Our school is helping all students develop the World Class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by developing lifelong learners. This past year, Arcadia Elementary School had the motto, Dream It, Believe It, Achieve It. We believe that everything is in reach with effective planning, action, effort, and resiliency.
Our balanced literacy approach integrates reading and literature into every aspect of the curriculum. Teachers worked with our literacy coach to create meaningful lessons to engage and grow students. The information gathered through assessments such as STAR and DRA were used to determine each child’s strengths and weaknesses. Data was organized and discussed to inform and drive instructional practices.
An essential component to student success is our parental support. Communication through grade level newsletters, school monthly calendars, and social media helped keep our parents informed of classroom and school happenings. Teachers met with parents each semester to communicate student performance and growth. Multiple events were planned throughout the year to engage families and encourage participation. Our annual health fair, fall and spring literacy nights, goodies for grandparents, pastries for parents, and multiple student performances helped to build school/home relations and provide a sense of community. Also, Arcadia continued its strong parenting program. Triple P (Positive Parenting Program) served both our Spanish and English speaking parents and met weekly on a variety of topics. Our active School Improvement Council met throughout the school year and reviewed and discussed school-wide goals and student data.
Arcadia Elementary is fortunate to have strong partnerships with local colleges. Student volunteers from Wofford College, USC Upstate, Spartanburg Community College, and Spartanburg Methodist worked with our teachers in the classroom and served as academic tutors, and reading and lunch buddies during the school year. Student volunteers assisted in our daily after school program between 2:30 PM and 6:00 PM each afternoon.
The promotion of physical health and well-being is an important part of our overall school program. Arcadia Elementary worked with the Mary Black Foundation to meet the requirements for the Healthy School Initiative. Activities like Walk at School, Workout Wednesdays, and family fitness night were incorporated into the school year. Our annual Health Fair permits various community agencies to share health and wellness information with our families. The Arcadia girls running club expanded to forty-eight students and participated in three 5K races this year.
In the coming year, the school's theme of All In at Arcadia will serve to reinforce a collective sense of purpose and our shared commitment to helping all students develop into successful lifelong learners. Our school environment invites creative action from our parents, community, teachers,and students to achieve student success. A strong foundation is being established at Arcadia and the beginning to a successful future.
Jaqueline Sanchez, SIC Chairperson
Jay Seegars, Principal