Forest Hills Elementary School is committed to inspiring every student to develop world-class skills, along with the life and career characteristics outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We foster a safe and nurturing environment where positive attitudes and collaborative efforts lead to success. Our guiding vision is clear: FHE will be a school where EVERYONE learns at higher levels. This vision is brought to life daily through our collective commitments involving all stakeholders.
Our teachers are dedicated to addressing the individual needs of each student every day. We have just concluded the fourth year of our five-year arts and literacy grant through ArtsNOW. This partnership enhances teaching and learning by integrating the arts into literacy, allowing our teachers to incorporate dance, music, visual arts, and more into our students' educational experiences.
Teachers are actively engaged in our Professional Learning Community, where they plan data-driven, targeted small group instruction in reading and math. At Forest Hills Elementary, teacher collaboration ensures differentiated instruction across all subject areas, effectively engaging students and improving their academic performance. Tools like i-Ready, focused writing prompts, reading and math interventionists, and science kits are integral to our daily approach to meeting the diverse needs of our learners. Additionally, our 4th graders benefit from hands-on science lessons provided by The Children’s Museum of the Lowcountry.
Through a Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS) framework, we are able to meet the needs of all our students. Teams use data and discussions around best practices to identify strategies for addressing academic and behavioral needs. Forest Hills also implemented a School Safety Patrol. These select 5th grade students assisted with the safety of our building and completed two service-learning projects.
Beyond academics, we focus on the holistic development of our students. A cornerstone initiative at Forest Hills Elementary is the Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Through PBIS, students are taught clear expectations, provided opportunities to practice expectations, encouraged to meet expectations, and recognized through daily points and earned invitations to PBIS Celebrations.
Our Forest Hills Elementary PTO plays a vital role, supporting fundraising efforts that enable field trips for all grade levels, as well as boosting morale for faculty and staff.
At Forest Hills Elementary, our dedicated staff, hardworking students, and supportive Cougar Cub families work together to nurture, inspire, and guide our PAWSOME students, ensuring they are prepared to succeed in tomorrow’s world. We are dedicated to guiding our students along the path to becoming future South Carolina graduates and impactful world leaders!
Joe Guarino, Principal
Rolets Buckner, School Improvement Council Chair
