At Doby’s Mill Elementary School, the 2024–2025 school year was marked by a strong commitment to academic excellence and a nurturing, student-centered environment. As a proud Title I school, we remained focused on meeting the academic, social, emotional, and physical needs of every student through meaningful partnerships among our school, families, and the wider community.
One of our successes this year was the continuation of the Be Great after school program, which provided over 100 students with quality after school care and extended learning opportunities. Additionally, targeted after school tutoring was offered by certified staff in the Spring to students in grades 2–5 to help them meet grade-level standards. Our reading interventionist also worked diligently during the school day to provide focused instruction for students needing additional literacy support.
We are fortunate to have a team of highly qualified and deeply dedicated educators at Doby’s Mill. Our staff members strive daily to ensure a safe, engaging, and academically rigorous learning environment. This year, students also benefited from a wide range of enrichment opportunities including Choraliers, Computer Lab, Art, Social-Emotional Lunch Bunch, STARBASE, Archery, Special Olympics, and our district SEAGUL program.
In alignment with our mission to instill community values, our School Improvement Council (SIC) proudly hosted Doby’s Mill’s first Community Clean-Up Day. Over 40 volunteers—students, staff, families, and community members—came together to enhance and beautify our school grounds.
Our faculty continued their professional growth through high-quality development opportunities such as LETRS literacy certification and training in the implementation of new English Language Arts standards. Our district’s math and reading coaches provided targeted instructional support during teacher planning periods, helping to further strengthen classroom instruction.
We were also honored to receive multiple grants this year, which supported initiatives such as purchasing grade-level instructional materials, launching a student etiquette program in partnership with the local American Legion, and creating a hydroponic garden in the Media Center. Our students enjoyed enriching experiences through interactive visits with authors David Biedrzycki and Allen Wolf, and our 3rd grade students starred in a modern production of Cinderella thanks to our SC Arts grant and the support of The Baillie Players.
Family engagement continues to be a cornerstone of our school culture. This year’s events included Grits with Everyone Grand, Trunk or Treat, Veterans’ Breakfast, Literacy Night, Starry STEAM Night, and our fun Family Dance Celebration. During Real Men Read Week, we welcomed numerous male role models from our community to read aloud in every classroom. We also enjoyed successful fundraising events including Skate Night, Cici’s Pizza Night, the Kids Heart Challenge, and our annual Boosterthon—all made possible thanks to the incredible support of our families.
Our 2025–2026 School Goals:
-
Foster an academic culture that promotes rigorous instruction and prepares students to be College and Career Ready.
-
Implement strategies that build and sustain a positive and encouraging school climate.
-
Create a professional learning environment that attracts, develops, and supports highly qualified and diverse faculty and staff.
-
Strengthen partnerships with families and community stakeholders to enhance the well-being and success of our students.
We are proud of the progress made this year and look forward to continued success as we grow together as a learning community.
With appreciation,
Sharon Lewis, Principal
