Minnie Hughes Elementary School, located in the rural community of Hollywood, SC, is “INTENTIONALLY ALL IN” in helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We prioritize rigorous instruction that promotes literacy, mathematical problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. We strive to consistently provide personalized instruction and small group interventions based on data. Keeping our vision at the forefront, we work hard to be a school that is committed to educating all students and where 21st-century learning, collaboration, and high academic standards for all students are reached. We value the importance of literacy and want our students to reach proficiency. Our teachers are trained in LETRS and SIPPS to target the science of reading practices and a heavy emphasis on phonics. We schedule a block of time during the school day to accelerate learning, where students are grouped in tiers for additional support for 30 minutes daily. This strategy aligns with the district's goal for fifth grade students to be reading on grade level by 2027.
Teachers participated in the Education Innovation Research (EIR) Project to become more aware of their own cultural biases. They participated in self-chosen professional development opportunities, centered on cultural competencies, to help lead to culturally responsive instruction that empowers the achievement and attainment of students.
We are building leaders at Minnie Hughes Elementary School who will go into the community and contribute in positive ways. Students are learning and practicing techniques to understand their learning by conducting student-led conferences, which we believe helps students take ownership of their learning. We have established a rigorous Student Ambassador Program, where students apply and undergo an intense interview process. Students in the program are held to high standards as leaders, but are also rewarded, thus learning the experiences of a college/career-oriented graduate.
To support our students emotionally, we also completed schoolwide Restorative Practice training and are in year 4 of implementation. All classes use the Second Step curriculum to address the emotional needs of our students. We also implement Zones of Regulation strategies to support our tier II and III students. At the heart of our school is the Ron Clark House System, where each student belongs to one of four houses: Isibindi, Altruismo, Amistad, or Rêveur. Students proudly wear their house colors, chant their house songs, and strive to earn points through academic excellence, positive behavior, and leadership. Our partnership with MUSC Arts in Healing program helps to support students' overall wellness. Students also participated in clubs this year and were able to focus on their interests and development.
Minnie Hughes Elementary School has established mutually beneficial partnerships with community entities, from the local restaurants, grandparents, and others, such as the Charleston County Parks & Recreation Commission, St. Paul’s Hollywood Public Library, Walterboro Masonic Lodge, and local churches. Our representative from Communities in Schools has helped with this initiative. Our close-knit community embraced our efforts to educate and provide transformative learning experiences to create engaging, hands-on classroom environments and empower students to develop the in-demand knowledge and skills they need to thrive. Our school community values our stakeholders being “INTENTIONALLY ALL IN” at Minnie Hughes Elementary School, and we know that, together, we can advance student learning, equity, and the success of all of our students.
Mrs. Ashland Temoney, Principal
Mrs. Margie Washington, School Improvement Council Chairperson
