Bethel Elementary School is helping all students develop world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate by engaging children in a nurturing learning environment and providing a quality education. We provide such an environment through the implementation of our school vision: “Cardinals Fly High”. We demonstrate this vision by encouraging students to dream big and reach their goals, implementing a continuous improvement model for student achievement, and offering a variety of learning experiences including academic and enrichment activities.
We are an award winning school with a history of academic excellence. During the 2016 school year, Bethel was recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School by the United States Department of Education. In recent years, Bethel has received awards for Palmetto’s Finest, Palmetto Gold, Red Carpet, Greenville County Elementary Healthy School of the Year, and Greenville County Safety Award. The faculty, staff, and community provide an annual update to our school portfolio to guide our direction for the future and to comply with accreditation requirements. Our school goals focus on academic achievement, professional development, technology integration, and community relations. Specific strategies are developed to support the attainment of each goal.
Since 1997, multiage classes have been an innovative option to consider in lieu of a traditional classroom setting. Our Primary Multiage consists of 43 first and second graders, while our Intermediate Multiage has 48 third and fourth graders. Thematic projects, literature circles, and cooperative learning centers are incorporated based on curriculum standards.
Technology integration is an important aspect of the elementary curriculum at Bethel. Teachers and students utilize technology on a daily basis while teaching and learning. All classes have access to four computer labs twice a week where they work on Compass Learning activities and other educational websites. Students utilize Chromebooks to work on research and other assignments. The media center promotes technology with the use of iPads and Nooks. The media specialist works with teachers and students to support creative ways to share their ideas and research through technology. Our computer lab manager gives an Internet safety presentation annually to all students. This presentation includes suggestions for being safe while using the Internet at school or home.
The counseling staff provides a high level of support services for our students. These services include school-wide character education, parent education, mentoring programs, classroom instruction, and small group and individual counseling. The school counselors conduct monthly classroom guidance lessons that are based on Sean Covey's book, The 7 Habits of Happy Kids. This curriculum teaches children seven principles that focus on social-leadership skills, problem solving, and successful communication. Fourth and fifth grade students explore and investigate careers using SCOIS (SC Occupational Information System). Career interest inventories are completed and portfolios are created which expose students to career clusters.
Our reputation of providing a quality education, caring faculty, and outstanding student achievement is a reflection of the high expectations of our stakeholders. Parents and the community value education as evidenced by PTA membership and dedicated volunteers. PTA actively supports our school through fundraising and volunteer efforts. Parents have a wide range of opportunities to be involved in their child’s education. The active involvement of the school’s PTA helps provide integral programs that benefit all of our students.
Nerissa Lewis, Principal
