At Forts Pond Elementary School, we are helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing opportunities for academics, leadership, agency, and social and emotional wellness. The South Carolina Profile of the Graduate and the Lexington One Profile of the Graduate help our school facilitate a self-directed learner who is competent in academics, wellness, and social responsibility.
Our school vision provides a basis to remind us how we are to work together each day so that we have a culture and environment where we want to come to work and learn together.
At Forts Pond Elementary,
We trust each other.
We care.
We work together to do our best.
We celebrate every person.
We are the Mighty Mallards.
Additionally, for the 2023–24 school year, we focused on being kind, being positive, and being grateful. Each week, every classroom unpacked a school-wide quote, discussed a read-aloud, and watched an inspiring video to align with this theme. A weekly newsletter to parents kept them informed of the theme of the week and provided links so that they could also discuss these books, quotes, and videos as a family.
Monthly, family-focused activities were sponsored at the school with an emphasis on embedding a love of learning while having fun. These family-focused events were well attended and were in addition to the monthly morning Mallard University which provided parent and child hands-on learning strategies that they could practice during the before school sessions.
Parents also participated in the Leader of the Month festivities. Each month, students voted for the individual who best upheld the school’s vision and these students were celebrated. This recognition also kept the vision in focus throughout the school year.
Teachers participated in professional learning of the Science of Reading through LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and the implementation was noticeable in the students as they decoded words and applied these skills to their reading and writing strategies.
Additionally, teachers met weekly and delved into student performance data and planned learning for students based on need. Differentiated learning activities were offered in a workshop model of learning to engage students in hands-on, collaborative learning stations. This emphasis resulted in cooperative learning teams based on students’ individual learning needs and styles, increased engagement and self-reflection in both academics and behaviors, as well as sharing successes and challenges through morning meetings and closing circles. Students were enthusiastic about positive office referrals and leadership celebrations. They were knowledgeable of their learning targets and set goals for their learning.
Forts Pond has collaborated with the community at large. As partners in learning with Lexington Soil and Water Conservation, Pelion Police Department, the Lexington County Public Library Pelion branch, and local churches, we have been able to provide students with opportunities for field studies, hands-on learning experiences, weekend snack packs, and family support.
Through Lexington County Mental Health, services are provided at the school for students needing support for mental wellness. This partnership allows students to receive counseling in a familiar setting with a system of support surrounding them.
At Forts Pond Elementary, we continue to strive to create a safe and welcoming place where children can learn more than they imagined, make friends they never knew they could have, be responsible in new and important ways, and know that they are cared for and supported all along the journey.
Marie Watson, Principal
James Baxley, SIC Chair
