Profile: Laurens Middle School “An environment for learning…”
We did not have to go far to find the definitive source of information for Laurens Middle School (LMS). Current Director of Operations, Dr. Rhett Harris, served as the Principal of LMS for 14 years. It was only in the 2017-2018 school year that Harris turned over the reins to current Principal Anna Brink, who also has a long and rich history with the school. The first thing that both Harris and Brink reminded us of was the important role Bill Ramey played in the history of LMS as both a teacher and the school’s Principal. Ramey’s picture still hangs in the LMS lobby and honors his contributions to LMS and to this community. On his most recent visit to LMS, Ramey actually presented the Bill Ramey Award to his granddaughter, Anna Jenkins.
Other notable influencers at LMS include Nancy Thompson who worked as a teacher, guidance counselor, and Assistant Principal at “Laurens Junior High School” for 16 years. Thompson is also the Mother of current Principal Anna Brink. Mrs. Tina Childress, who retired from LMS at the end of the 2017-2018 school year, worked for LMS (and only LMS) for 34 years and taught Brink 7th grade social studies. Dr. Harris cites the contributions of Rhonda Lynch, his longtime administrative assistant, and Flor Ortiz, the current LMS custodian, as critical to the culture at LMS. Harris also commended Charles Smith, who preceded Ortiz as the LMS custodian. Harris and Brink both mentioned Renee Madden, current LCSD 55 Director of Human Resources, and Dr. Ameca Thomas, current Director of Research, Testing, and Accountability as former staff members who have gone on to greater heights.
When it comes to students, Harris indicated that the number of students who stick in his mind would be “too many to mention.” Brink added, “We have had many students who have accomplished great success through programs like Duke TIP, Junior Scholar, Governor’s School for the Arts and Humanities, athletics, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Rotary Top Ten, and recognition as valedictorian or salutatorian at Laurens District High School. We are proud of the accomplishments of all our students.”
LMS is approximately 60,000 square feet and it opened its doors to students in 1954 as Laurens High School. On the recent Facilities Assessment Report conducted at the request of the legislature and issued by the State Department of Education, LMS received an average score of 2.4 (between “poor” and “fair”) on the state rating. Three (3) of the five (5) overall categories were rated a three (3) – “fair.” These included the building envelope, interior, and infrastructure. The facility scored a two (2) – “poor” – on security/life safety and a one (1) – “not operational” – in building accessibility. The issues with building accessibility involve distance to entryway, non-standard ramps between wings, and the restrooms are not fully accessible. The building/life safety issues involved an antiquated fire alarm system, improperly located exit signs, and doors and windows were not adequately secure.
LCSD 55 serves the communities of Laurens, Waterloo, Gray Court, Hickory Tavern and their surrounding residents in the northwestern half of Laurens County, SC.
Contact: Ed Murray, ermurray@laurens55.org, Phone: 864-984-8102
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