Okay… before I post this, just know it’s a little weird making a post about myself 😅
But let’s just say it together…
BBBIIIIGGGGG
BLLLUUUEEE
YYOOOUUUU
KNOOWWWWWW 💙🐾
Everything I do at GMS is real and comes from the heart. I truly care about our students like they are my own, and if I can support them in a positive way, I will always do my best to do so.
That’s all I’m gonna say
Thank you to my peers for choosing me again as Staff of the Year 2026–2027. This means more than you know.
Love always,
Mrs. Muryel Sumpter 💙✨
But let’s just say it together…
BBBIIIIGGGGG
BLLLUUUEEE
YYOOOUUUU
KNOOWWWWWW 💙🐾
Everything I do at GMS is real and comes from the heart. I truly care about our students like they are my own, and if I can support them in a positive way, I will always do my best to do so.
That’s all I’m gonna say
Thank you to my peers for choosing me again as Staff of the Year 2026–2027. This means more than you know.
Love always,
Mrs. Muryel Sumpter 💙✨
🎉🏆 CONGRATULATIONS to our Teacher of the Year 2026–2027 🏆🎉
None other than Mr. Eric Baril 👏💙
Seriously, at BIG BLUE, you have to be in it to WIN, and Mr. Baril proves that every single day. He shows up, shows out, and gives his all no matter the role.
Not only is he an outstanding STEM Teacher, he is also a Coach, a Bus Driver, and a true team player.
Talk about a TRIPLE threat 🔥🚍📚
This recognition is well deserved. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to our students and school community.
BIG BLUE vibes at their BEST 💙🐾👏
None other than Mr. Eric Baril 👏💙
Seriously, at BIG BLUE, you have to be in it to WIN, and Mr. Baril proves that every single day. He shows up, shows out, and gives his all no matter the role.
Not only is he an outstanding STEM Teacher, he is also a Coach, a Bus Driver, and a true team player.
Talk about a TRIPLE threat 🔥🚍📚
This recognition is well deserved. Thank you for your dedication, leadership, and commitment to our students and school community.
BIG BLUE vibes at their BEST 💙🐾👏
Yearbooks are now on sale through February 25th. You can purchase a yearbook starting at $50. You can purchase them online via the QR code or via Jostens with this link: https://www.jostens.com/apps/store/productBrowse/1042688/Georgetown-Middle-School/2026-Yearbook/2025081904282930788/CATALOG_SHOP
Jostens has now made it even easier with payment methods and payment plans! You can now pay with card, Apple Pay, Afterpay, Cash App, PayPal, and Venmo!
You don't want to miss out on the memories we have made this school year, because we do it big here at Georgetown Middle School. Secure your copy today because these yearbooks are going FAST. Once they are gone, they're gone!
If you have any questions or need help ordering a yearbook, you can reach out to Ms. Weissmeier (eweissmeier@gcsd.k12.sc.us)
Jostens has now made it even easier with payment methods and payment plans! You can now pay with card, Apple Pay, Afterpay, Cash App, PayPal, and Venmo!
You don't want to miss out on the memories we have made this school year, because we do it big here at Georgetown Middle School. Secure your copy today because these yearbooks are going FAST. Once they are gone, they're gone!
If you have any questions or need help ordering a yearbook, you can reach out to Ms. Weissmeier (eweissmeier@gcsd.k12.sc.us)
Our girls AND boys will play next Wednesday (Feb. 11th) for the Championship as the #1 seed.
The games will be at Andrews High School.
The games will be at Andrews High School.
💙🚗✨ HUGE THANK YOU & SHOUT OUT! ✨🚗💙
A huge shout-out to Tidelands Ford for showing our teachers so much love with the Teachers Appreciation Oil Changes. We truly appreciate your generosity and support for our educators.
Special thank you to Kelli Katherine for introducing and sponsoring this amazing opportunity for our school.
Y’all already know the VIBES 💙 BIG BLUE at its best!!! 💪🔥
A huge shout-out to Tidelands Ford for showing our teachers so much love with the Teachers Appreciation Oil Changes. We truly appreciate your generosity and support for our educators.
Special thank you to Kelli Katherine for introducing and sponsoring this amazing opportunity for our school.
Y’all already know the VIBES 💙 BIG BLUE at its best!!! 💪🔥
🌧️❄️ We may have missed a couple of days because of the weather…
but at BIG BLUE 💙 this is what we do — we still celebrate our counselors! 🎉👏
📅 February 2 – February 7
National School Counseling Week might look a little different this year, but the love and appreciation stayed the same 💙✨. We proudly celebrate our amazing counselors who show up, support, and amplify student success every single day 📚💫.
Shout-out to our BIG BLUE counseling team 🏫💙
🌟 Ms. Selph
🌟 Ms. Nettles
🌟 Mr. Cox
🌟 Mrs. Bourne
🌟 Mr. Andy
Rain, cold, or shine ☔❄️☀️ we appreciate you today and always!
but at BIG BLUE 💙 this is what we do — we still celebrate our counselors! 🎉👏
📅 February 2 – February 7
National School Counseling Week might look a little different this year, but the love and appreciation stayed the same 💙✨. We proudly celebrate our amazing counselors who show up, support, and amplify student success every single day 📚💫.
Shout-out to our BIG BLUE counseling team 🏫💙
🌟 Ms. Selph
🌟 Ms. Nettles
🌟 Mr. Cox
🌟 Mrs. Bourne
🌟 Mr. Andy
Rain, cold, or shine ☔❄️☀️ we appreciate you today and always!
Band Breaking News!!!!
Note from Mr. Bailey's Desk:
We are so proud of our 18 students from Georgetown Middle School who were selected to participate in the 2026 GCSD All-County Band at Waccamaw High School!
These talented musicians had the incredible opportunity to work with Mr. Albert Shuler from South Carolina State University, learning from his expertise and leadership throughout the event.
Congratulations to our students for representing GMS with excellence, dedication, and musicianship. You continue to make me proud each and every day, and continuously raise the standard even higher.
Note from Mr. Bailey's Desk:
We are so proud of our 18 students from Georgetown Middle School who were selected to participate in the 2026 GCSD All-County Band at Waccamaw High School!
These talented musicians had the incredible opportunity to work with Mr. Albert Shuler from South Carolina State University, learning from his expertise and leadership throughout the event.
Congratulations to our students for representing GMS with excellence, dedication, and musicianship. You continue to make me proud each and every day, and continuously raise the standard even higher.
📣 Device Check Reminder
Parents and guardians, we need your help. Please make sure your student returns their Chromebook and charger to GMS.
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
Parents and guardians, we need your help. Please make sure your student returns their Chromebook and charger to GMS.
Thank you for your support and cooperation.
In light of the move to eLearning and cancellation of school activities on Monday, February 2, 2026, we need to change the date of the Middle School Basketball Tournament.
If GCSD returns to normal operations on Tuesday, February 3
• Semi-finals: Wednesday, February 4 at RMS
• Championships: Thursday, February 5 at AHS
If GCSD is unable to return to normal operations on Tuesday, February 3 (eLearning gets extended)
• Semi-finals: Monday, February 9 at RMS
• Championships: Wednesday, February 11 at AHS
Kristi Kibler
GCSD Executive Director for Communications & Compliance
843.436.7048
If GCSD returns to normal operations on Tuesday, February 3
• Semi-finals: Wednesday, February 4 at RMS
• Championships: Thursday, February 5 at AHS
If GCSD is unable to return to normal operations on Tuesday, February 3 (eLearning gets extended)
• Semi-finals: Monday, February 9 at RMS
• Championships: Wednesday, February 11 at AHS
Kristi Kibler
GCSD Executive Director for Communications & Compliance
843.436.7048
Note from Mrs. Harrington's Desk:
We will be starting our second novel study of the year, "October Sky." Mr. Ballow came down to talk to my students about what it was like to grow up as a miner's son, in a mill-town, and what it was like after the mines and mills closed, as similar situations happen to our main character, Sonny. He spoke about the safety issues in the mines, and the students connected similar concerns we analyzed and researched when we watched the Triangle Factory Fire documentary.
We talked about the Space Race, the Cold War, and how all of these situations compounded on one another to shape the society of not only the 1950s - 1960s, but also how that affects us to this day. Mr. Ballow compared grocery prices in the 1920's, when his father was working in the mines, to today. The students could not believe Mr. Stephen Ballow, Mr. Ballow's father, only earned $2.50 a week, and was paid not by salary or hourly work, but by each car of coal he sent back to the surface denoted with his brass ID tag. The students were also able to make connections to our town regarding both the paper mill shutdown and the demolition of the steel mill.
Overall, the students loved being able to interview him, listen to what he had to say, and visualize what life was like back in the hay-day of mine and steel production in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington
Grade 7
English/GT English
ELA Department Chair
Georgetown Middle School
We will be starting our second novel study of the year, "October Sky." Mr. Ballow came down to talk to my students about what it was like to grow up as a miner's son, in a mill-town, and what it was like after the mines and mills closed, as similar situations happen to our main character, Sonny. He spoke about the safety issues in the mines, and the students connected similar concerns we analyzed and researched when we watched the Triangle Factory Fire documentary.
We talked about the Space Race, the Cold War, and how all of these situations compounded on one another to shape the society of not only the 1950s - 1960s, but also how that affects us to this day. Mr. Ballow compared grocery prices in the 1920's, when his father was working in the mines, to today. The students could not believe Mr. Stephen Ballow, Mr. Ballow's father, only earned $2.50 a week, and was paid not by salary or hourly work, but by each car of coal he sent back to the surface denoted with his brass ID tag. The students were also able to make connections to our town regarding both the paper mill shutdown and the demolition of the steel mill.
Overall, the students loved being able to interview him, listen to what he had to say, and visualize what life was like back in the hay-day of mine and steel production in Johnstown, Pennsylvania.
Mrs. Elizabeth Harrington
Grade 7
English/GT English
ELA Department Chair
Georgetown Middle School
Congratulations to our GMS Band students!!!
Message from Mr. Bailey.
Hello all!!
I didn't receive students' chair placement auditions until our arrival at WHS this morning, but wanted to share the following with you all as we had a LOT of high scorers for All County!
The following students placed FIRST CHAIR in our 2026 GCSD All County Band:
Caitlin Lambert- Flute
Briley VanBree- Oboe
Khilah White- Bass Clarinet
Jayden Collins- Baritone
Ryder Martin- Trumpet
The following were placed top 5 within their section:
Jaiden Fernandez- Flute
Braylen Nesmith- Percussion
Holly Wood- Clarinet
Morgan Brown- Alto Sax
Makenzie Green- Trumpet
Ian Cameron- Trumpet
It is evident that there are some really great things happening in the life of our program- and NONE of this would be possible without the support of you all. Thank you very much for investing in our fantastic students!
The All-County Band concert is tomorrow evening, at 6PM, at Waccamaw High. If you are able, please come and support!
Mr. Landon Bailey, Band Director
Message from Mr. Bailey.
Hello all!!
I didn't receive students' chair placement auditions until our arrival at WHS this morning, but wanted to share the following with you all as we had a LOT of high scorers for All County!
The following students placed FIRST CHAIR in our 2026 GCSD All County Band:
Caitlin Lambert- Flute
Briley VanBree- Oboe
Khilah White- Bass Clarinet
Jayden Collins- Baritone
Ryder Martin- Trumpet
The following were placed top 5 within their section:
Jaiden Fernandez- Flute
Braylen Nesmith- Percussion
Holly Wood- Clarinet
Morgan Brown- Alto Sax
Makenzie Green- Trumpet
Ian Cameron- Trumpet
It is evident that there are some really great things happening in the life of our program- and NONE of this would be possible without the support of you all. Thank you very much for investing in our fantastic students!
The All-County Band concert is tomorrow evening, at 6PM, at Waccamaw High. If you are able, please come and support!
Mr. Landon Bailey, Band Director
Basketball Update 2026:
Just to let everyone know that next week our girls and boys teams will be playing in the
GCSD Middle School Tournament sponsored by HTC.
If you are interested in attending, here is the schedule:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Location : Andrews High School
5:30 pm - GMS Girls vs. (Winner of Rosemary / Carvers Bay)
6:45 pm - GMS Boys vs. (Winner of Rosemary / Waccamaw)
Just to let everyone know that next week our girls and boys teams will be playing in the
GCSD Middle School Tournament sponsored by HTC.
If you are interested in attending, here is the schedule:
Wednesday, February 4, 2026
Location : Andrews High School
5:30 pm - GMS Girls vs. (Winner of Rosemary / Carvers Bay)
6:45 pm - GMS Boys vs. (Winner of Rosemary / Waccamaw)
5:00-6:00pm * CTE Curriculum Night
Drop in to learn about our CTE programs and pathways! All are welcome.
5:00-6:00pm * PACE Informational Session with HGTC Representatives
Location: GHS Auditorium
11th and 12th Grade Students and Parents/Guardians interested in Dual Enrollment courses
6:00-6:30pm * Rising 9th Grade Parent / Guardian Meeting
Location: GHS Auditorium
6:00-6:30pm * Rising 10th Grade Parent / Guardian Meeting
Location: GHS Media Center
ONE NIGHT, MULTIPLE EVENTS
THUR, FEB 12, 2026
GEORGETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Title
Drop in to learn about our CTE programs and pathways! All are welcome.
5:00-6:00pm * PACE Informational Session with HGTC Representatives
Location: GHS Auditorium
11th and 12th Grade Students and Parents/Guardians interested in Dual Enrollment courses
6:00-6:30pm * Rising 9th Grade Parent / Guardian Meeting
Location: GHS Auditorium
6:00-6:30pm * Rising 10th Grade Parent / Guardian Meeting
Location: GHS Media Center
ONE NIGHT, MULTIPLE EVENTS
THUR, FEB 12, 2026
GEORGETOWN HIGH SCHOOL
Title
GMS had the opportunity to participate once again in this amazing experience, and our BIG BLUE 8th graders had a ball! 💙🐾
On January 14–15, our students attended Pathways to Possibilities (P2P) at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, presented by the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation.
P2P is an interactive career exploration event that helps students connect their passions to a paycheck 💼✨ Through hands-on activities and real conversations with professionals, our 8th graders explored a wide range of career paths, learned what a day on the job looks like, and discovered the education and training needed to reach their goals.
BIG BLUE is all about exposure, opportunity, and preparing our students for what’s next—and this experience delivered just that! 💙👏
On January 14–15, our students attended Pathways to Possibilities (P2P) at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center, presented by the Frances P. Bunnelle Foundation.
P2P is an interactive career exploration event that helps students connect their passions to a paycheck 💼✨ Through hands-on activities and real conversations with professionals, our 8th graders explored a wide range of career paths, learned what a day on the job looks like, and discovered the education and training needed to reach their goals.
BIG BLUE is all about exposure, opportunity, and preparing our students for what’s next—and this experience delivered just that! 💙👏
Our problem? 😅
We LOVE doing everything BIG at BIG BLUE 💙🐾
Sometimes it catches up with us! But we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Last night was all about celebrating the heart of BIG BLUE ✨
We showed love to our 8th graders, who played their last home game, and took time to honor our teachers and student-athletes.
The B-Team Girls fought hard… didn’t get the win, but they’re still moving on to the Championship Tournament 👏🏽🔥
And the B-Team Boys? Let’s just say they’re lighting the trail straight to the championship too 🏀💪🏽
Take a look at the love, the support, and the FAMILY we have here at BIG BLUE 💙
Because around here… we don’t just show up…we SHOW OUT! 💙🐾
We LOVE doing everything BIG at BIG BLUE 💙🐾
Sometimes it catches up with us! But we wouldn’t have it any other way!
Last night was all about celebrating the heart of BIG BLUE ✨
We showed love to our 8th graders, who played their last home game, and took time to honor our teachers and student-athletes.
The B-Team Girls fought hard… didn’t get the win, but they’re still moving on to the Championship Tournament 👏🏽🔥
And the B-Team Boys? Let’s just say they’re lighting the trail straight to the championship too 🏀💪🏽
Take a look at the love, the support, and the FAMILY we have here at BIG BLUE 💙
Because around here… we don’t just show up…we SHOW OUT! 💙🐾
🦸🏽♂️🦸🏽♀️ It’s a bird… it’s a plane… NOPE — it’s a SPELLING BEE at BIG BLUE! 🐝💙
And yes… we were being EXTRA, so go on and read all about it 👀✨
This past Friday, January 23, 2026, Georgetown Middle School hosted a SPECTACULAR Spelling Bee, and these students showed UP and showed OUT 📚🔥
A huge shoutout to the one and only Mrs. Harrington for heading it up and keeping the letters in line 👏🏽👏🏽
👏🏽 Congratulations to ALL students who participated
💙 Thank you to our parents, families, and loved ones for coming out and supporting our scholars
🥇 1st Place: Skyle Holmes
🥈 2nd Place: Gavin Whisner
🥉 3rd Place: Kaydence McBride
BIG BRAINS. BIG CONFIDENCE. BIG BLUE ENERGY.
You know how we do 💙📘🐾
And yes… we were being EXTRA, so go on and read all about it 👀✨
This past Friday, January 23, 2026, Georgetown Middle School hosted a SPECTACULAR Spelling Bee, and these students showed UP and showed OUT 📚🔥
A huge shoutout to the one and only Mrs. Harrington for heading it up and keeping the letters in line 👏🏽👏🏽
👏🏽 Congratulations to ALL students who participated
💙 Thank you to our parents, families, and loved ones for coming out and supporting our scholars
🥇 1st Place: Skyle Holmes
🥈 2nd Place: Gavin Whisner
🥉 3rd Place: Kaydence McBride
BIG BRAINS. BIG CONFIDENCE. BIG BLUE ENERGY.
You know how we do 💙📘🐾
Dear Families & Students:
We are running the Domino’s pizza fundraiser and we need your help! It’s time for one last push over the weekend!
Check out the details here: The Slice the Price Card: Fundraising Made Easy - Day 9
Last Pizza Professor Challenge!
👉 Check out our progress on the dashboard here:
https://dash.dominos.cards/50109
Let’s finish strong, Big Blue style! 💙
We are running the Domino’s pizza fundraiser and we need your help! It’s time for one last push over the weekend!
Check out the details here: The Slice the Price Card: Fundraising Made Easy - Day 9
Last Pizza Professor Challenge!
👉 Check out our progress on the dashboard here:
https://dash.dominos.cards/50109
Let’s finish strong, Big Blue style! 💙
🐾🏀 BIG BLUE ON THE MOVE! 🏀🐾
Bulldogs hit the road to Carvers Bay last night and whewww 😮🔥
Our Lady Bulldogs fought HARD and came up just 1 point short — heads high, ladies, that grit was on full display 💪🏽💙
Now let’s talk about the BOYS 👀
The Bulldog Boys Basketball Team handled business and took down the Bears in a dominant win 🐶🔥
That puts them 5–0 in conference play — UNDEFEATED and locked in 😤
🎯 Boys GAME BALLS GO TO:
🏀 Ashton Johnson – 8th Grade
🏀 Edward Eaton – 8th Grade
🏀 A’Mil Miller – 8th Grade
🏠 Next stop: HOME GAME
📍 Rosemary Middle School
📅 Next Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026
Girls start at 5:30 PM, and Boys are to follow.
Season Finale
BIG BLUE, LET’S PACK THE HOUSE 💙🐾
Bulldogs hit the road to Carvers Bay last night and whewww 😮🔥
Our Lady Bulldogs fought HARD and came up just 1 point short — heads high, ladies, that grit was on full display 💪🏽💙
Now let’s talk about the BOYS 👀
The Bulldog Boys Basketball Team handled business and took down the Bears in a dominant win 🐶🔥
That puts them 5–0 in conference play — UNDEFEATED and locked in 😤
🎯 Boys GAME BALLS GO TO:
🏀 Ashton Johnson – 8th Grade
🏀 Edward Eaton – 8th Grade
🏀 A’Mil Miller – 8th Grade
🏠 Next stop: HOME GAME
📍 Rosemary Middle School
📅 Next Wednesday, Jan 28, 2026
Girls start at 5:30 PM, and Boys are to follow.
Season Finale
BIG BLUE, LET’S PACK THE HOUSE 💙🐾
🎉📣 Fundraiser Update, Families! 📣🎉
Right now, Mrs. Crabtree’s class is in the LEAD for the most sales 🏆👏
Let’s keep the grind going and push hard to reach our goal. Every sale counts, and the competition is heating up 🔥
Our fundraiser is looking GREAT, and we’re so proud of our students and families for showing up and showing out 💪💙
👉 Check out our progress on the dashboard here:
https://dash.dominos.cards/50109
Let’s finish strong, Big Blue style! 💙
Right now, Mrs. Crabtree’s class is in the LEAD for the most sales 🏆👏
Let’s keep the grind going and push hard to reach our goal. Every sale counts, and the competition is heating up 🔥
Our fundraiser is looking GREAT, and we’re so proud of our students and families for showing up and showing out 💪💙
👉 Check out our progress on the dashboard here:
https://dash.dominos.cards/50109
Let’s finish strong, Big Blue style! 💙
Good afternoon parents,
Please note that **after-school tutoring has been canceled for today**.
AST will **resume tomorrow, 1/21**.
Thank you for your understanding.
Please note that **after-school tutoring has been canceled for today**.
AST will **resume tomorrow, 1/21**.
Thank you for your understanding.