The staff at Orchard Park are committed to helping students develop World Class Skills of the Profile of the SC Graduate by ensuring all children learn; therefore, our school offers a range of services to meet the needs of all our students. Many programs are available to challenge high achieving students through our Gifted and Talented model such as; the utilization of a William and Mary model for literacy; group participation in Junior Great Books discussions; knowledge of Jacob’s ladder , and the continuation of the M3 math program.
In addition, all students at Orchard Park Elementary are given opportunities to reinforce their learning through hands on STEM activities, including Makerspace carts and cooperative learning experiences with science kits; a well-stocked leveled book room supporting a balanced literacy English Language Arts curriculum; strong programs for economics and drug education for fifth graders; Sounds in Motion for kindergarten; a character education program through the guidance department and a school wide Positive Behavior Intervention System; the resources of a reading coach; technological programs such as FasttMath, ScootPad, FrontRowEd, Raz Kids; a variety of technology devices such as iPads, Chromebooks, computers, and diverse activities through the related arts schedule.
Students who need additional supports are given the opportunity to participate in researched based interventions through our Multi-Tiered Systems of Support process and Student Support Team model. Intensive intervention opportunities are available through Reading Recovery and targeted reading and math groups led by our reading and math specialist and our Lead Teacher/Interventionist.
Orchard Park also offers a continuum of special services to meet the needs of each individual and offers a variety of on-site related services including: Speech Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Mental Health Therapy, Behavior Therapy, Physical Therapy, and English as a Second Language support.
Our teachers strive to develop and maintain good relationships with parents in order to unite for student success. There is a shared value to promote community and work together to put children first; therefore, our School Improvement Council is committed to focusing on three overarching themes: community relations, student enrichment opportunities, and parent involvement. Through the committee's work we continue to implement the WatchDOGS program promoting father involvement in our school, support a Mentor Program to invite members of the community to partner with our school and mentor individual students, continue to partner with community businesses and parents to provide JA in a Day (Junior Achievement), and organized various events to bring our community together to celebrate our students and their learning. Our school has also developed before and after school clubs such as Battle of the Books, Vex Robotics, Chess Club, Soaring Sounds and the Nutrition Club to provide a variety of enrichment activities for our students to participant in throughout the school year.
The Parent Teacher Organization is well organized and provides morale, aesthetic, and financial support to our school. The PTO works together to lead various committees that support our commitment of serving others with pride. For example, our community outreach committee annually organizes the Christmas Angel Tree and Pick a Feather Thanksgiving donations to serve students and families during the holiday season. Furthermore, various committees support serving and recognizing our teachers and staff by providing monthly breakfast/lunches, organizing teacher appreciation week, and providing funds to support classroom initiatives.
Our School Improvement Council and Parent Teacher Organization represent the spirit of volunteerism on behalf of our parents. It is common to see numerous volunteers throughout our building each day serving teachers and working with students. We are fortunate to have such supportive parents!
We believe the most important aspect of our school is the students who truly create a sense of excitement and enthusiasm about learning. Our “Eagles” are motivated to achieve and work hard to meet their individual potential. It is our collective mission “to provide high levels of learning for all students” and help them Soar High with Pride each day. As a result, our staff has adopted the following commitments and mission statement to guide our purpose:
OUR COMMITMENTS
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We are committed to the belief that all children can learn.
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We are committed to the belief that collaboration and positive relationships are needed for continuous growth.
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We are committed to the belief that we are a strong community who is passionate about putting children first.
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We are committed to the belief that we serve others with PRIDE.
OUR MISSION
To ensure high levels of learning for all students
