The Cougar Chronicles
Be Committed - Be Caring - Be Courageous
2020 - 2021 Theme: LEAD United
A "Hello" from Mrs. Painter!
When people ask me where I'm from, I typically say, "Everywhere." My father worked for an oil company while I was growing up, and they moved us around almost as much as if we were a military family. I primarily grew up in Midland, Texas, but we were "relocated" six times - living everywhere from Grants, New Mexico, a very small mining town, to the East Bay of San Francisco in Danville, California where I graduated from high school. I stayed on the West Coast for my undergrad degree to attend the University of Oregon, and that, my friends, is how I became a Duck - GO QUACK ATTACK! (one reason why I wear the green and gold of PHMS so well . . . )
My parents eventually moved to Hartsville, SC, so I came back here for grad school at the University of South Carolina, and I've been a South Carolinian ever since! I started my 24-year career in education as an English teacher at Dutch Fork High School. Over the next sixteen years, I was an English teacher, a theatre teacher, and an English/theatre teacher in various schools in the Midlands area with a brief stint somewhere in the middle as an Education Specialist at the South Carolina Chamber of Commerce. I began my work as an administrator as the English Language Arts Coordinator (K-12) for Lex/Rich 5, which is where I discovered that middle school is where it is at! While I worked with all grade levels, I enjoyed my work with the middle school teachers and students the most! At the time, I said to my husband that if I ever went back to the classroom as a teacher, I would definitely work at the middle level.
My next steps as an administrator, though, took me to Lexington One as the Academic Dean for Innovation at River Bluff High School and then as an Assistant Principal at White Knoll High School. That brings me to my next and greatest career adventure - being the Pleasant Hill Middle School Principal. Many people have expressed their sympathy that I have become a new principal during these "unprecedented times." My response to that sentiment, however, is "Please don't feel sorry for me." Pleasant Hill Middle is a remarkable place to be under any circumstances because of the incredible students, families, faculty, staff and administrators. The strong culture of this school will not be broken by our current circumstances because everyone knows what it means to BE COMMITTED, BE CARING, BE COURAGEOUS on behalf of ALL students. I know we will come out the other side of our current challenges together - stronger and better because of our belief in each other and our faith in a higher purpose.
Wow. That was a lot, but I have to tell you all (really quickly) about my favorite people on the planet. My husband, Tommy, is a retired teacher/football coach, and he is my hero! He has a sports podcast with listeners from Germany to Oregon. We have three children - McCathern, who is a third-year law student, Lily Grace, and Jack, who are a sophomore and a freshman in high school, respectively. After meeting any one or all of my children, a common reaction is, "I bet it's never boring at your house!" because all three have pretty big personalities. Truer words were never spoken, and I wouldn't have it any other way.
Speaking of family, please know I am thrilled to be a part of Pleasant Hill Middle School. We will LEAD UNITED this year, seizing the opportunities we all will have to learn and grow together as a school family. Don't hesitate to reach out if you have questions or want to give feedback to me. Or if you just want to talk about PAC-12 football . . . next year. : )
Go Cougars!
The Painter Kids
Team Work Makes the Dream Work
Go Ducks!
The PHMS Family Support Hub
The Hub Highlight
PHMS Announcements: September 20-26
2. The football team plays Chapin at home on Thursday. The game will start at 5:30 p.m. and tickets are $5.00.
3. We are in the planning process for a PHMS Virtual Open House. Stay tuned, and we will communicate the date and the plan once we have all the details!
4. Please remember that all students receive free breakfast and lunch through December.
If you have any questions, you can contact the school at phms@lexington1.net or 803-821-2701 and someone will help you.
Upcoming Calendar Reminders
Friday, Oct. 9 - Parent/Teacher Conference Day/No School for Students
Weekly Grade Level Newsletters
News from Food Services
2020-2021 PHMS Volleyball Team
PHMS Marketplace
Students who are Cougar LOOLA, or COOLA, students may call the main office if they are interested in purchasing a mask.
Our AMAZING PHMS PTSA has started a Spirit Wear Store through Southern Script. Thank you for supporting our PTSA by purchasing your PHMS gear by clicking on the this link! We will be sharing more information about how to get involved in PTSA this year soon!
PHMS Masks for Sale
PHMS Spirit Store
Other Mask Styles
PLEASANT HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL
PLEASANT HILL MIDDLE SCHOOL PURPOSE: To Inspire Our Students to be Committed, Caring, and Courageous.
LEXINGTON COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT ONE VISION MISSION: Empower Each Child to Design the Future
Follow PHMS on Social Media
Website: http://phms.lexington1.net/
Facebook: facebook.com/PleasantHillMiddleSchool
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Twitter: Follow @PHMSCougars
Hashtag: #PHcougarPRIDE
Contact Information
Email: phms@lexington1.net
Website: http://phms.lexington1.net/
Location: 660 Rawl Road, Lexington, SC, United States
Phone: 803-821-2701
Facebook: facebook.com/PleasantHillMiddleSchool
Twitter: @PHMSCougars