Mitchell Math and Science Elementary is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on a rigorous STEM (science, technology, engineering, math) curriculum.  Lessons are designed to promote critical thinking and problem solving through teamwork and collaboration.   As a personalized learning school, we structure lessons to meet the students’ needs individually.  This allows students to learn how to take ownership of their learning and overcome any obstacles that stand in their way.  They develop skills of perseverance and self-direction to reach these goals.  All CD-2nd grade students have access to iPads allowing for additional skills to be taught through digital programs such as Lexia and Dreambox.  All 3rd-5th grade students have access to Chromebooks allowing for additional skills taught through digital programs including Accelerated Reader and ALEK.  Having a full time certified teacher in the computer lab provides weekly lessons in technology.  In addition, having a full time certified teacher in the science lab allows for weekly lessons building on the scientific process and engineering skills. As a PBIS and Second Steps school there is a schoolwide discipline plan allowing students to develop interpersonal skills that will help them throughout their lives. 

We have a wide range of community partnerships who contribute to our focus on health and wellness.  Our students participate in yoga and have opportunities to use the Action Based Learning Lab.  In addition, we work in collaboration with the Green Heart Project to show the importance of not only growing your own vegetables but how to incorporate fresh fruit and vegetables into a healthy lifestyle.  Through the generous donations from the Unitarian Church, we are able to expose all of our students to several field trips each year. These field trips and engineering experiences, along with our lessons in the science lab and with our touch tank expose students to experiences in possible future careers in science and engineering. 

We have increased communication with parents and the community by updating our Website and Facebook page on a regular basis.  Weekly events are posted along with opportunities for parents and guardians to become involved.  There are monthly Make It/Take It and Interactive Literacy workshops where parents gain skills that enhance the learning at home.

Along with the community support, the vast number of volunteers, and the many partnerships we feel Mitchell is a true “Gem of the City.” 

Deborah J. Smith, Principal

Margeaux Coyne, SIC Chair