5 Critical Updates For West Chatham Middle School Parents In 2025: Academic Goals, New Programs, And Principal’s Vision

West Chatham Middle School (WCMS), a leading educational institution in Pooler, Georgia, is entering the latter half of the 2024-2025 school year with renewed focus, a comprehensive improvement plan, and a clear vision for student success. As of December 17, 2025, the school is actively implementing strategies to elevate academic achievement, particularly through the district's 'Literacy is our North Star' initiative, while continuing to foster a vibrant community and competitive athletic environment.

The commitment of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS) to continuous improvement is evident in WCMS’s detailed planning, which outlines specific, measurable goals for the current academic cycle. Parents, students, and community members should be aware of these five critical updates that define the school’s direction and educational priorities for the immediate future.

The Leadership and Profile of West Chatham Middle School

West Chatham Middle School is a public school located in Pooler, GA, serving a significant portion of the Savannah-Chatham County area. It is a key institution for students in the middle grades, focusing on preparing them for high school and beyond. The school operates under the governance of the Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS).

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• School Name: West Chatham Middle School (WCMS)
• Location: Pooler, Georgia (GA)
• School District: Savannah-Chatham County Public School System (SCCPSS)
• Grades Served: 6th, 7th, and 8th Grade
• Student Enrollment (Approx.): 943 students
• Student-Teacher Ratio: Approximately 12 to 1
• School Status: Title I School (Receives federal funding to assist students in meeting academic standards)
• Key Initiatives: Literacy is our North Star, Science of Reading, Den Leaders Program.

Biography & Vision: Principal Dr. Donna Jones

The school's culture and academic direction are steered by its dedicated administration, led by Principal Dr. Donna Jones. Dr. Jones serves as the Principal of West Chatham Middle School, a role she performs with a clear mission to inspire excellence every day.

• Name: Dr. Donna Jones
• Title: Principal
• Leadership Philosophy: Focused on continuous improvement, fostering a dedicated team of educators, and creating a supportive environment for the student body.
• Current Focus: Guiding the school through its 2024-2025 School Improvement Plan (SIP) and Comprehensive Needs Assessment, with a specific emphasis on the district's literacy goals.
• Communication: Maintains an open line of communication with the WCMS community, with her email available on the official school website.

1. The 2024–2025 School Improvement Plan (SIP) and CCRPI Goals

A major focus for West Chatham Middle School during the 2024–2025 academic year is the implementation of its comprehensive School Improvement Plan (SIP). This plan is the roadmap for enhancing student achievement across all grades. A key, measurable goal within this plan is tied directly to the state's accountability metric: the College and Career Ready Performance Index (CCRPI).

Specifically, WCMS has set a goal to increase the CCRPI Content Mastery component by the end of the 2024-2025 school year. This aggressive target is a direct response to data showing that, while the school boasts a commendable student-teacher ratio of 12:1, its proficiency rates have historically been lower compared to the surrounding elementary schools. The SIP outlines the precise instructional and intervention strategies necessary to close this achievement gap and drive academic progress.

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2. The 'Literacy is our North Star' Initiative and Science of Reading

The overarching district strategy, "Literacy is our North Star," is the guiding principle for instruction at WCMS. This initiative is a system-wide effort by SCCPSS to ensure that all students have access to high-quality literacy instruction, recognizing that foundational reading skills are the bedrock of all academic success. The urgency of this focus stems from the need to improve reading proficiency rates across the county.

At West Chatham Middle School, this translates into a dedicated shift towards the Science of Reading instructional methods. This evidence-based approach focuses on explicit, systematic teaching of phonics, phonemic awareness, fluency, vocabulary, and comprehension. For middle school students, this means targeted intervention and specialized instruction to address any foundational deficits that may hinder their ability to master content in subjects like Social Studies and Science.

3. Key Program Updates and Extracurricular Success in 2025

WCMS continues to offer a robust array of programs that extend the learning environment beyond the core curriculum. The second half of the 2025 calendar year has highlighted several key areas of activity and success:

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• Athletics: The school's athletic programs are thriving. Notably, the WCMS Cross Country team achieved official results at the 2025 Georgia Middle School State Cross Country Championships, demonstrating the school's commitment to competitive sports and physical wellness.
• Band Program: The school is actively recruiting for the 2025-2026 Middle School Band, inviting new students to sign up for what is described as a fun and rewarding year of music. The Band program is a major component of the school's arts offerings and community engagement.
• Student Life: The school uses a "Den Leaders" structure to foster a positive and supportive student culture. This system helps build mentorship and community among the middle-grade students.
• Community Engagement: Events like the School Council meeting (scheduled for December 2025) and regular publication of the Wildcat Newsletter keep the community informed and involved in school operations.

4. The Importance of Title I and Family Engagement

As a Title I school, WCMS receives federal funding to support students who are at risk of not meeting academic standards. The success of the Title I program hinges on active family and community involvement.

The school's commitment to this partnership is outlined in the Title I Parent and Family Engagement Policy and the School Parent Compact. These documents, which are reviewed and revised annually, detail the shared responsibility of the school, parents, and students in ensuring academic achievement. Parents are encouraged to participate in annual Title I meetings where the plan, budget (1% Set Aside Money), and compact are discussed.

5. The 2025–2026 Student Compact and Future Planning

Looking ahead, the 2025–2026 Student Compact has already been revised and published (as of April 2025), signaling the school's proactive approach to planning. The compact is a vital agreement that outlines the expectations for student conduct, academic commitment, and the support the school will provide.

This forward-thinking approach, coupled with the ongoing Comprehensive Needs Assessment for the 2024–2025 school year, ensures that WCMS is not static. The school is continually evaluating its resources, instructional practices, and programs—including ESOL and Special Education—to provide the best possible educational experience for every student. The focus on data-driven decision-making means that the school's efforts are always aligned with the most current needs of the West Chatham community.