Our school is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing each student with experiences that focus on academics as well as work skills with a strong emphasis on character. In order to achieve the profile, our teachers model and allow time for individual exploration of the skills presented to our children. We want our students to learn specific information, but also how to solve problems, work together, and to have the life skills necessary to be successful in life. We strive for all students to become independent learners. Creativity and collaboration are essential elements in our instruction each day. Students are given many opportunities to work together to create projects and find solutions to problems. We believe our students are best served by a balance between academics, the arts, physical education and character education. Our instruction is enhanced by the use of computers, iPads, SmartBoards, robots, virtual fieldrips, wireless access and Smart Response systems.
McLaurin serves students in both Montessori and traditional classes. Both programs provide rigorous academic standards for our students. Our teachers use small group instruction to meet the diverse needs of our children. Data driven instruction is used to ensure that every child is provided with the instruction they need to move forward. In addition to a strong core academic component, our students also receive instruction in physical education, art, music and technology. All students/staff at McLaurin participate in a walking program. Other extra- curricular offerings for students include, chorus, violin, dance, art club, Horizons, REACH, and PEARLS. Our PEARLS is a club that emphasizes life and career characteristics.
Our students and staff participated in several service projects during the school year. We held very successful food drives for the Salvation Army and a local organization, “Help for Kids” who provides weekend food bags to students in need. Our students participated in “Jump Rope for Heart” and we raised funds for a local camp for students with special needs.
At McLaurin everyone is expected to learn and grow. This year our teachers were involved in extensive staff development in reading instruction, “Google Docs” as well as Montessori training. We are excited that the Florence One Board of Education approved a transition plan for McLaurin to offer all of our students a Montessori education. We began that transition during the 2017-18 school year as we become all Montessori in 4K through second grade. For the 2018-19 school year we will continue the transition by adding third grade. We will continue Montessori training and purchase materials to enhance this instruction.
We believe that having teachers working together to learn and grow models for our students what we expect of them. Together the McLaurin family will continue to strive for excellence with every child, every day!
