Westwood High School remains steadfast in its commitment to helping students develop the world-class skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through the implementation of our whole-school magnet program, the Institute of Research, Engagement, and Design (iRED). Our school proudly holds the distinction of being a certified magnet school with demonstration status, recognized by the Magnet Schools of America (MSA).
Our theme for the 2023-2024 school year, #LockedIN and #InItToWinIt, embodies the core tenets of our habits of success: Resilience, Integrity, Scholarship, and Engagement. These habits are integrated into our daily classroom activities, enabling our stakeholders to produce their best work and resulting in significant growth and achievement across various assessment categories.
As a one-to-one technology-driven school, our students utilize Chromebook devices and smartphones to collaborate and communicate, not only with fellow Westwood students but also with individuals around the globe. They engage with authors, doctors, and scientists, bringing real-world content and exposure into the classroom. Additionally, our students use technology to produce award-winning media and a live weekly news broadcast, the Morning News Show.
We intentionally provide a rigorous education that emphasizes the development of 21st-century skills such as problem-solving, collaboration, innovation, and effective communication. Students strive daily to demonstrate our habits of success while safely engaging in service learning activities, including contributions to the Battle of the Axe, Columbia Assistance Bridge, Richland Two Backpack Initiative, Sister Care, and Harvest Hope Food Bank. Additionally, students have served as community activists, working to bring attention to issues such as teen dating and mental health. These activities have allowed students to demonstrate creativity, teamwork, and a genuine desire to meet the needs of our community.
Despite the challenges presented by this school year, the Westwood Redhawks continued to excel. Our accolades for the year include being named a Beta Club School of Distinction, receiving National Honor Council recognition for Student Government, securing a 3rd Place finish in Girls Track and Field, and reaching the AAAA Quarterfinals in Boys Basketball. The class of 2024 boasts 10 Palmetto Fellows, 47 HOPE Scholarship Recipients, 87 Life Scholars, 20 Certified Medical Assistant Completers, 128 students who earned industry certifications, 338 students recognized as College and Career Ready, 304 students who applied for college admission, and 11 athletes who signed Letters of Intent. These achievements are reflected in the over $28 million awarded in scholarship funds. Additionally, we had one Palmetto Teaching Fellow, seven Work-Based Learning Apprenticeships, and we successfully met all three strategic goals established at the beginning of the school year.
With a continued focus on student-centered instruction, productive partnerships with parents and community members, and a laser focus on learner outcomes, Westwood will continue to learn, lead, and design pathways and future opportunities for all students to achieve success.
Christian Grant, SIC Chairperson
Robert S. Jackson, Ed.S., Principal
