WHAT IS HEYWARD GIBBES?
Heyward Gibbes is a middle school in the Richland One school district in Columbia, SC, located approximately 2 miles north of our church on Summerlea Drive. The middle school has a total enrollment of around 250 students.
WHY HEYWARD GIBBES?
Heyward Gibbes is not only the closest middle school to our church, it is also the lowest rated middle school in Richland County, with 100% of students enrolled being economically disadvantaged. Its almost like God placed us here to partner with this school, and it would be wrong for us not to.
Math Scores
Math proficiency is less than 7%, far below the county, state and national average.
Reading Scores
Reading proficiency is less than 20%, far below the county, state and national average.
Attendance
Consistently high rate of chronic absenteeism, significantly higher than the county, state and national average.
Low Income
100% of the students enrolled are economically disadvantaged.
Opportunities
School lacks the ability to provide advanced learning opportunities for the students.
Strong Leadership
School administration and teachers are focused on turning the school around.
Our Plan to Help
Fulfill Student Needs
Our primary focus is to fulfill the basic student needs, from a fall coat drive to a consistent collection of school supplies and travel toiletries.
Improve Attendance
Our next focus will be on trying to improve attendance rates by offering attendance incentives throughout the year.
Robot Club
We will be helping start a competitive robotics club at the school in fall of 2025, as we try to provide opportunities and excitement for advanced learning.
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HOW CAN YOU GET INVOLVED?
1 Pray
This is a big undertaking for a church of our size, but we are stepping out in faith that God will provide what is needed in one way or another. If nothing else, please pray for us and the students / teachers at Heyward Gibbes.
2 Spread the Word
It is going to take a community to turn this school around, and one of the best ways you can help is by spreading the word about our partnership with Heyward Gibbes. The more people that know, the better chance we have.
3 Support our Efforts
it is ultimately going to take donations from the community and businesses of Columbia to meet the needs of the students at Heyward Gibbes. From the fall coat drive to travel toiletries and school supplies, they all cost money and donations are accepted.
HOW TO GIVE
Church Drop-off
We will be collecting and storing the items at our church, so the easiest way is to make a purchase and drop the item off at the church during one of our weekly drop off times.
Small Group Collections
We encourage small groups of people (Churches, Sunday School Classes, neighborhoods, clubs, etc.) to come together and host a collection for Heyward Gibbes students. You can contact the church once you have collected your items to schedule a drop off time.
Online Donations
If you prefer to make an online donation, you can select the GIVE ONLINE link in the website top menu. This will take you to our online giving portal, just make sure to select the designation "Heyward Gibbes Middle School Items" and 100% of your donation will go to purchasing items for students.