Pelion Elementary School helps all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by working to meet the needs of each individual student, providing a safe learning environment, and partnering with parents and community to provide necessary resources and services for our students.
Serving as Interim Principal at Pelion Elementary this year has provided the opportunity to see first hand the tremendous passion that our faculty, staff, parents and community have for their school. From Archery to helping to provide rides when needed, our learning community strives daily to support and contribute in a positive way.
We utilize social and emotional learning, morning meetings, closing circles, physical activity, LIFELONG GUIDELINES and LIFESKILLS, as well as the Lexington County School District One power skills to support our work. Students are also encouraged to show their Panther PRIDE: Personal best, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Effort in all their learning endeavors.
PES is a learning community focused on the development of every aspect of every child in every classroom. The entire staff works as a team to provide a safe and secure learning environment so that our students can develop their talents in a way that will enable them to move toward their individual levels of success. Our goal is that they will be well-equipped as productive citizens and leaders in the Pelion community and beyond.
Our focus continues to be helping our students with motivation, independence and self-determination as learners; therefore we structure our learning experiences to stimulate creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Our teachers and instructional leaders continue to grow in using data to make decisions concerning the delivery of instruction in literacy and math to bring about growth targeted to identify areas of need.
Math and literacy coaches meet weekly with teachers in sessions called “Panther Pause.” These sessions were developed to give teachers an opportunity to collaborate and develop strategies toward meeting stretch goals for our students. The workshop model plays a greater role in personalizing learning and meeting each student on his or her level. Teachers utilize the workshop model in ELA and math. This allows for small-group instruction as well as individual conferring opportunities as teachers use student performance data to guide instruction and meet the specific needs of all learners in their classroom.
PES teachers use technology to engage learners along with books, hands-on opportunities, field studies, and exploration walks. In addition to our targeted attention to develop core reading and math skills, we use skills to integrate learning with other subjects through a variety of collaborative, hands-on projects. We promote digital citizenship and encourage our students and their families to practice safe technology use at school and at home. To enable our students to develop their artistic talents, PES provides excellent programs in music and art. Our physical education classes focus on building strong bodies through physical activity and healthy habits. Students also participate in our archery and basketball club. In fact, our archery team has won at the state and national levels and will compete again this year at Worlds in August.
Recognizing the fact that all our students have individual needs, our RtI, special education and MLL programs provide caring, targeted support to enhance learning experiences for all our students and their families. Beyond those programs, we have other grant-funded programs that are designed to ensure that all our students have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of income or ethnicity. For example, we provide research-based interventions to students with deficits in reading and math through our grant-funded 21st Century After-School Program.
Our teachers know the importance of a daily Morning Meeting and Closing Circle to meet the needs of the whole child. Teachers plan short lessons on how to build community and address the social and emotional needs of students. Our school counselors conduct classroom lessons focusing on career opportunities, anti-bullying, and social and emotional health. They also work with students in small groups and individually to address any concerns from students or their families.
PES has been able to maintain its strong connection to the Pelion community because of tremendous support from local businesses, churches and community groups. Partnerships with Shumpert’s IGA, Clemson Extension, Lexington Soil & Water Conservation District, Pelion Police Department, Pelion High School FFA, D&T Steel, Convent Baptist Church, Florence Baptist Church, Pelion Baptist Church, Pelion Ruritan Club, Pelion Woman’s Club and the Lexington County Public Library have been beneficial to our students and staff. A strong PTO and SIC, along with local churches and community groups have generously supported our efforts as well, with planned food trucks and other events for students and staff this year. A strong connection to the other schools in our feeder system has provided continuity for our families and a sense of unity for the entire community. For example, the Pelion Area Schools Showcase night is a highly anticipated event that plays host to literacy games, Fine Arts and FFA exhibitions, an archery showcase, and many other engaging and educational activities for the families of Pelion.
Another key element in our service to the Pelion community is our parenting program. Our family liaison works with the parents of our new four-year-olds and other families. She sends newsletters and other publications to keep parents informed and solicit their input concerning our programs. Students who are unable to participate in our four-year-old classes are encouraged to participate in Little Panthers, a program that brings them into the school environment once a week to access enrichment activities and help prepare them for kindergarten. Our Panther University, Panther Moms and Panther Dads give our families opportunities to have breakfast with their students and learn together as a family. We also host a student and staff flu shot clinic and mammogram van for staff members.
Special events throughout the year include Bingo for Books Night, Family Math Night at the IGA, Family Scavenger Hunts, Reading Prize Patrol, Veterans’ Day breakfast, and free Scholastic book fairs.
At PES, our philosophy is that families, school and community must work in partnership to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. Based on that philosophy, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to strengthening the Pelion community by enabling our children to learn and grow in a positive and safe environment.
As Interim Principal, it has been my pleasure to serve in this capacity and to better understand the hidden gem we call Pelion Elementary.
Dr. James Ann Sheley, Interim Principal
Stacy Brown, SIC Chair
