Mrs. Ruth Ransdell brings a wealth of experience in education with a strong and diverse background in instructional leadership, literacy coaching, classroom teaching, and school administration. (22 years teaching, 4 years as Literacy Coach, & 3 years as an Assistant Principal) Mrs. Ruth Ransdell holds an Education Specialist degree in Educational Leadership from Clemson University, a master's degree in Curriculum and Instruction from New Mexico Highlands University, and a bachelor's degree in psychology and Elementary Education from the University of Colorado.
Mrs. Ruth Ransdell has served students in many roles including teacher, literacy coach, and assistant principal, consistently demonstrating a deep passion for instruction and a strong commitment to supporting both students and staff.
Most recently, Mrs. Ransdell served as Assistant Principal at Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Elementary School for three school years, a campus serving over 600 students, where she was the only assistant principal on site. Her prior experience includes serving as a Literacy Coach and Lead Teacher at Gallman Elementary School, as well as teaching in a Montessori setting, giving her a well-rounded instructional foundation. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her professionalism, strong work ethic, and dedication.
Mrs. Ransdell enjoys spending time with her husband and their three adult sons and their families, including two grandsons and one granddaughter, who bring great joy to her life.
Her leadership, instructional expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success will be a tremendous asset to Newberry Middle School. Welcome to the Tiger Family, Mrs. Ransdell! 🐯
Please welcome Mrs. Ransdell!
Mrs. Ruth Ransdell has served students in many roles including teacher, literacy coach, and assistant principal, consistently demonstrating a deep passion for instruction and a strong commitment to supporting both students and staff.
Most recently, Mrs. Ransdell served as Assistant Principal at Dr. Benjamin E. Mays Elementary School for three school years, a campus serving over 600 students, where she was the only assistant principal on site. Her prior experience includes serving as a Literacy Coach and Lead Teacher at Gallman Elementary School, as well as teaching in a Montessori setting, giving her a well-rounded instructional foundation. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for her professionalism, strong work ethic, and dedication.
Mrs. Ransdell enjoys spending time with her husband and their three adult sons and their families, including two grandsons and one granddaughter, who bring great joy to her life.
Her leadership, instructional expertise, and unwavering commitment to student success will be a tremendous asset to Newberry Middle School. Welcome to the Tiger Family, Mrs. Ransdell! 🐯
Please welcome Mrs. Ransdell!
Mr. Robert "Douglas" Ard
Welcome to Newberry Middle School – 6th Grade Administrator & Textbook Coordinator (2026–2027)
Newberry Middle School is excited to welcome Robert Douglas Ard as the 6th Grade Administrator and Textbook Coordinator for the 2026–2027 school year.
Mr. Ard brings a strong and well-rounded background in education with 10 years of classroom and instructional experience, including service at South Aiken High School—where he also served as JV/B-Team Head Baseball Coach—and Little Mountain Elementary School. His experience reflects a balance of academic instruction, student support, and leadership both inside and outside the classroom.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken, a master’s degree in educational administration from Grand Canyon University, and an associate’s degree from USC Salkehatchie. As a former collegiate baseball player, Mr. Ard’s background reflects a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
Over the past four summers, he has served as the lead administrator for SDNC Elementary Summer School programs across Prosperity-Rikard Elementary, Pomaria-Garmany Elementary, and Little Mountain Elementary Schools, demonstrating his ability to coordinate instruction, manage operations, and support students and staff across multiple school sites.
According to current LMES Principal Mrs. Kim Mack, "Mr. Ard is a dependable leader who can be trusted to step in and support the school when & where needed, has a tremendous work ethic, is punctual, consistent, & has great people skills."
Hometown & Background
Born in Columbia, South Carolina
Grew up in Lynchburg, SC (Sumter County)
Previously lived in Aiken, SC after college
Currently resides in Prosperity, South Carolina with his wife and three children
Professional Experience Highlights
2nd Grade Teacher – Cyril B. Busbee Elementary School
Math Lab Teacher – Aiken Elementary School
Assistant Baseball Coach – South Aiken High School
5th Grade Teacher – Little Mountain Elementary School (7 years)
Summer Reading Camp Administrator – Multiple elementary schools across Newberry County (4 summers)
Favorites & Fun Facts
Favorite Movie: The Final Season
Favorite Food: Fajitas 🌮
Favorite Book: Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan
Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
One Word That Describes Him: Methodical
Enjoys golf and played collegiate baseball
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Ard to the Newberry Middle School Tiger family. 🐯
Welcome to Newberry Middle School – 6th Grade Administrator & Textbook Coordinator (2026–2027)
Newberry Middle School is excited to welcome Robert Douglas Ard as the 6th Grade Administrator and Textbook Coordinator for the 2026–2027 school year.
Mr. Ard brings a strong and well-rounded background in education with 10 years of classroom and instructional experience, including service at South Aiken High School—where he also served as JV/B-Team Head Baseball Coach—and Little Mountain Elementary School. His experience reflects a balance of academic instruction, student support, and leadership both inside and outside the classroom.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education from the University of South Carolina Aiken, a master’s degree in educational administration from Grand Canyon University, and an associate’s degree from USC Salkehatchie. As a former collegiate baseball player, Mr. Ard’s background reflects a strong foundation in teamwork, discipline, and leadership.
Over the past four summers, he has served as the lead administrator for SDNC Elementary Summer School programs across Prosperity-Rikard Elementary, Pomaria-Garmany Elementary, and Little Mountain Elementary Schools, demonstrating his ability to coordinate instruction, manage operations, and support students and staff across multiple school sites.
According to current LMES Principal Mrs. Kim Mack, "Mr. Ard is a dependable leader who can be trusted to step in and support the school when & where needed, has a tremendous work ethic, is punctual, consistent, & has great people skills."
Hometown & Background
Born in Columbia, South Carolina
Grew up in Lynchburg, SC (Sumter County)
Previously lived in Aiken, SC after college
Currently resides in Prosperity, South Carolina with his wife and three children
Professional Experience Highlights
2nd Grade Teacher – Cyril B. Busbee Elementary School
Math Lab Teacher – Aiken Elementary School
Assistant Baseball Coach – South Aiken High School
5th Grade Teacher – Little Mountain Elementary School (7 years)
Summer Reading Camp Administrator – Multiple elementary schools across Newberry County (4 summers)
Favorites & Fun Facts
Favorite Movie: The Final Season
Favorite Food: Fajitas 🌮
Favorite Book: Salt in His Shoes by Deloris Jordan & Roslyn M. Jordan
Favorite Quote: “You miss 100% of the shots you don’t take.” – Wayne Gretzky
One Word That Describes Him: Methodical
Enjoys golf and played collegiate baseball
Please join us in welcoming Mr. Ard to the Newberry Middle School Tiger family. 🐯
Newberry Middle School Football 2026
i-Ready Expectation 26-27
Grandparents Breakfast (Join your student!)
5th Annual (2026)
5th Annual (2026)
4th Annual Pot-Luck Welcome Back and Retiree Luncheon (NMS)
7/20 and 7/21 Schedule Pick-up (NMS)
Note: Students must be registered on Final Forms & School Fees Paid
Note: Students must be registered on Final Forms & School Fees Paid
7th graders are you interested?
🐯💛 Welcome to Newberry Middle School, Mrs. Sheila Kay Gfell! 💜🐯
NMS is excited to welcome Mrs. Sheila Gfell as our newest Math Teacher! Mrs. Gfell is a highly decorated educator with extensive teaching experience in Fairfield County and Richland School District Two. We are thrilled to have her join the Tiger family and know she will make a tremendous impact on our students and school community! 🐯📚➕➗
📍 Born In:
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
🏡 Places Mrs. Gfell Has Lived:
Cleveland, OH; South Shore, KY; Richmond, KY; Lexington, KY; Knightdale, NC; Morganton, NC; Winston-Salem, NC; Irmo, SC
🎬 Favorite Movie:
Gone With the Wind
🎵 Favorite Music Group:
The Beatles
🥪 Favorite Meal:
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich
🎓 Colleges & Degrees Earned:
• Eastern Kentucky University – Bachelor of Science
• University of Phoenix – MAED
• University of Phoenix – Ed.S.
📚 Favorite Book:
Where the Red Fern Grows
💬 Favorite Quote:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
— John F. Kennedy
📝 One Word to Describe Herself:
Reliable
🚗 First Vehicle:
Mercury
🌻 Talents & Hobbies:
Gardening, puzzles, reading, writing, and arts & crafts
Please join us in giving Mrs. Sheila Gfell a BIG Newberry Middle School Tiger welcome! 🐯💜💛
NMS is excited to welcome Mrs. Sheila Gfell as our newest Math Teacher! Mrs. Gfell is a highly decorated educator with extensive teaching experience in Fairfield County and Richland School District Two. We are thrilled to have her join the Tiger family and know she will make a tremendous impact on our students and school community! 🐯📚➕➗
📍 Born In:
Chagrin Falls, Ohio
🏡 Places Mrs. Gfell Has Lived:
Cleveland, OH; South Shore, KY; Richmond, KY; Lexington, KY; Knightdale, NC; Morganton, NC; Winston-Salem, NC; Irmo, SC
🎬 Favorite Movie:
Gone With the Wind
🎵 Favorite Music Group:
The Beatles
🥪 Favorite Meal:
Bacon, Lettuce, and Tomato Sandwich
🎓 Colleges & Degrees Earned:
• Eastern Kentucky University – Bachelor of Science
• University of Phoenix – MAED
• University of Phoenix – Ed.S.
📚 Favorite Book:
Where the Red Fern Grows
💬 Favorite Quote:
“Ask not what your country can do for you, but what you can do for your country.”
— John F. Kennedy
📝 One Word to Describe Herself:
Reliable
🚗 First Vehicle:
Mercury
🌻 Talents & Hobbies:
Gardening, puzzles, reading, writing, and arts & crafts
Please join us in giving Mrs. Sheila Gfell a BIG Newberry Middle School Tiger welcome! 🐯💜💛
All NMS Students will receive the following school supplies for 26-27 for FREE!
Open House 2026
Date: August 3rd
Time: 6PM-7PM
Note: 4 Elementary Feeder School (Open House) from 5PM-6PM
Date: August 3rd
Time: 6PM-7PM
Note: 4 Elementary Feeder School (Open House) from 5PM-6PM
August 3rd- Open House 2026
So proud of Coach Troy White on being named Teacher of the Year by American Legion Post 193 in Chapin, South Carolina. This recognition is a testament to the positive impact, dedication, and commitment shown to students and the school community each day. Well deserved and well earned — congratulations on this outstanding accomplishment!
Newberry Middle School (5/20/26)
Quarter 4 Awards Celebration at Newberry Middle School! 🏆🐅
We are proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, leadership, and accomplishments of our students during our Quarter 4 Awards Celebration. Congratulations to all of our Tigers who were recognized for their academic achievement, growth, and positive contributions to our school community.
Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, and families for your continued support throughout the school year. The future is bright at Newberry Middle School!
Go Tigers!!! 💛
Quarter 4 Awards Celebration at Newberry Middle School! 🏆🐅
We are proud to recognize the hard work, dedication, leadership, and accomplishments of our students during our Quarter 4 Awards Celebration. Congratulations to all of our Tigers who were recognized for their academic achievement, growth, and positive contributions to our school community.
Thank you to our faculty, staff, students, and families for your continued support throughout the school year. The future is bright at Newberry Middle School!
Go Tigers!!! 💛
Promotion Ceremony-5/19/26 (8th Grade)
Proud of the Newberry Middle School Tigers! Thank you to everyone who assisted with today’s 8th Grade Walk and Promotion Ceremony. From the Physical Education faculty setting up the gym, to the 8th grade teachers assisting with line-up, practice, and this morning’s 8th Grade Walk, your hard work and dedication made the event a success.
We had a packed gym this morning, and I greatly appreciate the support of our students, faculty, staff, families, and community. Thank you to everyone who presented during the ceremony and helped make the event special for our students.
I am extremely proud of the Newberry Middle School Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished.
GO TIGERS!
Proud of the Newberry Middle School Tigers! Thank you to everyone who assisted with today’s 8th Grade Walk and Promotion Ceremony. From the Physical Education faculty setting up the gym, to the 8th grade teachers assisting with line-up, practice, and this morning’s 8th Grade Walk, your hard work and dedication made the event a success.
We had a packed gym this morning, and I greatly appreciate the support of our students, faculty, staff, families, and community. Thank you to everyone who presented during the ceremony and helped make the event special for our students.
I am extremely proud of the Newberry Middle School Class of 2026 and all they have accomplished.
GO TIGERS!
May 2026 Winners!
6th Grade: Dayri Cuz Cac
7th Grade: Amirah Walker
8th Grade: Yocelyn Ortiz Hernandez
Teacher: Gracie Frontz
Support Staff: Fine Dickens
We are so proud of the following students, faculty, and staff for being recognized as our Newberry Middle School May 2026 Winners! Your hard work, leadership, dedication, and positive impact continue to make NMS a great place to learn and grow.
🏆 Newberry Middle School – May 2026 Winners 🏆
⭐ 6th Grade: Dayri Cuz Cac
⭐ 7th Grade: Amirah Walker
⭐ 8th Grade: Yocelyn Ortiz Hernandez
⭐ Teacher of the Month: Gracie Frontz
⭐ Support Staff of the Month: Fine Dickens
Congratulations to each of these outstanding individuals for representing the Tiger family with excellence. Keep up the great work — we are proud of you! 🐾
Special thank you to Mr. Joe Trainor, Owner/Operator of Stokes Trainor Dealership in Newberry, SC, for his continued sponsorship of our Teacher of the Month program! Your generosity in providing a 27-Point Inspection and Free Oil Change for our Teacher of the Month winner is truly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support of our teachers and school community — you are appreciated!
Mr. Reid
6th Grade: Dayri Cuz Cac
7th Grade: Amirah Walker
8th Grade: Yocelyn Ortiz Hernandez
Teacher: Gracie Frontz
Support Staff: Fine Dickens
We are so proud of the following students, faculty, and staff for being recognized as our Newberry Middle School May 2026 Winners! Your hard work, leadership, dedication, and positive impact continue to make NMS a great place to learn and grow.
🏆 Newberry Middle School – May 2026 Winners 🏆
⭐ 6th Grade: Dayri Cuz Cac
⭐ 7th Grade: Amirah Walker
⭐ 8th Grade: Yocelyn Ortiz Hernandez
⭐ Teacher of the Month: Gracie Frontz
⭐ Support Staff of the Month: Fine Dickens
Congratulations to each of these outstanding individuals for representing the Tiger family with excellence. Keep up the great work — we are proud of you! 🐾
Special thank you to Mr. Joe Trainor, Owner/Operator of Stokes Trainor Dealership in Newberry, SC, for his continued sponsorship of our Teacher of the Month program! Your generosity in providing a 27-Point Inspection and Free Oil Change for our Teacher of the Month winner is truly appreciated. Thank you for your continued support of our teachers and school community — you are appreciated!
Mr. Reid
8th Grade Promotion Ceremony Poster
I’m proud of the PAWsitive Experience Mentor/Mentee Banquet 2026. I’m thankful for Ms. Brown for founding this program and for Mrs. Wiggins for continuing its excellence at NMS. I’m also grateful for the mentors and the work they’ve done with the mentees throughout the 2025–2026 school year.
It’s all about opportunity at the middle school level, and I’m so proud of the opportunities we, as faculty and staff, provide for students at NMS to grow as young adults.
GO TIGERS!
It’s all about opportunity at the middle school level, and I’m so proud of the opportunities we, as faculty and staff, provide for students at NMS to grow as young adults.
GO TIGERS!
Huge Turnout at tonight's NMS Athletic Banquet- GO TIGERS!
See pictures on NMS FB!
See pictures on NMS FB!
Ms. Lybrand's MLP students researched endangered animals, wrote informative pieces about them, and published a book featuring their own illustrations.
@studentreasures #ProudAuthors
@studentreasures #ProudAuthors
