Berkeley County School District leaders are finalizing the demolition and construction schedule to support the Hanahan Middle School renovation and expansion project. The renovated and expanded Hanahan Middle School is projected to re-open its doors for the 2026-2027 school year. Due to the significance of the onsite construction, Hanahan Middle students will transition from the current middle school campus to a temporary, modular campus at Hanahan Elementary School beginning in August 2024. 

District and school administration will regularly update the following FAQs as questions are received to ensure that parents, staff, and students remain informed. If you have a question that you do not see reflected and/or addressed below, please email officeofcommunications@bcsdschools.net.

What is a temporary modular campus?

A temporary modular campus consists of portable, prefabricated buildings that are assembled on-site to create a temporary school environment. These structures are used to accommodate students during renovations, expansions, or unexpected events that make the main school building unavailable.

Where will the Hanahan Middle temporary modular campus be located?

While construction is completed on the current middle school campus, Hanahan Middle students and staff will continue teaching and learning in a multi-classroom, temporary modular campus placed on the available four acres at Hanahan Elementary. To view the site plan for the HMS temporary, modular campus please CLICK HERE.

Why are Hanahan Middle staff and students temporarily transitioning to a modular campus?

Hanahan Middle is receiving a much anticipated and much needed renovation and expansion. The current middle school is  a 61 year old school with its most recent school renovation project completed as part of the 1999 Bond Referendum. Hanahan Middle serves a growing student population, and the renovation and expansion will provide first class facilities and space to accommodate a growing student population.

When will Hanahan Middle students and staff transition to the temporary modular campus?

Due to the significance of the onsite construction and to ensure student and staff safety, Hanahan Middle students and staff will transition from the current middle school campus to the temporary, modular campus onsite at Hanahan Elementary School beginning in August 2024. 

How long will my child be at the temporary Hanahan Middle modular campus?

The renovation and expansion project at Hanahan Middle is slated to be completed to welcome students back in August 2026. Hanahan Middle students and staff will remain in the temporary modular campus through the 2025-2026 school year. BCSD and school administration will provide a timeline and regular updates on the progress of the project.

Will the temporary Hanahan Middle modular campus have the same facilities as the main school?

The modular campus is designed to be functional and provide a conducive learning environment for students and staff. While construction is completed on the current middle school campus, students and staff will continue teaching and learning in a multi-classroom, temporary modular campus placed on the available four acres at Hanahan Elementary. The 6 modular units will include, but are not limited to:

• 31 regular classrooms, 6 science labs, 3 self-contained classrooms, and a health classroom

• Cafeteria that will accommodate a serving line and seating for more than 70 students indoors and tables for outdoor seating

• Band room with 3 storage closets

• Art room with cabinets, sink and storage

• Chorus room with storage

• Dedicated Physical Education space, with storage and outdoor access

• Multiple office spaces, to include a front office and conference room

• Multiple staff workrooms and restrooms

• Multiple student restrooms

• Multiple custodian closets and storage closets

• Shared media center and academic lab

Is the temporary Hanahan Middle modular campus safe and secure?

Yes, modular buildings and classrooms are built to meet all safety and building codes. They are designed to be durable and secure, providing a safe environment for students and staff. The school will also implement appropriate security measures, such as monitored entry points, access control and security cameras, and regular safety drills and audits.

Will the move affect my child's learning experience?

District and school administration and teachers are committed to ensuring that the quality of education remains high during the transition. While the environment may change, the administration's and teaching staff's commitment to high educational standards will remain consistent.

How will transportation be affected?

Transportation arrangements will be adjusted to accommodate the new location. The school will provide updated bus routes and schedules, ensuring that all students have reliable transportation to and from the modular campus.

Will there be a change to Hanahan Elementary and Middle bell schedules?

The Hanahan Elementary bell schedule will remain the same, with students arriving by 7:15 a.m. and dismissing at 1:45 p.m.

The Hanahan Middle bell schedule will be updated to reflect that students will arrive at 8:15 a.m. and dismiss at 3:10p.m.

As Hanahan Elementary will now share campus space with Hanahan Middle, will elementary and middle school students have regular contact?

The Hanahan Middle temporary modular campus will be placed on the available four acres at Hanahan Elementary. Hanahan Elementary and Hanahan Middle students will remain within their own campus buildings and properties, and only have contact when necessary and with appropriate supervision in place.

Will elementary and middle school students ride the bus together?

No, as Hanahan Elementary and Hanahan Middle will operate on two separate bell schedules, elementary and middle school students will not ride the bus together.

If I have a child at Hanahan Elementary and Hanahan Middle, will there be plans in place to support common pick up and drop off?

Yes, BCSD has schools across the district who share campus space, or are in very close proximity to one another, and the principals work together to support sibling groups in order to reduce parent’s and guardian’s time in pick up and drop off lines. You will receive more detailed information from the school principals regarding their plans for shared siblings.

Is Hanahan Elementary and Hanahan Middle the first/only schools to ever share a campus location?

No, Westview Primary, Westview Elementary, and Westview Middle are all located on the same campus, in separate building structures. Philip Simmons Elementary and Philip Simmons Middle and Sangaree Elementary and Sangaree Intermediate also share a campus with separate building structures. In addition, these schools have designated shared campus spaces such as the cafeterias and multipurpose rooms.

BCSD also operates two K-8 schools, Daniel Island School and Carolyn Lewis School, in which pre-k through 8th grade students share a building and a campus.

While Hanahan Elementary and Hanahan Middle will primarily operate separately and independently of one another, there will be unique opportunities for the schools to share some space and grow community between the two campuses.

What will happen to the Hanahan Elementary playground that was previously located in the area of the Hanahan Middle temporary modular campus site location?

The playground at Hanahan Elementary will be relocated to another area of the campus. Students at Hanahan Elementary will continue to have playground access.

What measures are in place to support students during this transition?

The school will implement various support measures, such as orientation sessions, counseling services, and regular communication with parents to address any concerns. Teachers and staff will work closely with students to help them adjust to the new environment smoothly.

Has leadership at BCSD received feedback and input from leadership at the City of Hanahan and Berkeley County Government?

Leaders from the City of Hanahan and Berkeley County Government have been great partners to the school district during all phases of this project. We will be working directly with our law enforcement, fire, and other emergency service departments to ensure that traffic and safety concerns are addressed prior to the opening of school in August, and we will continue to address concerns and make adjustments through out the year. We will maintain ongoing communication with these invaluable partners to ensure the success of this temporary transition.

Will extracurricular activities still be available?

The school will make every effort to continue offering extracurricular activities. Some adjustments may be necessary, but the goal is to ensure that students still have access to a wide range of activities that support their interests and development.

My middle school student currently walks to the high school to participate in athletics and extracurricular activities. Will transportation be provided to my middle school student to the high school?

Yes, students approved for participation in athletics and other extracurricular activities at the high school will have an option to utilize existing bus transportation from the Hanahan Middle temporary modular campus to the high school on existing bus routes.

What about school events and functions?

School events and functions will be planned with the new location in mind. While some events might be modified or relocated, the school will strive to maintain a sense of community and tradition through these activities.

How can parents stay informed about the progress and updates?

Parents will receive updates via emails, text messages and push notifications, and the school and district website. Additionally, students, staff, parents and guardians will be provided various opportunities to engage and receive updates about the transition and the progress of the Hanahan Middle expansion and renovation project.

Who can I contact if I have specific concerns or questions?

Middle school parents can contact Hanahan Middle School Principal Kelly Roberson. Elementary school parents can contact Hanahan Elementary Principal Brooke Melcher. Additionally, parents and guardians can email officeofcommunications@bcsdschools.net, and we will connect you with the right person to answer your question(s) or concern(s).

By addressing these frequently asked questions, we aim to ease any concerns and ensure a smooth transition for students and parents during this period. If you have further questions or need additional information, please don't hesitate to reach out to us at officeofcommunications@bcsdschools.net.