Established in 1984, Ashley River Creative Arts Elementary School remains committed to helping all students reach their full potential through an arts-integrated academic curriculum. As a statewide leader in arts integration, we support the development of the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by teaching the SC College- and Career-Ready Standards alongside the SC Visual and Performing Arts Standards for Proficiency.
This year, a focus was early literacy, aligning with our district-wide goal of all students reading on grade level by fifth grade by 2027. We used data from Fastbridge, iReady, and formative assessments to identify students needing support. Targeted interventions included a part-time reading interventionist, a literacy assistant, and differentiated classroom instruction. A full-time math interventionist provided support for students in mathematics. We also refined our MTSS school based protocols and procedures to ensure a focus on the whole child and improved outcomes for all students. Looking ahead, we remain committed to integrating the arts into new literacy and math curriculum, implementing social-emotional learning curriculum with integrity, and expanding access to arts-based therapeutic services.
Students build critical thinking and problem-solving skills through collaborative, project-based learning across academic and arts disciplines. Arts specialists and classroom teachers work closely to integrate standards into instruction in Visual Arts, Drama, Music, Strings, Dance, Cultural Arts STEAM, Media, and P.E. Each grade level participated in three artist-in-residence experiences this year, where visiting artists and teachers guided students through the creative process, culminating in performances and exhibitions of learning. We also provided weekly music therapy sessions for students with exceptional needs and are excited to continue and expand this support next year.
Enrichment opportunities are embedded in the student experience. Our fifth-grade students produce the WUNI News, a daily news broadcast that develops communication and media skills. Fourth and fifth graders participate in daily interest-based clubs, including UniChorus, UniKeys, UniCussion, Drama Troupe, Dance Troupe, STEAM, Creative Writing, Visual Arts, Golf, Helping Hands, the Kindness Squad, and the Unified P.E. Club, promoting inclusion and creativity.
Ashley River teachers engage in continuous professional development, collaborative planning, and data-informed instruction. With the support of our PTA, teachers regularly write grants to enhance programming. This year, we proudly hosted the statewide ABC Institute elementary site meeting and celebrated our 40th anniversary with a community event showcasing student learning through the arts. We continue to serve as a model school for the Arts in the Basic Curriculum Institute and as a partner site for Engaging Creative Minds.
Our School Improvement Council (SIC) meets monthly to support key areas, including equity and inclusion, staff wellness, gifted and talented programming, and arts integration. In partnership with families and the broader community, we are committed to nurturing a creative, inclusive, and rigorous learning environment for all students.
Timothy P. Sullivan, Principal
Krista Godek, School Improvement Coordinator
