THE TIGER TIMES
Welcome Back to School Edition 1, Volume 1
A Message from the Principal
Golden Tiger Families,
We have an incredibly exciting and busy week ahead at W.G. Sanders Middle School! This week, we will celebrate Homecoming 2026: Tiger Territory — Defend the Den!, recognize our student-athletes, celebrate school spirit, and close out the first quarter of the school year.
As we celebrate all the wonderful things happening at Sanders, I want to remind our families that academic excellence remains our number one priority. The first quarter ends this Thursday, October 8, and I encourage every family to take time this week to review their child's grades in PowerSchool, discuss any missing assignments, and communicate directly with teachers about academic progress.
Our goal is not simply for students to earn good grades, but for them to develop the habits, responsibility, perseverance, and ownership of learning that will prepare them for success in high school and beyond. Thank you for continuing to partner with us and hold our Golden Tigers to high expectations!
Please carefully review the important announcements below, as this week includes changes to our regular school schedule.
📅 Important Schedule Reminders
Thursday, October 8 — End of Quarter 1 / Early Release
The first quarter officially ends.
Students will be dismissed at 12:30 p.m.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place from 2:00–5:00 p.m.
Families should plan accordingly for early dismissal and transportation.
Friday, October 9 — NO SCHOOL FOR STUDENTS
Teacher Workday
Students will enjoy a three-day weekend!
Monday, October 12 — Quarter 2 Begins
Students return to school.
We begin a new quarter and a fresh opportunity to demonstrate academic excellence!
🐯 HOMECOMING 2026: TIGER TERRITORY — DEFEND THE DEN!
It's Homecoming Week at W.G. Sanders, and we are ready to show our Golden Tiger pride!
Our theme this year is "Tiger Territory: Defend the Den!" We encourage all students to participate in our school spirit activities while continuing to demonstrate our expectations for positive behavior, attendance, and academic engagement.
Homecoming Spirit Week Schedule:
Monday, October 5 — You're the Birthday! (Picture Day): Dress to impress and come ready for school pictures! Look good, feel good, and take that picture!
Tuesday, October 6 — Battle of the Decades: Sixth grade will represent the 1970s, seventh grade the 1980s, and eighth grade the 1990s.
Wednesday, October 7 — Class Colors Day: Sixth grade wears red, seventh grade wears gold/yellow, and eighth grade wears black.
Thursday, October 8 — PAJAMA DAY: Wear your favorite school-appropriate pajamas and enjoy a half day of Tiger pride!
Friday, October 9 — NO SCHOOL: Enjoy the three-day weekend!
Homecoming Pep Rally — Wednesday, October 7
We will host our Homecoming Pep Rally during the school day on Wednesday afternoon! This will be an opportunity to celebrate our Golden Tiger student-athletes, demonstrate school spirit, and come together as One School. One Team. One Roar!
We want our students to have fun, participate, and make great memories while continuing to meet our schoolwide behavioral expectations.
Let's protect the territory, support our Tigers, and DEFEND THE DEN!
🏈🏐 Golden Tiger Athletics — Homecoming Games!
Our student-athletes have a big week ahead, and we would love to see our families in the stands cheering them on!
🏐 Volleyball — Monday, October 5
Sanders vs. W.A. Perry
Time: 5:45 p.m.
Location: W.A. Perry, 2600 Barhamville Road
Admission: $5.00; ages 5 and under are free.
Digital tickets only. Cash will NOT be accepted.
🏐 Volleyball — Wednesday, October 7 (Homecoming)
Sanders vs. Alcorn
Time: 5:45 p.m.
Location: C.E. Rayford Gymnasium, 3455 Pine Belt Road
Admission: $5.00; ages 5 and under are free.
Cash accepted; exact change requested.
🏈 Football — Wednesday, October 7 (Homecoming & 8th Grade Night)
Sanders vs. St. Andrews
Time: 6:30 p.m.
Location: W.J. Keenan Stadium, 361 Pisgah Church Road
Admission: $5.00 for ages 5 and up.
Cash and digital payments accepted.
Concessions available.
We will also recognize our 8th-grade student-athletes as part of this special evening!
Important Athletic Event Reminders: All students attending games must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. A clear bag policy is in effect, and outside food and drinks are not permitted.
We look forward to seeing our Golden Tiger families come out to support our athletes and show their school pride!
🐔 Chick-fil-A Spirit Night — Tuesday, October 6!
Looking for an easy way to support W.G. Sanders Middle School? Make dinner plans with Chick-fil-A!
Tuesday, October 6 | 5:00–8:00 p.m.
Chick-fil-A — Forest Drive Location
Chick-fil-A will donate 20% of eligible Spirit Night proceeds to W.G. Sanders Middle School!
Here's how to participate:
Download or open the Chick-fil-A mobile app.
Place a mobile order at the Forest Drive location.
Select "Support Community Care Event" when prompted.
Enter the activation code Tigers (case-sensitive).
IMPORTANT: Only mobile orders that select the Community Care Event option will count toward our fundraiser. Mobile drive-thru, dine-in, and pickup orders are eligible.
We encourage families, friends, neighbors, and staff to participate! Please help us spread the word by sharing the flyer on your social media pages.
Thank you for supporting our school!
📚 Parent-Teacher Conferences — Thursday, October 8
We value our partnership with families and believe that ongoing communication between home and school is essential to student success.
Parent-Teacher Conferences will take place Thursday, October 8, from 2:00–5:00 p.m.
To make conferences as accessible as possible, parents and guardians may choose from three participation options:
In person
Virtually
By phone
Teachers will send information through TalkingPoints with a SignUpGenius link for families to schedule their conferences. Please watch for these messages and reserve a conference time.
If you have questions or need assistance, please contact your child's grade-level or program team leader:
6th Grade Traditional: Teddisa Bailey
teddisa.bailey@richlandone.org
7th Grade Traditional: Donna Elliot
donna.elliot@richlandone.org
8th Grade Traditional: Kareisha Butler
kareisha.butler@richlandone.org
Career Magnet: Deon Jackson
deon.jackson@richlandone.org
Montessori: Madison Hutto-Muller
madison.hutto@richlandone.org
Related Arts: Reeshemah Kelley
reeshemah.kelley@richlandone.org
Whether your child is thriving academically or experiencing challenges, conferences provide an opportunity to celebrate growth, identify areas for improvement, and work together on a plan for continued success.
We encourage all families to stay connected and actively engaged in their child's learning.
⏰ Attendance Matters: On Time. Every Time. Every Day.
As we continue strengthening our schoolwide expectations and protecting instructional time, I want to remind families that W.G. Sanders Middle School has a Tardy Policy in effect.
This policy addresses students arriving late to class throughout the instructional day after they have already arrived at school.
Every minute of instruction matters. When students arrive late to class, they miss valuable learning opportunities and disrupt the instructional environment for their classmates.
Our progressive response to class tardiness is as follows:
1st Tardy: Warning
2nd Tardy: Warning and student conference
3rd Tardy: Required parent contact
4th Tardy: Parent conference with a tardy plan
5th Tardy: Half-day In-School Suspension (ISS)
6th Tardy: Full-day In-School Suspension (ISS)
7th Tardy or More: Out-of-School Suspension (OSS)
Our goal is not simply to address tardiness through consequences, but to help students develop responsibility, self-management, and respect for instructional time.
Please reinforce with your child the importance of moving promptly between classes, following staff directions, and arriving prepared to learn.
Our expectation is simple: Be Here. Be Ready. Be Respectful.
👕 Show Your Tiger Pride! W.G. Sanders Spirit Wear Shop Is Open!
Looking for W.G. Sanders gear? Our BSN Sports online school store is now open!
Families and students can browse and purchase Golden Tiger apparel and accessories to show their school spirit.
Shop here: https://bsnteamsports.com/shop/26WGSANDER
Please note that this store is offered as a convenience through one of our preferred vendors. Neither W.G. Sanders Middle School nor our Athletics Department receives any proceeds or fundraising revenue from purchases made through this shop. All purchases are completely optional.
We simply want to make it easier for our families to represent Golden Tiger pride!
🤝 School Improvement Council (SIC) — Parent Nominations Are Open!
We are currently accepting parent nominations for our School Improvement Council (SIC)!
The SIC is an important opportunity for families to have a meaningful voice in the continuous improvement of W.G. Sanders Middle School. Council members work collaboratively with school leadership and other stakeholders to review school needs, discuss improvement priorities, and support efforts that strengthen student achievement and the overall school experience.
I believe strongly that the best schools are built through authentic partnerships with families and the community. We want parents who are willing to share their perspectives, ask thoughtful questions, offer ideas, and help us continue moving Sanders forward.
If you are interested in serving or would like to nominate another parent or guardian, please complete the SIC Parent Nomination Form shared with this newsletter in the SIC section below.
Your voice matters, and we welcome your involvement!
💙 World Day of Bullying Prevention — Monday, October 5
As a reminder, we will also recognize World Day of Bullying Prevention on Monday, October 5.
We encourage students and staff to wear blue to demonstrate our commitment to kindness, respect, inclusion, and creating a safe and supportive school community.
Even during our Homecoming celebrations, we want to reinforce an important message: Every Golden Tiger deserves to feel valued, respected, and connected to our school.
Wear Blue. Be Kind. Stand Together.
🎓 Looking Ahead: College Awareness Week (October 12–16)
Next week, we will celebrate College Awareness Week with activities designed to help students begin exploring opportunities beyond high school.
Our theme is EXPLORE • LEARN • PLAN • ACHIEVE, and students will have opportunities to learn about colleges, HBCUs, technical colleges, career pathways, and the importance of developing strong academic habits and goals.
It's never too early for students to begin dreaming about their future and understanding the connection between what they do in middle school and where they want to go in life!
🐯 Closing Thoughts
Golden Tiger Families, we have much to celebrate and much to accomplish this week!
As we wrap up the first quarter, I want to thank you for your continued support, communication, and partnership. We are working intentionally to create a school where students experience high expectations, meaningful learning, positive relationships, and opportunities to grow both inside and outside the classroom.
I ask that you continue having conversations with your children about their academic progress, attendance, behavior, and goals. Our students are capable of incredible things, and when school and home work together with shared expectations, we create the conditions for them to succeed.
Let's finish the first quarter strong, enjoy Homecoming Week, and continue building a culture of excellence at W.G. Sanders!
One School. One Team. One Roar. GO TIGERS! 🐯🖤💛
Miles Dhuey
Principal
Opportunity for All. Excellence for Each. Barriers for None.
Act 204
This year, it is especially important that families understand the impact of South Carolina's Act 204 on student grades. Under the new law, minimum grades or “grade floors” are no longer permitted—students receive the grades they actually earn. Additionally, eligibility for content or credit recovery requires students to demonstrate substantial participation by completing at least 80% of graded assignments in a timely manner.
The message for our Golden Tigers is simple: Every assignment matters. Every project matters. Every quiz and test matters. Every day matters.
Please encourage your student to complete and submit assignments on time, study for assessments, monitor grades, attend school consistently, and ask for help before they fall behind. Families should also regularly check PowerSchool, review missing assignments and zeros, and communicate with teachers early when concerns arise.
Did you know...? Why Daily Attendance Matters:
Missed Lessons = Falling Behind: Even one day can mean missing critical instructions and activities, making it harder for your child to catch up.
Impact on Future Success: Consistent attendance is a strong predictor of academic achievement and future opportunities.
Building Resilience: Regular attendance teaches your child the value of perseverance and responsibility—essential skills for success in life.
Stronger Friendships: Daily presence helps your child develop and sustain friendships, which are crucial for emotional and social development.
Healthy Routine: Attending school every day establishes a stable routine, promoting better mental and physical health.
Who to contact if your child doesn't want to come to school:
Mr. Michael Alexander, SSW
Email: michael.alexander@richlandone.org
Office: 803-738-7575
Cell: 803-741-4484
Has your student missed a day? Submit your attendance excuses! 👇
If your student misses a day of school make sure to submit a parent note to our attendance email (see below):
School Phone Number:
📞 803-738-7575
Attendance Email:
📧 attendance.sanders@richlandone.org
Free to Focus! Cell Phone Policy
CELL PHONES, HEAD PHONES, EAR BUDS, OR ANY CELL PHONE ACCESSORIES ARE NOT ALLOWED TO BE VISIBLE AT ANY TIME ON CAMPUS!
CELL PHONES/ELECTRONIC DEVICES
(See Policy JICJ for Full Policy)
FREE TO FOCUS POLICY – Aims to provide a positive learning experience free from electronic
distractions, students are prohibited from using personal electronic devices during the school day.
Expectations:
· Electronic devices must be silenced and stored out of sight during the entire school day, from bell to bell (8:00 AM - End of Dismissal).
· Electronic devices are strictly prohibited in locker rooms and restrooms.
· Electronic devices may not be used or seen at any time during the school day.
Parent/Guardian support: Parents are asked to refrain from calling or texting students during the school day.
Contact the school office for emergencies or urgent messages. Office: 803-738-7575.
Enforcement: If a student violates the preceding rules during the school day, the student will be subject to progressive consequences in the Student Code of Conduct.
Consequences:
1st - Referral - Warning
2nd - Referral - Parent Conference
3rd - Referral - ISS
4th - Referral - 1 Day of OSS
Should violations continue, the Student Code of Conduct consequences will continue to progress.
Responsibility/Liability: Any student who chooses to bring a wireless electronic device as described shall do so at the student’s own risk and shall be personally responsible for the security of the device. Neither the school personnel nor the district will assume any responsibility or liability for loss, theft, damage, or vandalism to such devices as described above brought onto school property or the unauthorized use of any such device.
Golden Tigers are Rising Together!
Our Golden Tigers will earn their P.A.W.S. this year and be able to use them to get into incentives, events, and even purchase cool items from our PBIS store! Please encourage your Golden Tiger to "earn their Tiger P.A.W.S." every day at school by demonstrating our character values and behavioral expectations.
Review important procedures below to ensure a successful arrival & dismissal process
Arrival/Entry to Campus
- Arrive by 8:15 am, no later than 8:35 am. Do not drop students off and leave before 8:00 am unless there is a staff member outside to receive them.
- Traditional car riders, Career Magnet car riders, and walkers will enter at the front of the school between the A Building and D Building and enter the building through the car loop metal detectors. Adults are to remain in cars unless they need to go to the main office. No adults will be allowed beyond the main office without a visitor badge.
- Montessori car riders are to enter by the marquee and enter through the bus loop metal detectors.
Getting to Breakfast and First Period
- All Traditional 6th, 7th, and 8th Graders and Career Magnet 6th , 7th and 8th Graders: Report to the cafeteria if you are having breakfast. After 8:15, if you are not having breakfast, report to your hallway (Traditional 7th and 8th graders - D Building; Traditional 6th Graders bottom floor B, Career Magnet - top floor B).
- All Montessori Students: Report to the top floor of the E Building. Notify the Montessori staff if you wish to have breakfast before going to class.
Dismissal
- Dismissal is at 3:45 pm; however, Montessori students will be dismissed at 3:41 pm to the back of the school where parents will be lined up for pick up.
- Car riders will be dismissed to the front of the school.
- Students remain in class until their mode of transportation is called.
- Drivers, please stay off your phone and remain in your car while in the car rider loop. We need you focused on students who are crossing to the other side. Also, we need you focused on the lines of cars as they move forward. Do not pick up students from the center of the car rider loop.
- All students should be picked up by 4:15 pm. If you cannot arrive by that time, ensure you have made arrangements for school bus transportation.
📘 Student Code of Conduct
At W.G. Sanders Middle School, we are committed to providing a safe, respectful, and engaging learning environment where every student can thrive. We ask all students and families to review the Richland County School District One Student Code of Conduct, which outlines the expectations for student behavior, rights, responsibilities, and disciplinary procedures. Please pay special attention to Page 4, which is the acknowledgment signature page. Parents/guardians and students are asked to sign this page to confirm that they have received and reviewed the handbook together.
We encourage families to discuss these expectations with their children as we begin the school year. By working together, we can ensure that every Golden Tiger contributes to a positive school culture where Opportunity for All. Excellence for Each. Barriers for None.
➡️ Click here to view the Richland One Student Code of Conduct
Reminders and Procedures for the Main office:
- Front office hours: 8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
- All visitors must sign in via the Raptor system when visiting the school. Visitors must wear a visitor identification badge at all times.
- If you want to visit your child's classroom, you are more than welcome! Please reach out to the teacher and administrator over the program to arrange a date and time to visit.
- No outside food will be accepted for students. Please do not Door Dash orders to the school. (Chick-Fil-A, Wendy's, McDonald's, etc.)
- No balloons, flowers, or large gifts are accepted at school because students cannot take these items on the school bus.
- Adult supervision begins at 8:00 a.m. Do not drop your students off before that time.
- Our goal is to ensure every Golden Tiger gets home safely each afternoon.
- Early dismissal ends at 3:15 p.m.
- School dismissal begins at 3:45 p.m.
- All students should be picked up by 4:15 p.m.
- If an unexpected emergency will delay you, please contact the front office as soon as possible. We do not have staff supervision after 4:15 p.m.
Need Something? Don't Hesitate to reach out!
Chanda Robinson- 6th Grade Traditional Administrator chanda.robinson@richlandone.org
Barry Charley- 7th and 8th Grade Traditional Administrator, barry.charley@richlandone.org
Candice Parnell- Career Magnet and Montessori Administrator, candice.parnell@richlandone.org
Peggy Logan- Head Guidance Counselor, peggy.logan@richlandone.org
Keyonna McClurkin- Guidance Counselor, keyonna.mcclurkin@richlandone.org
Michael Alexander- School Social Worker, michael.alexander@richlandone.org
Shelby Stevens- Database Specialist (Parent Portal), shelby.stevens@richlandone.org
Shakera Simmons- Registrar/Guidance Secretary, shakera.simmons@richlandone.org
Cimber Gillam- Library Media Specialist, cimber.gillam@richlandone.org
Angela Scipio- School Nurse, angela.scipio@richlandone.org
Janet Argrow- Parent & Family Engagement Specialist, janet.argrow@richlandone.org
Information regarding athletics at W.G. Sanders:
🏈 Students who participate in athletics must have a C Average during the semester prior to the start of the athletic season.
🏀 If your child was selected as member of the football team, volleyball team, cheer squad, or any other athletic sport, your child will be removed if they did not have a C average during Semester 2 of the last school year. If removed, your child will be expected to attend the after school athletic tutoring program for support in increasing their academic average.
Reminders:
- Students attending any middle school athletic event or after-school performance must be accompanied by a parent/guardian. The parent/guardian must stay with the student for the entire event. Students will not be admitted without adult supervision.
- Students must have a ticket and show their school issued student ID to attend events.
- Spectators will not be allowed to stand, congregate, or "hang out" on the concourse or around the concessions stands or restrooms during the game.
- Entry gates will close at the end of halftime.
Concession stands will close at the end of the third quarter. - Tickets can be purchased through the home team's R1 Box Office on their website.
Let's have a great season and GO TIGERS! 🐅🏀🏈⚽🏐🤾🏻♂️
Football Schedule 🏈
Volleyball Schedule 🏐
R1 Clear Bag Policy 🎒
Parents & Guardians,
If your student has dietary restrictions, allergies or a documented medical condition that he/she is prescribed meds for please contact the Health Room for necessary forms prior to brining medication(s) in. Please be advised, these forms/medications have to be submitted each year. Your cooperation and prompt action helps facilitate a smooth process in initiating the individual health care needs of your student.
To attend school in South Carolina, all students must have a valid South Carolina Certificate of Immunization on file.
- 6th Grade: Students must meet all required childhood immunization requirements.
- 7th Grade: Students must receive a Tdap booster (tetanus, diphtheria, and pertussis) on or after their 10th birthday.
- 8th Grade: No additional vaccines are required beyond those required for 7th grade.
Parents are encouraged to schedule appointments with their child's healthcare provider before the first day of school to ensure immunizations are current and avoid any delays in school attendance. Additional information is available through the South Carolina Department of Public Health.
Contact Nurse Scipio with any questions or if you need support or resources.
Help Us Build the W.G. Sanders PTO!
We're looking for parents, guardians, grandparents, and community members who want to make a difference!
W.G. Sanders is excited to launch our NEW Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO), and we'd love for you to be part of building something special from the ground up.
Whether you have a few hours each month or simply want to stay informed and support our students, there's a place for you. No previous PTO experience is needed—just a passion for helping our Golden Tigers thrive.
A strong PTO can help:
- 🐅 Support students and staff
- 🎉 Organize family events and school celebrations
- 🤝 Strengthen partnerships between home and school
- 💛 Enhance opportunities for all students
Interested? Please take a minute to complete our PTO Interest Form by clicking the link below.
Together, we can create a PTO that reflects the strength, spirit, and excellence of the W.G. Sanders community.
Opportunity for All. Excellence for Each. Barriers for None.
🐅 Golden Tigers Rise!
