Scott's Branch Middle High School

Welcome back, Eagle Nation! We hope that everyone had a restful and restoring break. We've had a busy week at the Branch. Our middle school, English 1, and Algebra 1 students completed their Winter MAP assessments this week. High school students enrolled in English 2 completed the EOC for this course. Next week we will high students enrolled in US History and Biology 1 will take the EOCs for these courses. Parents we kindly ask that you remind students to bring their school-issued device fully charged with them to school each day.

High school students currently taking US History and Biology all took home study packets to help them prepare for the upcoming EOC exams. Parents we kindly ask that you remind and encourage students to review their packets, ISN notes, and progress learning study plans/assignments. We thank you for your support as we work to guide all our students to success.

Rise up, Eagle Nation, and meet the expectation!

Dr. Tyrone Cummings, Ed. D.

Principal

High School students currently enrolled in US History, and Biology 1 will take their end of course (EOC) exams next week. Remember to help prepare for your upcoming exams by setting aside some time each day after school to review your ISN notes, study packets, and progress learning materials.

Device & charger for EOC prep: In a effort to ensure all students are prepared for the EOC exams next week, students will turn in their device and charger the day before their EOC.

• US History - Monday, December 8th
• Biology 1- Wednesday, December 10th

Students please make sure that you bring your device/charger to school on the above day so that you are ready testing.

Be prepared for school each day by:

- Charging your device each night before going to bed.

- Making sure to bring your device to school every day.

- Being careful with your device and charger.

Thank you to all the Eagles who have found and turned in chargers. We still have some chargers we are still looking for.

Earlier this week, Mr. Bodzo shared information about his home country, Zimbabwe with his 7th graders. Students were engaged in learning about the Zimbabwe culture. Mr. Bodzo thank you for sharing about the culture of your home country and talking to the students. Students you all did a great job of being focus, attentive, and asking questions. We love that you are interested in learning about other cultures!

Students in Mrs. Reid's English 1 class participated in the second and final rounds of their class debate competition this week. The class was divided into 4 teams. Before the each round of debates, students researched the topic and prepared their arguments.

In round 2, second two teams debated on whether college education should be free. Two teams shared their arguments proposing or opposing the topic. Each team's arguments were judged using a classroom debate rubric. 🎉 Congratulations to Round 2's winning team, Owen Johannsen, Jasmine Johnson, and Lia Johnson. 🎉

Next week the winning teams from Rounds 1 & 2 will compete in the final debate to name the English 1 Class Debate champions. We are looking forward to next week's debate on whether schools should eliminate homework.

Dr. Bhakti Larry Hough from the African American Museum in Orangeburg visited Mrs. Mack's chorus students before Thanksgiving break. The project which is funded by the SC Arts Commission is entitled, "Out of the Mouths of Babes", and focuses on teaching students the music of the Civil Rights movement. Dr. Hough shared a medley of songs from the Civil Rights movement as well as shared some history of the music's origins with the students. The SBHS choir will join two other schools from around the state in the spring for the inaugural concert at the new facility which is under construction now. We'd like to give a special thanks to Dr. Bhakti Larry Hough for visiting and sharing parts of African American history with our students. Mrs. Mack and the chorus students are looking forward to partnering with Dr. Hough and performing at the inaugural concert in the spring.

Dear Dr. Lemon,

On behalf of the entire Scott’s Branch Middle High School family, we would like to extend our heartfelt congratulations to you on your new position. While we are incredibly proud of this well-deserved accomplishment, we will truly miss your presence, guidance, and unwavering compassion in our district.

Over the past several years, you have poured your heart into our students, families, and staff. Your dedication has gone far beyond the responsibilities of a school counselor—you have been a mentor, an advocate, a motivator, and a constant source of support. Your ability to listen with patience, lead with kindness, and inspire with purpose has made a lasting impact on every life you’ve touched.

You created a safe space for students to dream, plan, and grow, and you guided them through some of their most important decisions. You uplifted them during challenging moments and celebrated them during their triumphs. For that, and for so much more, we are deeply grateful.

As you move into this next chapter of your career, please know that your SBMH family is cheering you on. Your leadership, wisdom, and passion will continue to shine bright in your new district, just as they did here. Though we will miss seeing you in our hallways, your influence will remain with us for years to come.

Thank you, Dr. Lemon, for your love, your commitment, and your remarkable service to the Eagle community. We wish you continued success, fulfillment, and joy in all that lies ahead.

With appreciation and warmest wishes,
Your Scott’s Branch Middle High School Family

December's reading challenge is the "Amazing Authors A to Z Reading Challenge". Any SBMHS student interested is welcome to participate. Students please see Ms. Davis for a challenge log.

The Challenge:

From now until January 2nd, students are challenged to read 26 books from different authors. The letters of the alphabet (A to Z) stand for the first letter in the author's last name. You must READ each book (26 books total). Please be prepared to tell me about the books that you write on your log.

For example, if I read the book "The Great Mouse Detective book 1" by Eve Titus during Thanksgiving break. I would write the title of the book beside the letter "T" on my reading challenge log.

Students have until January 2nd to complete the challenge. All reading challenge logs must be turned in by Wednesday, January 6th in order to be entered for a chance to win the December Grand Prize. All students who participate and turn in their blue reading challenge log will receive a Eagle reader's reward, Eagle Bucks, and will be entered in the raffle for a chance to win the Grand Prize.

Happy reading, Eagles!! 🎁 📚

Ashley Davis, MLIS

School Librarian

The Phi Omega Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc. 💚💗 presents their Essay Writing Workshop on Saturday, December 13, 2025 from 10am-1pm at Vision by Design 206 South Church Street Manning SC, 29102. This workshop is open to ALL juniors and seniors in the district and will assist with the development of scholarship essays and admission essays to college. This workshop is FREE and lunch will be provided. Please come out and participate in this valuable workshop and let the AKA's help you jump-start your college admission.

Join the SBHS National Honor Society in collecting pairs of white socks for residents living in a local nursing home. Please send in adult size socks only. Socks will be collected until next Wednesday, December 10th. Please contact Mrs. Garth for more information. Thank you for your support and generosity!

This week, our Scott’s Branch cheerleaders had the exciting opportunity to host their annual Cheer Camp! Mini cheerleaders from Rose H. Wilder Elementary School signed up to participate in a week-long interactive camp where they learned signature cheers, flips, battle cheering, and essential cheerleading skills.

🎉 Congratulations to our cheerleaders for organizing such a wonderful camp, and an even bigger congratulations to our mini cheerleaders for an amazing week of growth, learning, and spirit!

📣 Come out tonight and support them as they perform during halftime at our basketball game against the Manning Monarchs.
Go Mini Eagles!

This week, our Eagles Basketball teams continued the start of the season with matchups against East Clarendon and Lake City High School. Our athletes are working hard to strengthen their skills, build team chemistry, and make this basketball season one to remember.

🏀 Come out tonight and support our Eagles as we take on our district rivals, the Manning Monarchs!
Your energy and encouragement make all the difference. Let’s pack the gym and cheer our teams on to victory!