Red Bank Elementary School is committed to equipping all students with the World-Class Skills of the South Carolina Graduate, fostering creativity, critical thinking, communication and collaboration. Our learning environment delivers quality instruction in reading, writing and math through a proven workshop model. At RBES, our diverse and highly qualified staff works diligently to meet the individual academic needs of every student.
We ensure students understand the South Carolina College- and Career-Ready Standards by explicitly translating and unpacking them, empowering students to set goals and take ownership of their learning. We champion transparency in learning expectations and support the innovative use of technology. This increased transparency strengthens communication and relationships, ensuring all stakeholders feel integral to our vibrant learning community.
Our faculty and staff are dedicated to meeting students precisely where they are in their learning journey, utilizing formative student data to guide instruction. Teachers and interventionists collaborate closely, supported by instructional coaches, to track student progress and implement effective instructional strategies that promote significant growth. Reflection is a cornerstone of the learning process at RBES, enabling students to set future learning goals, identify effective strategies and track their path to success.
Student engagement is actively supported through daily morning meetings, providing students with voice and choice, and encouraging personal goal-setting. Our teachers also cultivate a classroom culture where students develop a strong sense of belonging, fostering positive relationships that drive academic achievement.
Our Feedback-Driven Progress Reporting (standards-based) provides authentic and meaningful insights into student progress. RBES emphasizes equity for all students, recognizing the diverse backgrounds and experiences of our student population and ensuring every child learns at high levels.
The Lexington One Graduate Profile serves as our “north star,” guiding curriculum, instruction and student development by outlining the essential skills, dispositions and abilities students need for success now and in the future. Students are encouraged to apply for leadership roles within their classrooms and across the school each year.
RBES consistently benefits from the strong support of our business partners and local faith community. Relationships and community are vital to our school culture. This school year, we were fortunate to receive several grants, including a Michelin Golden Apple Teacher Grant, the Helping Hands Grant, a RADIUS Church Financial Education Award and Unified Games funding. We were recognized as a Special Olympics Unified Champion School in 2019 and renewed our banner in spring 2023. Additionally, a generous monetary donation from the neighboring Red Bank Community Center supported improvements in our center courtyard.
As a Title I school, we strategically allocate funding based on school data to maximize impact on student learning. We invest in a variety of professional learning opportunities for our teachers to continuously enhance classroom instruction. A team attended the Professional Learning Communities Institute in Minneapolis, MN, with plans to send a larger team to further this important work. Funds also support part-time interventionists, providing crucial assistance to our high-needs population.
The inclusive culture at RBES fosters collaboration and respect for all. Our students consistently strive to be their best selves and support others in doing the same. Our schoolwide Code of Cooperation powerfully states: “We encourage each other. We learn every day. We never give up. We are strong leaders. We are Red Bank.”
Our successes, perseverance, teamwork and collaboration are our most cherished values. At RBES, we will continue to “lead, learn, love,” a schoolwide motto that perfectly aligns with our district’s mission: “To guide all students to learn, grow and excel.”
Janet B. Ricard, Principal
