7 Essential Facts About Leslie M. Stover Middle School (Latest 2025 Update)
Leslie M. Stover Middle School (LMSMS), a key institution within the Kershaw County School District (KCSD) in Elgin, South Carolina, continues to be a central part of the community’s educational landscape. As of , the school is focused on refining its academic structure, enhancing student engagement through diverse extracurriculars, and maintaining a supportive environment for its diverse student body. Recent updates highlight the school's commitment to literacy, new athletic leadership, and an innovative approach to student enrichment through its 'Den' program.
Serving students in grades 6 through 8, LMSMS is dedicated to preparing its nearly 700 students for high school success. The school operates with a student-teacher ratio of 17:1 and is continually evolving its curriculum and administrative structure to meet the needs of the Elgin community. This deep dive provides the most current information, covering everything from academic performance and leadership to the legacy of the school’s namesake.
Leslie M. Stover Middle School at a Glance: Leadership and Legacy
Leslie M. Stover Middle School is located at 1649 Smyrna Road in Elgin, South Carolina, and is an integral part of the Kershaw County School District. The school’s administration is currently led by a dedicated team focused on maintaining a high-quality learning environment and fostering community involvement.
- School Name: Leslie M. Stover Middle School (LMSMS)
- Location: Elgin, SC (Kershaw County)
- Grades Served: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade
- Current Enrollment: Approximately 692 students
- School District: Kershaw County School District (KCSD)
- Current Principal: Dr. Chantelle Zimmer (chantelle.baker@kcsdschools.net)
- School Status: Title 1 School
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
- Namesake: Leslie M. Stover, honored for his dedication to the children and community of Elgin.
The Enduring Legacy of Leslie M. Stover
The middle school is named in honor of Leslie M. Stover, a figure revered in the Elgin community for his lifetime of service. The decision to name the new school after him was a direct recognition of his deep commitment to the children and overall well-being of the area. His legacy is intended to inspire the students and staff, emphasizing community dedication and service as core values of the institution.
Academic Performance and Curriculum Initiatives
LMSMS utilizes a variety of programs and instructional strategies to support student learning and address the needs of its diverse population. The school’s performance is regularly evaluated by the state, providing a clear picture of its academic standing within South Carolina.
Current Performance Snapshot
According to the South Carolina School Report Cards, Leslie M. Stover Middle School has received an overall performance rating of "Average" for the 2024–2025 school year, with an average score of 44. This is a slight increase from the 2022–2023 score of 41. The school’s performance is measured across key indicators, including Academic Achievement, Preparing For Success, and Multilingual Learners' Progress. While some reports place LMSMS within the bottom 50% of public schools in South Carolina, other rating platforms, such as Niche, categorize the school as "above average," reflecting a complex performance profile.
The Innovative "Den" Program
A cornerstone of the school's instructional strategy is the daily "Den" class. This dedicated time is designed to provide comprehensive student support and enrichment that goes beyond the standard core curriculum. Key components of the Den classes include:
- Silent Sustained Reading (SSR): Promoting literacy and independent reading skills.
- Advisor/Advisee Time: Building strong student-teacher relationships and providing personalized guidance.
- Curriculum Enrichment: Offering deeper dives into academic subjects or specialized topics.
- Daily PASS Reviews: Focused preparation and review for state-mandated performance assessments.
As a Title 1 school, LMSMS is committed to providing an enriched and accelerated educational program to ensure all children meet challenging state academic performance standards. The school also maintains peer mentoring programs to assist students with their academic needs, further solidifying its focus on individualized support.
Student Life, Athletics, and Community Involvement
Student life at Leslie M. Stover Middle School is vibrant, with a strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, athletics, and community engagement. These programs are vital for developing well-rounded students and fostering a sense of belonging.
A Dynamic Range of Student Clubs
LMSMS provides a variety of clubs and organizations that allow students to explore their interests, develop leadership skills, and participate in fun activities every other Friday. Key student organizations include:
- Student Council: Developing leadership and representing the student body.
- Poetry Club: Fostering creative writing and appreciation for literature.
- Opportunity Club: Focused on service and personal development.
- Recycle Club: Promoting environmental awareness and sustainability efforts.
- Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO): A critical link between the school and the community, supporting various initiatives.
Stover Tiger Athletics
The school’s athletic programs, known as the Stover Tiger Athletics, offer competitive sports opportunities for middle school students, often with games scheduled as double-headers alongside high school events. The administration is actively seeking new leadership for its sports teams, with recent job postings for Head Football, Head Volleyball, and Head Cheerleading coaches for the 2024–2025 school year, signaling a renewed focus on competitive sports.
Community and Safety Updates
Recent community news has focused on the school’s efforts to promote literacy, such as the "Tis the Season for Reading!" initiative that provided books to students for the holiday break. The school also maintains open communication regarding student safety, including a recent incident where a student was recovering after a collision near the school, reminding the community of the need for continued vigilance around the campus.
Leslie M. Stover Middle School continues to serve as a foundational educational institution in Elgin, South Carolina. Under the leadership of Dr. Chantelle Zimmer and the Kershaw County School District, the school’s focus remains on academic enrichment through programs like the Den class, while also promoting robust student involvement through its clubs and Stover Tiger Athletics. Its commitment to the legacy of Leslie M. Stover ensures that community service and dedication remain at the heart of its mission as it prepares its students for the challenges of high school and beyond.
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