At Varennes Elementary School, we are dedicated to helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. As a Title I school serving students in grades 3–5, we are committed to fostering both academic achievement and social growth in a nurturing and inclusive environment. Our primary goal is to instill a love for lifelong learning so that each of our diverse learners can succeed as a contributing member of society.
Our staff works collaboratively to ensure that every child receives the high-quality education they deserve. Teachers at every grade level engage in weekly collaborative planning sessions to align instruction with best practices. We consistently explore and implement effective strategies, including structured literacy, guided math, blended learning, and cross-curricular integration.
This year, we strengthened our Professional Learning Community (PLC) model by focusing intentionally on math instruction. Grade-level teams met regularly to analyze student data, identify essential math standards, and plan for differentiated instruction. A key component of our math PLCs involved the use of concrete models and manipulatives to deepen students’ conceptual understanding. Teachers shared strategies and designed hands-on activities that allowed students to move from concrete to representational to abstract thinking, improving overall comprehension and engagement in math.
During the past school year, we continued to strengthen instruction and student engagement through several key initiatives:
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All educators received training and materials for the research-based social-emotional learning program, PATHS (Promoting Alternative Thinking Strategies), supporting the development of students' emotional and behavioral skills.
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Our Reading Coach led ongoing professional development focused on Depth of Knowledge (DOK) questioning techniques and provided additional support for the implementation of our HMH Into Reading curriculum.
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Students received targeted support through the RISE intervention program, ensuring academic needs were met through small-group instruction.
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Every student participated in our Family Book Club, reading Little Rhino: My New Team with their families. Students were recognized for their engagement and celebrated through literacy enriched activities.
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Positive behavior was highlighted through our PBIS RAM Celebrations, with incentives such as a fall carnival, a trip to an Anderson University basketball game, inflatable play days, and more for students demonstrating outstanding behavior.
Technology and communication continue to be integral to our school's culture. As a 1:1 Chromebook school, students and teachers utilize digital tools for collaboration, creativity, and learning. Students create informational videos, collaborate on assignments in Google Docs and Classroom, and connect via Google Meets. Teachers regularly participate in professional development focused on integrating technology with best instructional practices in literacy and mathematics.
Through the collective efforts of our students, staff, families, and community, Varennes Elementary remains committed to meeting each student where they are and guiding them toward their full potential. We believe in the promise of every child and will continue to provide exceptional learning opportunities rooted in high-quality instruction, personalized support, and positive, inclusive interactions. The future is bright for Varennes Elementary, and we look forward to continued growth and success.
