Get to know Mrs. Norris!
"I am a married mom of 3 with a love of Jesus, passion for the arts, and a strong belief that my ministry is helping and serving others. I'm outgoing, laugh way too loud, and always have an unfinished art project going on.
I am a first generation college graduate in my family. I grew up with all the odds against me with nothing but a will to succeed and ignorance of the obstacles ahead of me. Connecting with people right where they are, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, or any other identifying factor, is one of the most rewarding qualities God blessed me with. Connecting with students for career based education can change the trajectory of one child's life just like my college career changed mine.
I'm so excited to build relationships with new students and see all of Abner Creek Academy's old students flourishing at middle schoolers!"
"I am a married mom of 3 with a love of Jesus, passion for the arts, and a strong belief that my ministry is helping and serving others. I'm outgoing, laugh way too loud, and always have an unfinished art project going on.
I am a first generation college graduate in my family. I grew up with all the odds against me with nothing but a will to succeed and ignorance of the obstacles ahead of me. Connecting with people right where they are, no matter their age, gender, ethnicity, or any other identifying factor, is one of the most rewarding qualities God blessed me with. Connecting with students for career based education can change the trajectory of one child's life just like my college career changed mine.
I'm so excited to build relationships with new students and see all of Abner Creek Academy's old students flourishing at middle schoolers!"
Gina Carter, welcome to ACMS! A note from Mrs. Carter:
"I am beginning my 32nd year in education, and most of my experience has been teaching 6th grade ELA. I believe that building strong relationships with both students and families is the key to a successful school year. I love sharing stories about my life, my family, and my favorite pup, Leo, because I enjoy creating a classroom environment where students feel connected and comfortable. Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, traveling, and attending concerts. I am excited to be part of the pack at Abner Creek and look forward to an amazing year!
I honestly think I was born knowing I wanted to be a teacher. As a child, I played “school” all the time and always made my sister be the student. I even used to write on my closet doors pretending they were the chalkboard in my classroom. Teaching has always felt natural to me, and after 32 years in education, I still love building relationships with students and helping them grow both academically and personally.
I am most excited about becoming part of a strong, supportive team and building consistency for both myself and my students. I look forward to collaborating with others, forming meaningful relationships within the school community, and working together to create a positive and successful year for students. I am excited for a fresh start and to become part of the pack at Abner Creek."
"I am beginning my 32nd year in education, and most of my experience has been teaching 6th grade ELA. I believe that building strong relationships with both students and families is the key to a successful school year. I love sharing stories about my life, my family, and my favorite pup, Leo, because I enjoy creating a classroom environment where students feel connected and comfortable. Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, reading, traveling, and attending concerts. I am excited to be part of the pack at Abner Creek and look forward to an amazing year!
I honestly think I was born knowing I wanted to be a teacher. As a child, I played “school” all the time and always made my sister be the student. I even used to write on my closet doors pretending they were the chalkboard in my classroom. Teaching has always felt natural to me, and after 32 years in education, I still love building relationships with students and helping them grow both academically and personally.
I am most excited about becoming part of a strong, supportive team and building consistency for both myself and my students. I look forward to collaborating with others, forming meaningful relationships within the school community, and working together to create a positive and successful year for students. I am excited for a fresh start and to become part of the pack at Abner Creek."
Next up, we welcome Ashton Carovillano!
"I have been teaching for 14 years and my favorite part is building relationships with my students and their families. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and my master’s degree in instructional technology. When I’m not at school, I stay busy with my 3 year old son and my 8 year old daughter, who attends Reidville Elementary. Our family also has three rescue dogs, Brewer, Az, and Hamilton, and we foster for a local rescue. I enjoy being outside with my family, caring for my plants, and cheering on my favorite baseball, football, and hockey teams!
I’m excited to step into a new role that combines teaching with one of my greatest interests - technology! I have loved learning about computers ever since I was young thanks to my dad. Watching him build computers and create new programs always sparked my curiosity. I'm really looking forward to sharing that excitement with my students and helping spark the same curiosity and enthusiasm in them!"
"I have been teaching for 14 years and my favorite part is building relationships with my students and their families. I earned my bachelor’s degree from Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania and my master’s degree in instructional technology. When I’m not at school, I stay busy with my 3 year old son and my 8 year old daughter, who attends Reidville Elementary. Our family also has three rescue dogs, Brewer, Az, and Hamilton, and we foster for a local rescue. I enjoy being outside with my family, caring for my plants, and cheering on my favorite baseball, football, and hockey teams!
I’m excited to step into a new role that combines teaching with one of my greatest interests - technology! I have loved learning about computers ever since I was young thanks to my dad. Watching him build computers and create new programs always sparked my curiosity. I'm really looking forward to sharing that excitement with my students and helping spark the same curiosity and enthusiasm in them!"
We have had a great start to our school year, and it's been a true group effort! We've added some new members to our Pack this year, and it's time to meet our new faculty!
First up... Ms. Taylor Dacus!
Hi! My name is Taylor Dacus. I am from Irmo, SC. I graduated from Lander University with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Early Childhood Education with Special Needs. I have also received a Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education from NC State University.
My passion for teaching is deeply rooted in the influence of two remarkable women: my mother, a dedicated educator of 33 years, and my Nanny, a retired special education teacher. Their commitment to students inspired me profoundly. Additionally, having been a resource student myself, navigating education with the support of IEPs and 504 plans, I developed a unique understanding of the impact a dedicated teacher can have. This personal experience has fueled my desire to make a difference in the lives of students, just as others did for me.
I'm incredibly excited to join Abner Creek Middle School as a resource teacher. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
First up... Ms. Taylor Dacus!
Hi! My name is Taylor Dacus. I am from Irmo, SC. I graduated from Lander University with a Bachelors of Science in Interdisciplinary Studies Early Childhood Education with Special Needs. I have also received a Masters of Arts in Teaching Special Education from NC State University.
My passion for teaching is deeply rooted in the influence of two remarkable women: my mother, a dedicated educator of 33 years, and my Nanny, a retired special education teacher. Their commitment to students inspired me profoundly. Additionally, having been a resource student myself, navigating education with the support of IEPs and 504 plans, I developed a unique understanding of the impact a dedicated teacher can have. This personal experience has fueled my desire to make a difference in the lives of students, just as others did for me.
I'm incredibly excited to join Abner Creek Middle School as a resource teacher. I'm looking forward to the opportunity to create an inclusive and supportive learning environment where every student can thrive and reach their full potential.
Recently, 7th grade math students reviewed integer operations using a cup stacking game!
Anyone interested in hearing all about the dance team.... mark your calendars for Aug. 27th from 4:15-5:00. This is for new students and parents only. Current members do not need to attend. See you there!
Mark your calendars and come cheer on the Wolves!!!! 🐺
Students in Mrs. Williams’ 7th grade Design & Modeling classes used the design process to create a foot orthosis for a child with Cerebral Palsy. They presented them today while the class evaluated them using a decision matrix.
Ms. Loving's class had a blast introducing measuring spoons and cups last week!
Open season for Boys Wrestling will begin Wednesday, September 2nd. Practices will be in the wrestling room at Byrnes High School and will run 4:00-5:30 on Mondays, Wednesdays and Fridays during the month of September.
Middle school athletes can ride the activity bus over for these workouts and parents/guardians will pick up from Byrnes High School.
Anyone interested in wrestling can attend these practices. Athletes must have a current physical and all forms completed on Arbiter in order to participate. Please reach out to Coach Pruitt at Kane.Pruitt@spart5.net with any questions.
Middle school athletes can ride the activity bus over for these workouts and parents/guardians will pick up from Byrnes High School.
Anyone interested in wrestling can attend these practices. Athletes must have a current physical and all forms completed on Arbiter in order to participate. Please reach out to Coach Pruitt at Kane.Pruitt@spart5.net with any questions.
🧪 Mrs. Landon’s 8th-grade scientists mixed things up in the lab! Students worked collaboratively to create solutions while putting their measuring skills and ability to follow directions to the test. Precision, teamwork, and a little science made for a great day of learning! 🔬🥼✨
Officer Moreno came to Mrs. Carter's ELA classes to talk about fingerprinting as they prepare to write their first personal narrative. Students learned about how everyone’s fingerprints are unique. He even fingerprinted the 6th graders too!
Students enjoyed collaborating in Mrs. Duncan's class as they compared two themes within a story today!
Parents, please be on the lookout for these forms to come home this week!
Our PTO does amazing things to help our students, and these shirts are a great way to support them and show your school spirit! We'd love to have our join our PTO as well! 🐺
Attention 8th grade parents:
The registration window to sign your 8th grade child up for PSAT is currently open.
The PSAT is an optional test that provides your child practice taking the SAT. The test measures student's reading, writing and math abilities. The fee for the PSAT is $18. This fee is waived if your child is enrolled in English 1, Algebra 1 or Geometry. The deadline to sign up your child to take the PSAT is September 15, 2026. The test will be administered at the school on October 20, 2026. Please follow the link or QR code to sign up. If you have any questions reach out to Mr. Beeson, 8th grade School Counselor at bryan.beeson@spart5.net .
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSebT8IVSgCdBwzPXrxo8OgFPFhxrHyDspaYSWzZJdVL5XPvQw/viewform?usp=send_form
Ms. Stewart's classes also worked on hexagonal thinking to find connections they have between themselves and their classmates!
It's that time of year! Audition time!
Auditions will be held August 25 from 3:30 to 5:30. Please make sure that you stop by Ms. Emerson's room and grab an audition sheet and pay attention to the requirements as well!
After school weightlifting is starting August 17, from 4:00 to 5:00 at the high school!
Happy birthday to our 7th grade assistant principal, Ms. McLeer! We are so thankful for all you do and hope you have an amazing day!
Mrs.Linkous' students jumped into a fun Hexagonal Thinking activity as they worked together to make connections, share ideas, and—most importantly—get to know one another!
Activities like this help students discover what they have in common, appreciate each other’s unique perspectives, and begin building the relationships that create a strong classroom community. 🤝
We’re excited to see these connections grow throughout the year and use this strategy for content related activities as well!
#ClassroomCommunity #HexagonalThinking #BuildingConnections
