Focusing on science, technology, engineering, mathematics and arts, students are offered a comprehensive program that embeds technology into all core and exploratory classes. Project Lead the Way (PLTW) (including Gateway) places an emphasis on curriculum that encourages hands-on engagement, problem solving and the use of technology for research, collaboration and project presentation. The middle school engineering program (Gateway) features a project-based curriculum and program so that stu-dents may design and test their ideas with advances modeling software. Students study mechanical and

computer control systems, robotics and animation and explore the importance and how to reduce, conserve and produce energy.

Bluffton Middle

School 30 New Mustang Drive • Bluffton • SC • 29910 • 843-707-0700

Grades Taught: 6 – 8

Percentage of Teachers with Advanced Degrees: 60%

2017-2018 School Enrollment: 766

School Website: blms.beaufortschools.net

Principal: Pat Freda

Questions? Contact Us:

mustang.principal@beaufort.k12.sc.us

843-707-0700

BLMS 2016-17 STEM Events:

Lady’s Island Cougar VEX Qualifier—October 10, 2016

College Park Middle School, Ladson, SC VEX Qualifier—December 3, 2016

War Hawk Middle School VEX Qualifier, Columbia, SC—February 2017

BLMS 2015-16 STEM Events: iRobots Team traveled to Myrtle Beach, SC where they competed in the SC First

Lego League State Championship at Carolina Forest HS.

CVK Vex robotics team was one of three champion teams at “The Cougar Chal-lenge” -They attended the SC State VEX Championship competition in March 2016.

BLMS students participated in the state sponsored “Day of Code”

BLMS GTT students participated in iTeams Summer Camp which offered opportu-nities in computer science and technology and challenged students to collaborate and problem solve with peers.

BLMS 2014-15 STEM Events: Robotics team competed at the State Competition in Charleston. Their mentor

coach received recognition for her efforts. The VEX team advanced and competed at the State Level in Columbia, SC.

“All four of our children have attended BLMS and we have always

been impressed with the quality education they’ve received (and

continue to receive!). The teachers and staff have always

demonstrated a genuine interest in each student’s academic success

and character development. BLMS has been, and continues to be,

an institution of excellence that ensures our children are well

prepared for their transition to high school and beyond.”

— Cheryl Fletcher, parent

Technology Leading the Way Bluffton Middle is a state-of-the-art, STEM-focused, 6th/7th/8th grade middle school aimed at being a “school of tomorrow” where learning through technology empowers students to meet the challenges of the 21st Century.

We are located in the beautiful natural setting that encourages appreciation and

conservation of the environment. An outdoor classroom and a nature trail—The

Mustang Path—provide students with the opportunity to explore, discover and

study the surroundings natural habitat.

We Focus on the whole child to strengthen academic skills as well as social, emo-

tional and physical well-being. By infusing the use of technology and an integrated

subject matter approach, Bluffton Middle aims to develop responsible and global

citizens equipped with the knowledge and skills to be successful in tomorrow’s

workforce.

All teachers attend SIOP (Sheltered Instruction Preservation Protocol) training, and

many are certified in Gifted/Talented education. Special training is provided for

teachers in Gateway to Technology (Project Lead the Way) courses.

Bluffton Middle School

STEM Program (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) - An integrated

discovery and exploratory learning experience that requires students to engage in

active and innovative problem solving.

PATH Time—A daily 30-minute character education program designed to develop

positive character traits in our students.

Technology Integration—Students and teachers have access to state-of-the-art

computer equipment—computer labs, laptops, tablets, carts, Promethean

boards—that enhances students’ academic work.

Advanced Studies Program—Seeks to develop a learning community where tech-

nology supports the development of lifelong learning skills. Technology and 21st

Century skills (communication, collaboration, critical thinking and creativity) are

embedded in this program and result in the production of authentic student work.

State Palmetto Silver Award for academic gains.

Annual BLMS Digital Science Fair in February—Winners advance to the Sea Island

Science Fair.

Why Bluffton Middle School?

Our school offers Gateway to Technology (GTT) classes to

students, providing a foundation for continued advancement

in science, technology, engineering and math at the high

school and college levels.

At Bluffton Middle School, we seek to provide each student

with a learning environment that is both challenging and

rewarding; one that encourages discovery and the develop-

ment of special talents, abilities and interests; one in which

the teacher serves as a facilitator and catalyst to learning as

well as a source of knowledge.

www.blms.beaufortschools.net

“The coaches, teachers and parents involved in the

robotics teams are so motivated to help these girls and

boys succeed now so they can make a difference later in

their personal and professional lives, whether they

pursue a career in science or engineering or something

else. It’s exciting to see how passionate my son and his

teammates are about competing in an arena outside of

their regular sports and other club competitions.”

— Holly Sherburne, parent

“The first time I attended a VEX team competition I had no idea what to expect

but I was surprised to see all the creativity in on e room. I was very Impressed

with all the designs the students had built. These students are tasked with the

responsibility of designing, building and programming a robot to play against

other teams in a game based engineering challenge. This is a great platform

for students to enrich and enhance science and math skills. This experience

allows the students to create in an exciting environment and then show off to

others what their robots can do. My child enjoyed it and I would encourage

other parents to get involved and see what the VEX team is all about.”

— Lisa Cunningham, parent