FLORENCE, S.C. (WBTW) – Southside Middle School in Florence is now part of an elite club. The Middle School is one of only 50 schools in the entire world to get Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM) certified through AdvancED.org. The certification will provide teacher workshops to help Seventh and Eighth grade students move toward careers in STEM. School administrators prepared for the certification for the past three years. Southside received certification after a team from AdvancED spent Monday and Tuesday, evaluating students, parents and teachers use of STEM.
Principal Craig Washington said this milestone in his career because 10 years ago when he started at Southside Middle the school was failing.
“It’s definitely a great feeling. I think that every individual should be willing to give back. Someone gave me an opportunity, so I am paying it forward by giving the students here an opportunity to be successful,” Washington explained.
“I know there are people in my life that have transformed and helped me become the person I am today. So, by giving back ,hopefully I am able to help a student realize their dreams and potential,” Washington adds.
Washington said the STEM certification will serve as a guide toward a new Southside Middle School. The goal is to have a new facility that accommodates robotics in the next three years.