In the 2023-2024 school year, Hyatt Park Elementary continues its mission of fostering academic achievement and nurturing critical thinking and problem-solving skills among its 323 enrolled students. As one of the five elementary schools within the Eau Claire Cluster, Hyatt Park faces the challenge of serving a student population with the highest poverty rating in Richland District One, operating as a Title One school.

Despite fluctuating attendance rates, the school witnessed a reduced chronic absenteeism this year, with a total enrollment reaching 323. In alignment with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, the school remains committed to implementing innovative teaching and learning methods to meet the diverse needs of its students.

While previously identified as an AVID school, Hyatt Park Elementary has transitioned to incorporate Visible Learning strategies into its curriculum in all grades. Additionally, the school is actively exploring restorative justice and trauma-informed care practices to create a supportive environment for all students. To address the need for movement breaks and kinesthetic learning, 100% of our teachers are trained in Orton-Gillingham to support our struggling readers. It is a structured, multisensory technique employed alongside our Visible Learning strategies.  

Weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) provide a platform for teachers to collaborate on curriculum alignment and data analysis, utilizing assessment results from various sources, including STAR, Benchmark Assessment System, KRA, and district universal benchmarks. Vertical planning sessions further support teachers in preparing students for the next academic level.

Community partnerships remain integral to the school's success, with organizations such as Reading Matters, Fort Jackson Mentoring Program, and PRISMA Health contributing resources and support. These partnerships facilitate tutoring, mentoring, and parental assistance, reinforcing the school's commitment to student achievement.

Aligned with district priorities, literacy remains a primary focus at Hyatt Park Elementary, with initiatives to ensure all students achieve reading proficiency by 3rd grade. Schoolwide Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) celebrations, quarterly awards ceremonies, and end-of-year promotion events serve to recognize students for their academic accomplishments and positive behavior. This year, we began our journey with the Ron Clark House System.

We look forward to incorporating engaging strategies to motivate our learners and foster a sense of belonging to the Cougar community. 

Hyatt Park Elementary continues to strive towards its goal of preparing students for college and career success, maintaining optimism for the future as it endeavors to elevate student achievement levels.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Danielle Reilly, EdD

Latisha Watts, SIC Chair