At Jane Edwards School we have helped our students develop the world class skills listed in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication during the 2018-2019 school year. We incorporated new technologies that fostered collaboration and communication. Our STEAM focus involved the use of Engineering is Elementary kits, Amazon Hour of Code, and the use of Ozobots and Ozmos Genius to engage students in literacy and critical thinking. Our career day event and Read Across America day connected students to local celebrities. The presenters communicated the importance of reading and writing in preparing them for their career success. Our students engaged in personalized learning with adaptive digital content, Dreambox and Lexia Core 5, through the use of Chromebooks and iPads. Our 6th grade students participated in an underwater robotics competition, SeaPerch. Students, guided by the engineering design process, engaged in critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration in preparing for this competition and students were exposed to a career in underwater surveillance and coding. Students had an additional opportunity to engage in surveillance with the US Navy during their school visit to Jane Edwards.
Our students learned how to access digital content in all academic areas. Through transdisciplinary connections and after school clubs our students explored music, art, and physical education that connected to the science and math units of study. Students worked together to problem solve solutions for issues in our local marsh environment. In partnership with the SC Sea Grant Consortium and SC Department of Natural Resources, students harvested Spartina alterniflora seeds, germinated the seeds, and replanted the Spartina seedlings back in depleted areas of the marsh. This program, Seeds to Shoreline, provided an opportunity for math integration as students communicated their research findings on germination and marsh grass re-establishment. Our media center is the hub of all transdisciplinary learning. Our Maker Space Lab, facilitated by our Teacher Librarian, provided additional opportunities for literacy and numeracy connections through a problem based format.
The activities listed allowed our students to learn and practice collaboration and teamwork. Our teachers structured many of their classroom lessons for active student engagement. Classroom observations noted students working in collaborative groups, sharing information as they huddled together, discussing information purposefully, and decision making. Our students engaged in world class skills associated with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate and are preparing for their future, today.
Rodney Moore, Principal
Sarah Hennigan, SIC Chair
