Ten Oaks Middle School in Horry County, South Carolina, is known for its dedication to excellence in academics, leadership, and personal development. As students, teachers, and families gear up for the 2024–2025 school year, it’s important to stay informed about essential school dates, events, policies, and opportunities. This full-year guide provides everything you need to navigate the upcoming academic journey at Ten Oaks Middle School.
Academic Calendar Highlights for 2024–2025
First Day of School
The 2024–2025 academic year begins in late August, kicking off with orientation activities, student-teacher introductions, and classroom walkthroughs. Students are introduced to class schedules, grading procedures, and behavioral expectations.
Last Day of School
The school year ends in early June, often culminating in final exams, promotion ceremonies, and special events to celebrate students’ academic and personal growth throughout the year.
Report Cards and Progress Updates
Ten Oaks Middle School operates on a nine-week grading cycle:
- Progress reports are issued halfway through each quarter.
- Report cards follow at the end of each nine-week term.
These tools help families monitor performance and ensure students stay on track.
Parent-Teacher Conferences
Held at least once each semester, these conferences offer a collaborative space for parents and teachers to discuss academic progress, behavior, and individualized learning goals.
School Holidays and Seasonal Breaks
Following the Horry County Schools calendar, Ten Oaks Middle School provides structured breaks and observances to support learning and wellness.
Major Holidays Observed
- Labor Day
- Veterans Day
- Thanksgiving Break
- Winter Break
- Martin Luther King Jr. Day
- Presidents’ Day
- Spring Break
- Memorial Day
Purpose of Scheduled Breaks
Strategic breaks throughout the year provide students time to recharge, help families spend quality time together and offer teachers time for planning and reflection.
Teacher Workdays and Professional Development
What Are Teacher Workdays?
These non-student days are dedicated to teacher training, lesson planning, and school improvement initiatives. They contribute to stronger instructional delivery and better classroom experiences for students.
Planning for Families
Students do not report to school on these days, so parents should make arrangements for supervision or independent learning activities at home.
Early Release Days
Why Early Release Days Are Scheduled
Early dismissal is provided for teacher meetings, professional collaboration, and administrative planning. These days typically occur once or twice per quarter.
What Parents Should Do
Parents must arrange for early pickup or ensure children are enrolled in supervised after-school care. Notifications are sent in advance through school channels.
Student Enrichment and Extracurricular Activities
Ten Oaks Middle School encourages students to participate in extracurriculars that help develop leadership skills, creativity, and teamwork.
Clubs and Organizations
- Student Council
- National Junior Honor Society
- Drama Club
- Robotics/STEM Club
- Art Club
- Chess Club
Athletics and Physical Activities
- Volleyball
- Football
- Basketball
- Cheerleading
- Track & Field
Signature School Events
- Back-to-School Bash
- Fall Festival
- Science and Tech Expo
- Winter and Spring Concerts
- Talent Show
- Field Day
These programs foster school spirit and encourage student engagement beyond academics.
Technology Integration in Classrooms
Ten Oaks Middle School prepares students for the digital future by incorporating technology across all grade levels.
Tech Tools Used
- Smartboards and digital displays
- Student Chromebooks
- Google Classroom or Canvas
- Learning platforms for math, reading and science
Digital Safety Education
Students are taught:
- Online responsibility and etiquette
- How to identify and report cyberbullying
- Safe browsing and information sharing practices
Emergency Closures and Weather-Related Procedures
Closure Communication
In the event of weather emergencies or other closures, Ten Oaks follows Horry County Schools’ emergency communication protocols via:
- Text and robocall alerts
- Email announcements
- Local news and school website updates
Make-Up Days
Any instructional time lost is made up according to the district’s designated make-up calendar, using buffer days or adding instructional days to the schedule.
Parent Engagement and Communication
Ways Parents Can Get Involved
Ten Oaks encourages family participation through:
- PTSO involvement
- Volunteering at events or in classrooms
- Chaperoning field trips
- Participating in school improvement committees
Communication Methods
- Weekly parent newsletters
- School website updates
- Social media announcements
- Teacher emails or apps like Remind and ClassDojo
Community and Business Support
Local partners contribute resources, volunteer time, and real-world learning opportunities to enhance students’ education and career awareness.
School Policies and Expectations
Attendance Requirements
Consistent attendance is vital. Students are expected to attend regularly unless they have a valid reason such as illness or a family emergency. Absences must be reported to the front office.
Dress Code Guidelines
Students should wear clothing that promotes respect and a focused learning environment. Items with inappropriate language, images, or excessive exposure are not allowed.
Behavioral Expectations
Ten Oaks Middle School maintains a positive school culture by promoting:
- Respect for staff and peers
- Accountability and honesty
- Conflict resolution and anti-bullying education
- School-wide behavior reinforcement systems (PBIS)
Frequently Asked Questions
When does the 2024–2025 school year start?
The academic year begins in late August, with the official start date published on the Horry County Schools website.
Where can I access the full school calendar?
The complete calendar is available on the Ten Oaks Middle School website or through the Horry County Schools district portal.
What after-school activities are available?
Students can participate in clubs, sports, music ensembles, academic competitions, and leadership programs.
How are emergency school closures communicated?
Families receive notifications via robocalls, text messages, emails, and local media.
How can I support my child’s education as a parent?
Stay in communication with teachers, attend school events, monitor academic progress through the parent portal, and get involved in the PTSO.