JMS Students are Winners in 2019 Marion Soil and Water Conservation District Essay Contest

Johnakin Middle School had six winners in the 2019 Marion Soil and Water Conservation District’s annual Essay Contest.  This year's topic was “Dig Deeper: Life in the Soil.” The awards presentation was held at the Academy for Careers and Technology in Marion on Monday, May 6, 2019. Seventh grade first place winner was Evie Skipper. Second place winner was Talan Hodge and third place winner was Legend Lewis. Eighth grade winners were Ann Marie Harrell (first place), Hannah Coleman (second place), and Noah Cribb (third place). Students and teachers were presented with certificates and cash awards. Ms. Tammy Hudson and Mrs. Vickie Skipper are the teachers of these students.

Fox84 Initiative for Boys visits JMS

JMS hosted the Fox84 Initiative for Boys for a morning of collaboration and mentorship.  Our JMS gentlemen participated in a number of absorbing activities and practiced some useful skills.    All Fox84 participants must remain in good standing with exemplary behavior and good grades....

Learn more about the Fox84 Initiative at http://www.thefox84initiative.com.  See our photos at https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/4015.

Fox Formal 2019

Oh, what a night it was at the Fox Formal!  Glamour and Glitz was the theme and our students came decked out in wonderful attire and had a great time.   8th graders Ervin Kinney and Ty'Anna Legette were crowned as our King and Queen.  There was plenty of good food, a great DJ and professional photo sessions.  Even our chaperones had a wonderful time at the Glitz & Glamour Fox Formal 2019.  See the photos at https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/4013

Parents, go to https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/domain/2359 to see brochures with information about the upcoming SC PASS and SC READY tests.

8th Grade Enjoys SC State House Museum Field Trip

Our 8th grade field trip to the SC state House Museum made for fun and learning.  Just take a look at our eager scholars who were fascinated by all the many displays and things to learn about our great state, its history, and its many natural resources.  See photos here  

National Theater for Children Teaches Energy Conservation

The National Theater for Children performed a fun presentation on energy and conservation of our natural resources. The show, sponsored by Duke Energy, has as its mission to educate our young people about the importance of conserving and preserving our natural resources, and how we can make a positive impact on our environment though energy-saving best practices.  Students helped with the skits and at the end of the show, all students received instructions for receiving a free energy kit for their home.  The kit is available to all Duke Energy customers.  Get your own FREE kit at myenergykit.org!

Mrs. Ocean Recognized for Going Above and Beyond

Our own Ms. Abigail Ocean,was in for a big surprise at the last  Board Meeting for Marion County Staff Recognition event when she was awarded recognition for Going Above and Beyond in Marion County Schools.  JMS is proud of you and thanks you for all you do for us here at Johnakin.  Way to go, Mrs. Ocean!

Foxes of the Week, Get Ready for the Drawing!

 The end of this school year, all Foxes of the Week will be eligible for the drawing of a brand new 42” TV.  The more times you are a Fox of the Week, the more times your name will be entered in the drawing!  This great incentive prize has been given to us by the New Year New Communities Give Back Committee, a local organization that promotes caring and sharing in Marion County.  Here is Mrs. Dozier posing with the TV and also gift certificates to be in a drawing of 3^rd Quarter Honor Roll students.

We ARE Johnakin!

So much to Learn About on Career Day Spring 2019!

Air Reach Helicopter landed in style at JMS for our Career Day to show off high-flying careers in piloting helicopters!  Air Reach was but one of many visitors who shared their career knowledge with Johnakin students .  What a great day it was for learning about future fun careers.

 See more at https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/3990

Mrs. Vickie Skipper is Teacher of the Year!

Mrs. Skipper is originally from Hagerstown, Maryland and graduated from Towson University in Baltimore in 1977 with a BS degree in Health Science.  She received her MEd in 1983 from Francis Marion University.

After teaching a year at JV Martin Junior High in Dillon, SC, Mrs. Skipper started at Johnakin in the1981-82 school year and has been with us ever since for 39 years of teaching.  She teaches 7^th and 8^th grade Science and is our competitive and support Cheer Team coach, our Academic Challenge team coach, and is in charge of the annual Science Fair.  These teams have garnered many top awards and honors for JMS under Mrs. Skipper’s leadership.

Way to go, Mrs. Skipper!  Together, we ARE Johnakin!

See photos under our Staff link

2018-19 JMS Science Fair a Show of Brilliant Minds 

The Johnakin Middle School Science Fair was held in our gymnasium and celebrated with a wonderful Awards Ceremony.  

First Place overall winner was as eighth grader Emily Britt with a Microbiology project titled “Five Second Rule – Would You Take a Chance?”  Alissa Crawford, eighth grade, was the second place overall winner with a Behavioral/Social Science project titled “Music Score.”  Eighth grader Hannah Coleman was the third place overall winner with a Zoology/Microbiology project titled “Watch Your Mouth.”....see the full article

8^th Grade Field Trip to Career Expo a Successful Venture

The JMS 8^th grade enjoyed a recent field trip to the regional Career Expo held in Myrtle Beach.  Students were treated to hands-on learning about the many careers offered. Featured were animals and forestry, environmental, food service, banking, first responders and police force, medicine, and science and technology.  As the photos will attest, our Foxes were fully engaged in exploring new possibilities for their futures.

Explore the photos yourself to see what our students learned here.

Black History comes alive when Aunt Pearlie Sue comes to visit! 

JMS welcomed the esteemed Aunt Pearlie Sue who introduced our students to theater and the performing arts -- while learning history!  In a grant made possible by the SC Arts Commission, Anita Singleton-Prather made the Gullah culture and SC moments in Black History come to life.  What an honor to learn history from Aunt Pearlie Sue!

Learn more about the Ase'-Gullah Education & Gullah Traveling Theater at https://gullahtravelingtheater.org/

See our photos at https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/3974 

Q2 Awards Ceremony

Our Honor Roll Awards for 2nd Quarter was held recently.  Special recognition went to 8th grader Ann Marie Harrell who is a 2018 – 2019 South Carolina Junior Scholar based on her October 2018 PSAT performance. To receive this honor, an 8^th grade student must receive a PSAT score of at least 550 on Evidence-based Reading and Writing (ERW) or 530 for Math. Ann Marie will be recognized April 8, 2019 at Francis Marion University.

See the many photos of the ceremony here.

Sweetheart St. Valentine's Dance

What a blast!  Our Sweetheart St. Valentine's Dance was such a hit we had to publish two photo galleries to show off our young Foxes having a great time.  There was plenty of great food, great music from a talented DJ, and plenty of Foxes were on hand to show everyone that JMS knows how to ROCK!  Judging from the smiles, !  Let's do it again real soon!

See the fun here!

Ms. Napier's Class Studies Wide Impact of Inventions

Ms. Napier’s classes are learning to see the “big picture” of a lesson.  Starting with the Scholastic Magazine story of “The Greatest Invention Ever”, students applied their research skill and followed the trail of events and learned how the invention of the toilet and subsequent sewer system changes the lives of millions then and continues now.  Students expanded their research to learn about the interconnection  of one invention from sanitation, to sewer fatburgs, to diseases, to our own body systems.  Students incorporated knowledge in math, vocabulary, research, team collaboration and even teaching skills to complete their projects. Mastering these critical thinking skills build a foundation for our young Foxes’ future work and lives.

See more at https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/3965

Ladies First Visits SC State House

Our Ladies First recently visited the SC State House in Columbia and learned  about the history of the SC State Legislature and toured the beautiful buildings and campus.  Our Ladies especially liked the architecture and viewing the many historical artifacts on display that tell the story of our state’s lawmakers. 

 See the visit at https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/3957

Fox84 Initiative Visits JMS

The Fox84 Initiative recently visited JMS and treated its members to an afternoon of team-building exercises.  The non-profit, established right here in Marion County, aims to mentor youth to equip them with skill to make the right decisions and look forward to a bright future.  The Fox84 integrates mentoring as a holistic approach to driving achievement, building personal relationships. Mentoring is a powerful way to enhance the lives of all types of young people.  Several JMS students enjoyed a mentoring trip to Washington, DC last November. 

Learn more about The Fox84 Initiative at https://www.thefox84initiative.com/

See the activities in our Gallery at https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/3951

JMS Jr. Beta Club Attends Myrtle Beach Convention 

The Jr. Beta Club recently sent 27 delegates to the state convention at Myrtle Beach.  Our members presented in Marketing Communication, Performing Arts as a group and a solo, Apparel competition, and Visual Arts, representing the theme this year, “Fueling the Future”. 

We ARE  Johnakin!

Learn about Jr. Beta at http://sponsors.betaclub.org/conv/schedule/jr/SC.pdf

Ann Marie Harrell Wins Spelling Bee

Congratulations to our Spelling Bee Winner, Anne Marie Harrell, and to Tyler Hayward, who took 2nd place, and to Legend Lewis, 3^rd place. Ann Marie’s winning word was ‘captivity’.  She will go on to the Regional Spelling Bee competition.

Learn more about the Spelling Bee at https://spellingbee.com/

JMS Staff Holiday Party

Our evening was merry and bright as the JMS staff enjoyed fun, food and fellowship at the Marion Opera House for the annual Holiday Party.  This was a great way to start our holiday!

https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/3934

JMS Band & Chorus Give Winter Concert

Our JMS Band and Honors Chorus gave their annual Winter Concert to a packed house this last week of school.  Featured were some old favorite songs, some with a new twist.  The music was supurb and was enjoyed by all.  An assembly was also held to feature our band and chorus for all the students and faculty to enjoy, a perfect ending to 2018!

See photos HERE.

Ladies First Spreads Holiday Cheer

Our JMS Ladies First spread holiday cheer this season with the help of our JMS staff by collecting gifts for DSS to share with children in our community.  The Ladies also made guardian angel charms for each Marion County law enforcement officer and presented these to our police force.  Thank you, Ladies, for all you do for our community.

Dr. Vogelsang & Ms. Gerald Hailed as Phenomenal Teacher and Support Staff for Marion County

A hearty congratulations to Dr. Vogelsang and Ms. Gerald, who took both tiles, Phenomenal Teacher and Phenonenal Staff, in the same week, highlighting their wonderful accomplishments here at JMS.  Ms. Gerald was nominated by Ty'Anna Legette and Dr. Vogelsang was nominated by Madison Smith.  Thank you, Dr. Vogelsang and Ms. Gerald, for the positive differences you make in these and other students' lives!

See the video HERE.

News is in the News at WMBF Studio

Breaking News! After learning about natural disaster in Mrs. Spry's Read 180 class, 
students got to take a field trip to the WMBF news station in Florence to learn how natural 
disasters are reported. Thank you to the staff at WMBF for a great day of teaching us how 
to stay informed and be mindful of the world around us.

See more photos in our Gallery HERE

8th Grade Explores History at Charles Towne Landing 

The 8th Grade visited Charles Towne Landing in Georgetown to learn about South Carolina history. The history depicted ranges from the times of indigenous peoples through Civil War times.  Groups of students went on a historical scavenger hunt that took them to early agrgiculture sites, an excavation of the early' settlers Palisade wall,  onto a colonia trade ship, past the lovely Legare Waring home, and into an animal park sheltering with bison, puma, an bears.  The students marveled at the huge "Trees of Knowledge"...... Read more and see the photos HERE

See Who's Who on the JMS Honor Roll

See the photos of our awards ceremony and a list of our current scholars HERE

Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics School for Aviation Maintenance and Electronic Technology Visits JMS

The Pittsburgh Institute of Aeronautics School for Aviation Maintenance and Electronic Technology campus in Myrtle Beach paid a visit to Mrs. Skipper's Science classes to teach about the science of. Here aerodynamics and to generate interest in this exciting career option as well. Students appled the pricipals of aeodynamics to —what else — making and flying paper air-planes! This was a fitting presentation to conclude our Career Awareness Week festivities. 

See the visit HERE.

EVOLution Hosts Their Power of Positivity Assembly at Johnakin Middle School Dedicated to the Fallen Officers of Florence Law Enforcement

EVOLution, a non-profit organization, partnered with Principal Mark Fraiser of Johnakin Middle School on November 16, 2018, for their immaculate “Power of Positivity” Assembly for their students. EVOLution started the Power of Positivity Assembly in order to shine a positive light through the darkness of the senseless trend of school shootings and bullying in hopes to show the students the essence of unity and brotherly love at a vital age no matter their race, gender, or beliefs. The mission of the assembly is to empower the students after two recent devastations in SC (Hurricane Florence and massive Florence shooting of officers) to promote positive change through positive activities......photos plus MORE

JMS Foxes Celebrate National Career Awareness Week

JMS is serious about careers (plus we have a lot of fun, too!). See our many events for this week in our Gallery HERE

JMS Honors Our Local Veterans in Ceremony

The Johnakin Middle School Family honored the veterans of our community at our annual Veteran’s Day Program.   All of JMS attended our ceremony recognizing and honoring veterans’ contributions to our nation.  Our speaker was Chief Warrant Officer Bryan Keith Gore.  The ceremony concluded with the pinning of ribbons  by Jr. Beta Club members onto the lapels of each veteran and refreshments after. JMS looks forward each year to  this opportunity to honor our veterans and to thank them for all they do.  See the highlights in our Gallery HERE.

Parent Night at JMS

All 8th graders who played a sport were honored at the last footbal game of the season at Fox Field.  The weather was warm and our Foxes played valiantly against the opposing team.  The 8th graders' proud parentswere honored as well.  See the photos in our gallery HERE.

Grits for Grandparents

JMS celebrated grandparents with its annual Grits for Grandparents breakfast.  Grits were cooking in the pot since 5:30 AM and many students treated their grandparents to a great breakfast compliments of JMS. 

Hello Fall! Speech Services Social

Mrs. Dixon's Speech Services hosted their Hello Fall! Social recently for students.  Students were treated to October themed treats and pizza with a chance to meet all their classmates together.  Staff was equally treated to the bounty and had a chance to explore Speech Services and all the program offers.  Thanks, Mrs. Dixon!  We look forward to the Spring event.

Students & Staff Go All-out for Red Ribbon Week

JMS has gone all-out to get the word out to fight drugs for Red Ribbon Week.  This year's theme is

 "Life is a Journey. Travel Drug Free" plus each day features a theme: Put a Cap on Drugs! (Krazy Hat Day and staff wears red), Sock it to Drugs! (Krazy Sock Day), Team Up Against Drugs - Winners Don't Do Drugs (Favorite Team Jersey)..... See our event highlights in our Gallery at :  https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/Page/3876

Johnakin Middle School International Day 2018 -  “A Taste of Culture” 

Mrs. Spry’s classes have transformed our band room into an international showplace for our fist annual International Day at Johnakin Middle School.  Students and learned about people from all over the world, many of them our neighbors right here in Marion including many of our teachers. Among our guests were folks from foreign countries and Dr. Bethea.....read more and see the Gallery photos here.

TyAnna Legette Elected JMS Homecoming Queen

What a night!  At our Homecoming game, after much anticipation, Tyanna Legette was named Home coming Queen with Jayla McGill as 1st Runner-up and Solaria Grant, 2nd Runner Up.  Each of our candidates plus their escorts looked wonderful, as the photos will show, and our evening was memorable for all.  See the many albums of wonderful photos in our Homecoming Gallery.  Many of the photos are featured by guest photgrapher Daisy ). Sellers-Bostik and our own JMS Camera Crew (grade 6).  See the albums here.

Homecoming Week in Full Swing

JMS has had a very busy week with all the Homecoming activites and an amazing show of school spirit and Fox Pride!  See the many activites in our Homecoming Galleries and be ready for the game and our crowning of Homecoming Queen!  We ARE Johnakin!

JMS Welcomes New Junior Beta Inductees

JMS welcomed 18 new inductees to its National Junior Beta chapter in a beautiful candlelight ceremony.  These new members have met the national  qualifications for membership as being of worthy, moral and ethical character, exemplary achievement, and commendable attitude.  Congratulations to all!

See the ceremony highlights at:  https://www.marion.k12.sc.us/domain/1157

MHS Teacher Cadets Visit JMS

 
Teacher Cadets from Marion High visited classrooms at Johnakin today to observe and interact with students and to get a taste of what it is like to be a teacher.   This is a great opportunity for these students, who are considering a career in teaching, to be on the "other side of the desk".
A big shoutout goes to all our young Foxes who showed off their class skills and made our teacher cadets feel welcome....See more in our Gallery.

6th Grade TiP Scholars Announced

Congratulations to our 6^th grade 2018 Duke TiP (Talent Identification Program) 4^th – 6^th Grade Talent Search qualifiers! They are Kevin Ren (Math) and Elijah Waters (Social Studies). We are very proud of Kevin and Elijah for their academic achievement. Through this enrollment, they will be offered academic enrichment benefits and accelerated learning programs though Duke University, and are eligible to participate in above grade level testing (PSAT 8/9 test administration). Congratulations, Kevin and Elijah!

JMS Donates Supplies and Water to Local Emergency Shelters

Mr. Fraiser and the JMS staff has donated supplies and water to the local emergency shelter here in Marion to assist our storm victims who sought shelter from the effects of Hurricane Florence.  Also, on the first day our school was able to be opened since the flooding, free bottled water was distributed to all members of the community needing fresh water.  Here, the JMS Administrative Team donates a care package to the shelter on behalf of the school, and Mr. Ford poses with Red Cross Workers at the shelter where he delivered the water.  Go, Foxes!

JMS Library Receives DonorsChoose Grant

Our library has received a DonorsChoose grant to of tnew books for the JMS media center library, and is pleased to report that the project was 100% funded through the generosity of the Barker Family of Mt. Pleasant, SC.  This year and for many years to come our students will be enjoying a  wonderful collection of the books they crave.  Included are the popular Who Is/Was…” biography series, and acollection of the “39 Clues” series, Our students are over the moon with anticipation  and can’t wait to check out these books! 

Four JMS Students Qualify for Duke TiP Program

Congratulations to our Duke TiP (Talent Identification Program) 2018 - 2019 7th Grade Talent Search qualifiers!  They are: Parker Bailey (ELA, Science) , Marvin Gause (Math), Faith Hill (ELA), and Jada Leonard (Math).

Students are identified based on their SCREADY and SCPASS performance in Grades 5 or 6. These students are now eligible to take the SAT or ACT assessment and will be recognized for exceptional academic achievement, and possibly be named as a 2019 South Carolina Junior Scholar.

Congratulations, again, to our JMS Fox Scholars!

Mr. Marcus Ford is Marion County's Emerging Teacher for 2018!

Each year Marion County Schools honors a first-year techer who exemplifies the best and brightest in the field of education.  JMS is proud to present our 7th and 8th Grade Social Studies teacher Marcus Ford as the Emerging Teacher for 2018!  Mr. Ford was announced at the MCSD end-of-year assembly to the enthusiastic cheers of his fellow JMS Foxes. Here he poses with proud mom and MCSD Intructional Coach Ms. LaTonya Yates-Ford. Way to go, Mr. Ford, you are Fox Pride at its finest!