Dear Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School Parents and Students,

Welcome Back returning JMS students and a sincere Welcome to our newest students & parents! 

The 2024-2025 school year will mark my 17th year in education and 3rd year as principal of Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School. With these years, I bring the experience, passion and dedication of a former teacher, coach, content interventionist, and assistant administrator.

I firmly believe that every child can not only exceed all expectations but also thrive in a school that honors the community in which it serves.  Collectively, we have established a positive school culture that will continue this coming school year. 

In advancing the culture of excellence here at Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School, I am excited to announce our 2nd year implementing AVID.  AVID, which stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination.  AVID is a nonprofit college-readiness program designed to help students develop the skills they need to be successful in college. The program places special emphasis on growing writing, critical thinking, teamwork, organization and reading skills.  

" Goals of the AVID College and Career Readiness System:

·       Accelerate underachieving students who have potential into more rigorous courses.

·       Teach academic and social skills not targeted in other classes.

·       Provide intensive support with in-class tutors and a strong student–teacher relationship.

·       Create a positive peer group for students.

·       Develop a sense of hope and personal achievement through hard work and determination.”

Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School also earned STEM recertification during the 2022-2023 school year through Cognia. “Cognia accreditation is the launchpad for school improvement. Based on rigorous research-based standards and evidence-based criteria, the process probes the whole institution—from policies to learning conditions and cultural context—to determine how well the parts work together to meet the needs of every learner.”

To our students, I cannot wait to see you all! I hope that you are excited for this coming school year. It is going to be a meaningful and fun year. We will be learning together to achieve the highest accomplishments.  Please do not hesitate to reach out to me over the summer via a phone call or an email to cdupert@acpsd.net.

To conclude, please remember that my door is always open to you. I sincerely welcome your conversation and input during this school year. Let us keep our students the primary focus of our work. My passion has always been to help young people grow, not only academically but socially and emotionally as well! I can’t wait to celebrate our collective successes during the 2024-2025 school year.

Phone: (803) 471-2237
Email Carla Dupert

Ms. Kishni Neville returns to Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School for the 2024-2025 school year in her third year as the assistant principal.

Ms. Neville's teaching career began in Newberry County in 2009 where she taught fifth grade. She moved to Jackson Middle School in 2012 as the 6th Grade Science teacher. From 2016-2018 she served as the school’s Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics Instructional Coach. She briefly taught at Langley-Bath-Clearwater Middle School for the last four years, and is thrilled to return to Jackson STEM Magnet Middle School!

Ms. Neville is thrilled to model compassion, grace, and high expectations and is fueled by us becoming better for the system we serve each day.

Her academic background includes a Bachelor of Arts in Elementary Education from Converse College, and a Master of Science in Education, as well as an Education Specialist Degree in Educational Administration and Leadership, both from Walden University.

We control our attitude and our effort. Make each day great!

Phone: (803) 471-2237
Email Ms. Kishni Neville

I began work at JMS in 2000 as a substitute teacher. After 3 years of being a substitute, I was hired on as a student shadow. I was a student shadow for a year and then moved into the position of the CAI lab proctor. I was the CAI lab proctor for a year, at which time the bookkeeper’s job became available and I was promoted to that position beginning in 2007.

I received my Associate degree in 2001 in Human Services. I went on to get my Bachelors in Psychology in 2008 and from there I received a Master's in Counseling in 2012. I am currently the bookkeeper and have been at JMS for a total of 24 years.

Degrees and Certifications: A.A in Human Services, B.S. in Psychology, M.A. in Counseling

Phone: 803-471-2237 ext.51001
Email Wendi Stikeleather

I began working at JMS in 2019 as a Special Education Aide. Since then, I have held numerous positions at Jackson. I am one of the Communications Liaison members, the Athletic Director, the Girls Basketball Coach, but my primary position is the Student Information Clerk. I was born and raised right here in Jackson, SC, which is where I currently reside with my husband of 7 years and our beautiful daughter. I am a 2012 graduate of Morris College, with a bachelor's degree in Health Science, and a 2019 graduate of Strayer University with a Master's in Business, and a 2024 graduate of Strayer University with a Masters in Education. My hobbies include talking on the phone, making memories with my daughter, playing with my nieces and nephews, making DIY crafts, and shopping. 

Degrees and Certifications: B.S. Health Science, MBA in Health Services, M.ED in Curriculum, Instruction, and Assessment

Phone: 803-471-2237 ext. 51015
Email Alicia Mckie

Phone: 803-471-2237
Email Lana Evans