This year students at Chesnee Elementary School were able to SOAR academically, socially, and emotionally! The school goal is to keep students first while we focus on developing world-class skills to help mold the life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. The faculty, staff, and administration strive to provide a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment for all students.
Seeking to build the optimal environment in all aspects, the focus centers around working together and the development of strong citizenship. As we continue to strive for success we emphasize the importance of being a part of something bigger and utilizing one’s strengths to be productive. Team building is a strong component embedded in the curriculum and school activities. As we model the thrill of life-long learning, our faculty and staff strive to be innovative, to be heavily involved in professional development, and to implement best practices in our classrooms.
Teachers at CES work to transform learning by guiding students in research, thinking on a deeper and more critical level, reading for details, using technology in innovative ways, and writing to explain thinking. In the past year alone, CES teachers have served as a model Impact Team for Spartanburg District Two, made school visits, and participated in a number of professional development sessions focusing on using the most Impactful Strategies in classrooms and learning more about personalized learning. Chesnee Elementary School teachers continue to utilize various instructional strategies, such as, Writing Workshop, Guided Reading, Guided Math, LLI (Reading Intervention), PBIS (Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports), and Rubric 4.0 (a tool in increasing teacher effectiveness). Lead teachers continue to implement lessons using success criteria and learning intentions to expand on our district focus on teacher clarity.Teachers recognize the importance of professional growth with the goal of increasing student performance.
Students routinely collaborate when researching in order to gather information regarding problems, work together to formulate solutions, and use presentation tools via technology to share work. Our teachers also collaborate weekly during TLT meetings to analyze student data and make informed instructional decisions for next steps in student learning.
To increase a love for reading and to reach the school goal of having all third graders reading on grade level, CES starts every day with school-wide reading and individual student conferencing to support effective comprehension strategies. To better assist reluctant readers, the addition of a reading interventionist allows extra attention in small groups for students who need more time to develop fundamental reading skills. To enhance reading engagement, CES has a variety of family events to get students and their families involved and excited about reading. Students have opportunities for after school tutoring in reading, called Champ Camp and Boost. With a balanced literacy approach, individual needs are addressed to enhance achievement in all content areas. In addition, technology instruction continues to enhance student learning to prepare students for their futures in college and careers. With the continued implementation of one to one devices, students are exposed to a more personalized approach to learning. Many times, throughout the day, students are also working in stations to reinforce their individual learning while the teacher is leading guided instruction.
To cultivate well-rounded students, CES offers a variety of experiences outside of the classroom setting. Students participate in annual drama productions funded by our PTO, the school, and outside sponsorships. Students also participate in student-led and organized service projects such as: local canned food drives, donations to the Children’s Hospital, and contributions to P.S. I Love You ministries, as well as the Humane Society. The school also continues its partnership with the Kids Club of the Upstate to provide an extensive variety of after-school and summer opportunities. WCES News airs every morning with students responsible for all the operational duties. Students can participate in many clubs before, during or after school. A few examples are CES Singers, Beta Club, GT Art Club, and many more! Every student at CES gets the opportunity to be in a club at least once a month. Several students from the club had the opportunity to present their projects at family events.
Six PTO programs, each beginning with singing and/or dancing by our students, are conducted every year. In 2023 - 2024 over 400 participants attended each of three family nights designed to help parents know how to academically assist their children, exceeding school attendance expectations. In addition, CES also held our annual career fair and Veterans Day program which both invited and highlighted community members. Students also participated in a school-wide science fair and spelling bee. We are working to continue these programs in the coming school year.
While academics continue to be the main focus for the “Champs” of Chesnee Elementary School, forming strong bonds with young people helps to create the nurturing, hometown feel that is so important in developing a love for learning and a happy environment for children.
Kristen Senn, Principal
