Dennis Elementary School is committed to continuous quality improvement, using the South Carolina Improvement Model as a guide, which is evident through the structures, processes, and procedures used throughout the year as we work towards achieving the mission and vision of our school. The motto for the 2023-2024 school year, “Where Excellence Happens,” displays our desire to create a safe learning environment of excellence for our students and staff. This school year has allowed us to utilize multiple data sources to understand where we are, create a plan with practical strategies for where we desire to go and implement the plan with monitoring and adjustments to influence our intended outcomes positively.
Collaborative Learning Teams (CLTs) provide teachers and instructional staff an opportunity for student-centered coaching and collaboration to identify, practice, and transfer practical data analysis and differentiation strategies based on student needs. CLTs were implemented based on data from my Individualized Growth and Development Indicators (myIGDIs), Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA), Measures of Academic Progress (MAP), South Carolina College and Career Ready Assessment (SC READY), and classroom observations. Results from our most recent Diagnostic Review confirmed the need to ensure students receive rigorous, standard-aligned instruction with time for practice and various formative and summative checks embedded in the learning process. Intentional progress monitoring tools continue to be developed and used to make the necessary adjustments to meet the diverse needs of our students.
The assessments mentioned above identified English Language Arts and Mathematics opportunities, creating a priority for our work based on school-wide goals. Additional intervention support, provided by a certified teacher, was added across all grade levels, and an additional afterschool program targeting students with the highest needs was created. Intervention support was provided to accelerate learning for students, too. These supports, in addition to the daily classroom instructional practices and Thunderbird Time, were designed to accelerate the learning cycle through the identification of learning gaps and to give scaffolds through a range of strategies and resources.
Because we understand the value of recognizing small wins to increase success, students are recognized in various ways to enhance motivation and aid them in goal-setting. To encourage and promote daily school attendance, incentives are provided to classes that achieve perfect attendance, and during testing, individuals receive small tokens each day. The celebrations do not end here, as students are recognized for achieving their personal and school-wide goals through events that allow them to celebrate with their peers across grade levels. Every nine weeks, student success in academics, attendance, character, and behavior are acknowledged during our nine-week celebrations, during which our parents, Board of Trustees, Superintendent, and community partners often share in the success.
Our teachers are integral to the work and success of our students. Collaborative Learning Teams held twice weekly have provided a structure for teachers, coaches, and administrators to delve into work that will propel us to the next level. Our Professional Development Plan focused on creating meaningful assessments with standard alignment, data analysis to inform and differentiate instruction using protocols, investigation into rigor to develop instruction and resources at all grade levels, student engagement, and student work. Teachers remained dedicated to learning, as leaders used a Gradual Release Model to aid teachers in transferring knowledge to their classrooms and collaborative efforts. Feedback from teachers, observations, and evidence from student work allow one to see the benefits of CLT as capacity is built and recognized through data disaggregation to move students and teams forward, not just individual classrooms.
Teachers and staff deserve recognition, too, as they either teach or support teachers. The school’s Staff and Student Recognition Committee created a monthly recognition where colleagues nominated staff for Certified and Classified Staff of the Month, earning them unique parking spaces, lunch with administrators, and tokens of appreciation. We spotlighted our custodians, cafeteria staff, counselor, media specialist, and teachers during the day or week of recognition as our students and staff created cards, banners, and acts of kindness to show the value all bring to our school. Some parents joined in the celebration through other random acts valued by all.
Learning at Dennis Elementary is comprised of not only academics but also social, emotional, and behavioral skills. Our school counselor offers individual, small-group, and whole-group lessons to address these needs throughout the school year. Character words are chosen every month and highlighted each morning on the announcements. Staff incorporate these words and expectations into the school environment as a teachable moment and to hold students accountable. Students also participate in events like Red Ribbon Week, Mental Health Awareness Week, Career Day, Black History Month Celebrations, Read Across America, Hispanic Heritage Month, and Canned Food Drive, which benefits our community, and who doesn’t love a good Kona Ice. These events promote inclusivity, awareness, acceptance, and diversity, leading to a culture and climate where all are valued.
Learning happens inside and outside our school walls for our students, teachers, and parents. Our students have been afforded multiple learning opportunities through field trip experiences this school year. Our teachers and teacher assistants, through workshops and conferences, and our parents, through their involvement in Title I Parent University, School Improvement Council, and school events like Literacy/Math Night. Parents were also recognized during our End of the Year ceremonies to express our gratitude for their partnership throughout the year. Learning is instrumental in increasing all staff’s toolbox and effectiveness. Administrators, counselors, office staff, and instructional support staff have also sought learning in and out of the district to aid in meeting the needs of our school.
Excellence is happening at Dennis Elementary School. One teacher shared, “Excellence is not a destination but a process.” At Dennis, we are committed to the process and know we are destined for greatness. With our students, staff, parents, community partners, and leadership, we will continue to take steps in the right direction that will lead to progress. Our South Carolina School Report Card shows us moving, and we won’t stop even when an excellent rating is earned.
