"Joseph Keels Elementary 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 a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. We provide such an environment through the implementation of our School for Entrepreneurial Leadership Magnet and academic programs designed to challenge, meet, and exceed students' needs. Students are continuing to learn both broad and finite concepts related to entrepreneurship, and are given abundant opportunities to put these concepts and skills into practice in their work. We have a professional development focus on designing differentiated work for students, and teaching standards with fidelity. We had an increased focus this school year on well-developed assessments, reflecting on their effectiveness, and a commitment to all assessments being standards-based without exception. Persisting with a whole-child focus we offer a number of programs before and after school to meet the needs of all students.  Our Boys and Girls Club program opens at 7:00 a.m. each morning and closes at 6:30 p.m. each afternoon.  Our 21st Century Grant allows us to offer a unique after school academic program, where we provide all qualifying students a unique experience including free tutoring, enrichment activities, a snack and dinner.  Our students are also have opportunities to participate in Chorus, Student Council,  and soccer training, violin, Recycling Club, Mentoring Programs, Beta Club, Color Guard, Entrepreneurial Market Weeks, and as WSEL morning news program cast members.  We believe these experiences are essential to produce well-rounded students prepared to be productive citizens in the future. Our "Breakfast In the Classroom" and "School Dinner" Programs also continue to provide our students with excellent nutritional options and learning related to a healthy lifestyle. Student recognition for student success is highlighted throughout the school year. As a result of our focus on providing excellence in education we are an ASCD Whole Child Award winning school. In addition, we have been named a National Junior Beta Club School of Distinction and Merit.  We continue to implement our Positive Behavior Intervention and Supports Program (PBIS). Students are rewarded for their positive behavior with incentives such as, cubby bucks, and a bi-annual bicycle give away. We are dedicated to building meaningful relationships with families and our community. Working along with our PTA board and SIC, we are able to bring families and the community together for many activities such as our Parent Universities, Report Card Pick-up Nights, Bow Tie and Pearls Family Dance, and more. Through our work we are proud to say we have validated our school's vision; Leading in Learning, Entrepreneurship, and Character. Alvera C. Butler, Principal Courtney Bailey, SIC Chairperson