Lamar-Spaulding Elementary is dedicated to helping every student develop the World Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a rigorous and engaging educational experience. Since its establishment in August 2020, Lamar-Spaulding has proudly served the students of the rural Lamar, SC community. Today, the school serves approximately 500 students in grades 4K through 5th in a modern, state-of-the-art facility. At LSE, our goal is not only to educate the children of our community but also to foster a shared commitment to success by involving families and local stakeholders in the learning process.
From the school’s inception, we adopted a clear mission, vision, and set of core beliefs to guide our journey. Our mission is to create a safe and supportive environment where all students are given equal opportunities to learn and lead as they grow academically, socially, and emotionally.
Our vision for Lamar-Spaulding Elementary is threefold:
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Students will become successful lifelong learners and leaders who make positive contributions to society.
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Faculty and staff will deliver high-quality, student-centered instruction in an environment of high expectations and unwavering dedication to student achievement.
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Families and the broader community will be trusted and engaged partners, confident that students are being nurtured in a safe environment that fosters each child’s full potential.
Our core beliefs serve as the foundation for everything we do:
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Every child can learn and achieve their full potential.
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All students deserve to be loved, respected, and supported in a safe and nurturing space.
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Equity in education means providing an environment where every student can express themselves in meaningful ways.
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Each child’s unique experiences enhance our learning environment.
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With the right tools and strategies, every student can become both a learner and a leader.
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Teachers must model the behaviors and values they expect from students.
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Student success is a shared responsibility between students, families, staff, and the community.
Guided by our mission, vision, and beliefs, we established the school’s motto: “Learners today, leaders tomorrow.” Throughout the year, we have remained committed to developing both the academic and leadership capacities of our students. Morning meetings have played a vital role in this effort, promoting leadership development and social-emotional learning—an especially important focus in light of the challenges posed by the pandemic.
Feedback and data show that our students feel accepted, know their teachers care about them, and feel supported by all adults in the school. By addressing their social-emotional needs, we create a foundation that supports academic achievement and overall student well-being. We will continue to use our guiding principles to ensure our students are prepared for long-term success, both in school and beyond graduation.
Technology has also played a key role in enhancing our students' learning experiences. Each student has access to a personal iPad, providing 24/7 access to educational resources and allowing for continued learning beyond the classroom. Through a rigorous, standards-based curriculum supported by a district-wide pacing guide, teachers are equipped with tools and assessments that ensure every standard is taught and mastered.
Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) further support our commitment to excellence. Teachers regularly meet to analyze student data, share best practices, and tailor instruction to meet individual needs. Common formative assessments guide this process, ensuring that instructional decisions are based on clear, actionable data. These collaborative sessions empower teachers to grow professionally while supporting student success
Our commitment to student success is reflected in the strength and diversity of our academic programs. The curriculum is aligned to rigorous state standards and is designed to meet the varied needs of all learners.
An important component of our instructional support is the Gifted and Talented (GT) program for students in grades 3 through 5. This program offers enriched and accelerated learning opportunities for identified students, challenging them to think critically, solve complex problems, and explore advanced content in language arts and/or math. GT instruction supports the development of higher-order thinking skills and encourages creativity and innovation among our most advanced learners.
In addition, we continue to provide differentiated instruction, and implement research-based strategies to ensure all students are making academic progress and reaching their potential.
At Lamar-Spaulding Elementary, our commitment to excellence is evident in everything we do. Our faculty and staff are united in our mission of Leading Students to Excellence—because every child deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and lead.
