 1st Place: $25 Gift Card
* Honor Mentions: $10 Gift Cards

Students should submit their completed writing to their 1st period teacher at the end of the day.

Great writing is more than an assignment. It teaches students to develop ideas, support claims with evidence, communicate clearly, and make their voices heard.

Friday, August 28 - your voice is the secret weapon.



Sumter School District

08/26/2026

Strong partnerships create stronger opportunities for students.

Since 2025, Furman Middle School’s partnership with HMH Education Read 180 and Math 180 has provided targeted literacy and numeracy support to approximately 300 students each year.

Led by our interventionists during the school day, these elective courses provide students with focused instruction, practice, and support designed to build skills and keep growth moving forward.

And we are seeing the impact!

Students who remained continuously enrolled in a 180 course for the full school year demonstrated an average of 1.5 years of growth in literacy and numeracy.

That is what investing in students looks like.

Our partnership with HMH continues through 2028, giving Furman students access to additional tools, instruction, and opportunities to strengthen the skills that matter across every classroom.

We are proud of the work our students and educators are doing every day.



Sumter School District

08/25/2026

WHY FURMAN?

Today, we get to hear from Mrs. Saulsgiver, Mr. Martino, and Mr. Lee! (Click on each picture to read more about why they choose Furman!)

There is a story behind every school, and ours is being written every day by the students, families, staff, alumni, and community members who are part of Furman.

Why Furman?

Maybe it’s a teacher who made a difference.
A student who found confidence here.
A program or opportunity that opened a door.
A relationship that made Furman feel like home.
Or simply a moment that reminded you what this community is all about.

As we continue our Why Furman? campaign, we want to hear from you.

If you are a parent, student, staff member, alumnus, community partner, or other Furman stakeholder, share your Why Furman with us! See or contact a Furman administrator and tell us your story.
Your voice may be featured as we continue showing our community who Furman is today.

So…Why Furman? We’d love to hear your answer. 💜💛



Sumter School District

08/24/2026

Furman families, please take a few minutes this evening to review your child’s progress report together and discuss their current academic progress, strengths, and areas for continued growth.

Progress reports are provided for parent/guardian records only and do not need to be returned to the school.

If you have questions or concerns about your child’s progress, or if you would like to schedule a parent-teacher conference, please contact your child’s administrator so we can help coordinate the appropriate next steps.

Thank you for continuing to partner with us in supporting student success.

Together, Building Lives of Excellence, Purpose and Integrity.

Sumter School District