By Pete Iott, Principal
The Mustangs of South Effingham Middle School are running with the best middle schools in the state of
The transition between elementary school and middle school presents challenges and opportunities. The SEMS staff guides students in their endeavor to make the physical, academic, and social adjustment to middle school. Their efforts have resulted in high levels of academic and extracurricular success.
Mustangs are known for their spirit and enthusiasm. Our students excel in the critical statewide testing programs and as a group set and meet high standards of achievement. High expectations are the norm and the proof is in the performance. Our students place at high levels in the geography, spelling, science projects and Young Authors events and represent the county magnificently in district, region and state level competitions.
The SEMS Band and Chorus programs have demonstrated their expertise in concerts, festivals, and competitions. The number of SEMS Mustangs participating in these programs has steadily increased over the past few years. Approximately one-third of SEMS students are enrolled in band. Our music students have immensely enjoyed the new facilities provided by the citizens of the county through the SPLOST funds.
SEMS students participate in a myriad of extracurricular sports programs. Our students have excelled in football participating in the region playoff. The Mustang softball, baseball and golf teams won the region championship. The other sports, volleyball, tennis, and basketball were highly competitive. Our students experience great joy in participating and reflect excellence and sportsmanship in their efforts.
In addition to our academic classes and extracurricular programs, our students participate in Connections classes designed for them to explore other areas of life. Band, chorus, technology, art, computer applications, agriculture, family and consumer science, and physical education are offered by semester. These classes provide insight into real world experiences and hands-on training.
While we have been successful in our academic pursuits, we do not intend to rest on our laurels. We continually look introspectively and seek improvement. We have developed a philosophy for our students to enable them in becoming complete, well rounded scholars. We emphasize citizenship, life long learning and intellectual reflection. Our educators seek to provide a school that is a joyful place where learning and learners are challenged and celebrated.
