Hollywood Elementary School (HES) is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing an academically supportive learning environment where students are encouraged and challenged to reach their fullest potential. This environment is provided through the implementation of our school vision to empower students to be life-long learners who are Respectful, Organized, Cooperative, Knowledgeable, and Successful. Students know what it means when we say that HES ROCKS! HES is a PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Support) school in our tenth year of implementation, fostering the 21st century learning skill of collaboration. It is our priority to emphasize positive behaviors while constantly teaching our school wide expectations. Positive behavior is rewarded through the use of ROCK star tickets, classroom tickets/rewards, and Student of the Month recognition. Students of the Month are recognized through not only certificates and a special prize, but also lawn signs which are proudly displayed throughout our school community at homes of students earning this honor.
Our students are taught to use critical thinking and problem solving skills. We offer this learning environment by carrying out our school wide mission: to provide engaging educational opportunities that encourage positive academics and social growth. HES maintains high expectations for students in correlation with academic performance and advancement. We are preparing our students to master knowledge, skills, and expertise to succeed in work and life in the 21st Century.
Our students use critical thinking and problem solving through many varied means. Our fourth grade students are engaged in highly effective PBL (Project Based Learning) classes. In these classes, students are charged with applying skills that are learned to solve real world problems. All grades complete at least two STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics) units each year and practice close reading and text dependent analysis strategies throughout the year. Students apply Design Thinking in the arts by creating and performing two concerts during the school year. Students are also engaged in Three ACT Tasks in math, which are aimed at developing thinking and real world problem solving skills. Communication skills are fostered in all subject areas through the use of technology. Our school’s media specialist collaborates and co-teaches in all grade levels to ensure that technology is effectively utilized to support educational initiatives. All students are taught to work together and converse clearly through our fourth grade PBL classes and school-wide STEM projects. In kindergarten, students use iPads to enhance their learning. First through fifth grade students and all teachers have Chromebooks. These devices help to foster the learning of information, media, and technology skills in the media-driven environment in which we all reside. Collaboration and communication are applied through the implementation of Total Participation Techniques and Kagan Structures. Creativity is additionally encouraged through STEM, Honors Choir, Percussion Ensemble, and A capella Classes.
In addition to academics, our school provides many beneficial and interesting opportunities for students, parents, and our community to be involved. After school opportunities for our students include joining the Honors Choir, A capella Choir, and Percussion Ensembles, participating in the Little and Lucky 4-H Clubs, and partaking in the Good News Club. In addition, those that qualify are invited to join the National Elementary Honor Society for monthly meetings and service projects. Special events involving our parents and community are also held during the school year including: Open House and Curriculum night, breakfast with our moms, dads, and grandparents, the Veteran’s Day program, Hollywood for the Holidays, our annual Christmas musical program, Hollywood STEAM Night, BINGO night, and our year end musical concert.
Students and staff participate in many service learning projects which foster communication and collaboration. This year, our school community supported the Ronald McDonald House, St Jude Children’s Research Hospital, American Cancer Society, and our local animal shelter.
At HES, we fully believe that it takes a village to raise a child. We are supported by a strong parent organization, PACE (Parents Association Concerned about Education) to accomplish that goal. Our students, staff, parents, and community work together as a team as we prepare and develop our students to be the eventual South Carolina graduates and world leaders of tomorrow. Twenty-first century standards, assessments, curriculum, instruction, professional development and learning environments are aligned at HES to create a support system that produces 21st century outcomes for our students. Our hope is that the strong foundation they are given at Hollywood Elementary School will help prepare our students to persevere in an ever-changing world.
Tammie Shore, Principal
Jennifer Thomas, Assistant Principal
