Sullivan’s Island Elementary is helping students develop world class skills and life/career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring and academically challenging learning environment. During the 2018-2019 school year, Sullivan’s Island Elementary School implemented several initiatives fostering student growth in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication skills.
Students learned about the coastal environment through authentic math and science experiences in the lab, nature trail/beach, and school garden. Students regularly created models, worked in groups to solve problems and shared their ideas through speaking, writing, drawing, and technology. One school-wide project involved students writing letters to state senators in an effort to support our own community’s ban on plastic usage. Students in the 3rd and 5th grades participated in science outreach projects with students from other schools.
Students were provided with expanded opportunities to use adaptive digital platforms to assist with targeting specific math and reading skills based on individual student readiness. While students worked independently on these platforms, teachers analyzed their progress and used the data to pull small groups of students for instruction based on student needs. Based on work in small groups, students worked collaboratively on creative math and reading projects.
Our parent-funded K-5 Spanish exposure program continued to directly impact student communication skills and global awareness this past year. Students were exposed to the basics of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish speaking countries through conversation, writing, song, dance, art, and games.
Finally, our 4th and 5th grade participated in Special Interest Units which motivated students to work and interact with other students, teachers and community volunteers who shared common interests. Students self-selected 6-week courses offered on Friday afternoons. Units included photography, Chinese, nature trail exploration, nutrition, French, law, storybook coding, and many other engaging topics.
At Sullivan’s Island Elementary, our teachers and community are committed to continued innovation and improvement as we collaborate to create a learning environment that cultivates critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity in all students. Thank you for your support in helping develop our future graduates and stewards of the Earth!
Susan King, Principal
Heather Galloway, SIC Chair
