Tiger Paw Print
Talia A. Dukes, Principal
Gullah/Geechee Tour in Charleston, SC
Seventh grade social studies students in Mrs. Brandenburg and Mrs. Watson’s classes explored the rich history and cultural heritage of the Gullah/Geechee people during a museum tour in Charleston, South Carolina, followed by an authentic Gullah/Geechee cuisine experience.
Students connected their learning to standards by examining the influence of West African traditions, the history of the transatlantic routes of West Africans to South Carolina, and the preservation of Gullah/Geechee language, traditions, and cultural identity.
This hands-on experience deepened students’ understanding of the Gullah/Geechee community’s lasting contributions to South Carolina’s history and culture.
History Meets Literature: Exploring The Legend of Sleepy Hollow!!
During a two-day interdisciplinary lesson, students explored how Washington Irving transformed historical events, cultural traditions, and community beliefs into one of America's most recognizable legends.
The lesson connected South Carolina 8th Grade Social Studies standards addressing colonial America, the American Revolution, historical interpretation, and cultural continuity with ELA standards emphasizing literary analysis, author's craft, evidence-based writing, and historical context.
Students investigated Dutch colonial settlements, Hessian soldiers during the American Revolution, and the influence of Romanticism on early American literature. Through historical readings, visual-source analysis, and collaborative investigation, students learned to distinguish documented history from fictional storytelling.
Writing Across the Curriculum: The culminating activity challenged students to write an evidence-based analytical paragraph explaining how Irving transformed early New York history into a community legend. Students developed a clear claim, incorporated historical evidence and literary details, and identified the limitations of using fiction as a historical source.
This experience demonstrated how interdisciplinary learning strengthens historical reasoning, literary analysis, and academic writing while encouraging students to consider how communities preserve and reshape their histories through storytelling.
To promote the best possible learning and social environment in Florence 1 Schools, students are expected to adhere to the guidelines listed below during the school day. If a student brings an unauthorized device or a phone onto a Florence 1 Schools property, they are personally and solely responsible for the care and security of their devices.
- UNAUTHORIZED DEVICES shall be defined as any device, that is not district-issued, that has the capability of electronically sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing, and/or displaying information and data. Examples of electronic devices include, but are not limited to, electronic game devices, Bluetooth communication devices, smart watches, wireless headphones, personally owned computers or laptops, tablets, e-readers, portable media players, drones, GPS instruments, digital cameras, and camcorders.
- PHONES shall be defined as any device, that is not district-issued, that has the capability of communicating by means of sending, receiving, storing, recording, reproducing, and/or displaying information and data to the possessor. Possession of any phone in this category regardless of operational status is in violation of the policy.
GUIDELINE OF USE:
All students (grades PK-12): All phones and personal electronic devices must be turned off and stored in a backpack, or other non-visible secure location during school hours (from school start time until school dismissal time).
Have transportation questions during the first week of school? Our team is here to help!
The Transportation Hotline can be reached at 843-954-5100, Monday through Friday from 7am to 6pm, starting July 28th.
Want to use the My Ride K-12 app for your bus rider? Download the app in your favorite app store and then visit www.f1s.org/transportationfor step-by-step instructions on getting started with the app.
Introducing School-Based Telehealth at Williams Middle School!
Great news for our school families! We are thrilled to partner with McLeod Health and Florence 1 Schools to offer our new School-based Telehealth program.
Your child can now see a remote McLeod Health provider right here at school. Using advanced technology, the provider can actually look in their ears and listen to their lungs, just like they would in a traditional medical practice.
Why families love this program:
No last-minute pickups
No missed work for parents
Accessible for all children
Our telehealth providers can easily help check and treat a variety of symptoms, including:
Ear infections
Sore throats
Coughing or wheezing
Fever and chills
Cold and flu symptoms
Chronic condition management, and more!
How to get started: Start by enrolling today! Simply sign the annual consent form during school registration at Williams Middle School.
Student account statements are emailed to parents with the student's report card every nine weeks. They are also available upon request from our bookkeeper, Ms. McNeal.
Action Required for Unpaid Balances:
It is crucial to pay any outstanding student account balances. Students with unpaid balances will not be permitted to participate in student activities (such as: pep rallies, dances, etc.).
How to Pay:
Payments can be made directly at the school or online using this link:https://www.studentquickpay.com/f1s/
Questions Regarding Lunch Accounts:
For any questions concerning your student's lunch account, please email: cafe@fsd1.org
Did you know that every child in our district can enjoy free, nutritious meals every day with no sign-up required? Even if your child prefers to pack a lunch, they are always welcome to go through the lunch line for a healthy boost to keep them focused and energized, or to try something new.
During lunch, students can choose from five components—milk, protein, grains, fruits, and vegetables—and only need to select three, including at least ½ cup of fruits or veggies. This helps them build balanced meals, encourages them to make their own choices, and reduces food waste.
We welcome and encourage all families to take advantage of this valuable benefit. Please remind your child that they are always welcome to participate, whether they pack their lunch or not.
Exciting Rewards and Incentives for WMS Smart Start!
Students participating in the Williams Middle School Smart Start program every morning from 7:45 am to 8:30 am have fantastic incentives to work toward this year. By working hard and setting goals, students can earn rewards and celebrate their success throughout the semester. Students are added to a Smart Start class by their 1st period teacher and complete modules through Khan Academy. Make sure that you are signed up!
Nine Weeks Smart Start Parties
At the end of each nine-week period, the school will host a Smart Start Party.
Any student who completes 18 proficiency goals will be eligible to attend.
The reward for the 1st nine weeks is an Ice Cream Party.
The reward for the 2nd nine weeks is a Nacho Bar Party.
The reward for the 3rd nine weeks is a Pizza Party.
Encourage your students to stay focused, keep learning, keep growing, and strive to be a champion!
Williams Middle School
Williams Mission Statement
Educate! Prepare! Inspire!
Williams Vision Statement
We endeavor to create a student-centered environment for our future graduates as they strive for excellence and prepare to become innovative world leaders!
Email: tdukes@fsd1.org
Website: https://www.f1s.org/williams
Location: 1100 North Irby Street, Florence, SC, USA
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WilliamsMiddleF1S/