At Rice Creek Elementary School of Academics, Innovation, and Leadership, our mission is to prepare all students to become Future Ready global leaders who will excel in their chosen pathways. Our dedicated faculty and staff remain committed to cultivating the World-Class Knowledge and Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by fostering an environment grounded in the Four C’s: Critical Thinking, Communication, Collaboration, and Creativity.
One of our key initiatives, supported by the MedPro 21: Healthcare for a Caring Community Grant, has been the schoolwide integration of STEAM-M (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, Math, and Medical). This initiative has introduced signature programs such as our Maker Lab, where students engage in hands-on challenges using common materials to explore scientific and engineering concepts. Our Computer Lab is another valuable resource, offering instruction in computer science and coding. Together, these labs support and enhance classroom-based STEAM-M activities. As the grant period concludes, we have taken intentional steps to ensure the sustainability of these transformative programs.
In addition, Rice Creek educators continue to foster world-class skills through the implementation of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) strategies. AVID’s proven framework, W.I.C.O.R., focuses on Writing to Learn, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading to Learn. This approach provides students with the tools to grasp complex concepts and express their ideas across a range of academic disciplines. This year, we placed a special emphasis on “Writing to Learn” and mathematics, deepening student engagement and achievement in these foundational areas.
We also believe that education is a shared responsibility among the school, families, and the community. As a Leader in Me school, we have adopted The 7 Habits of Happy Kids by Stephen Covey and are committed to nurturing leadership in every student. Through ongoing professional development, our staff embeds leadership principles into daily instruction, fosters a culture of shared leadership, and empowers students to take ownership of their academic progress and personal goals.
Inspired by our school motto, “Learn Today, Lead Today,” and our district’s motto. “Purpose Driven, Future Ready,” we approach each school year with patience, purpose, and perseverance.
Through our core initiatives—AVID, Leader in Me, and STEAM-M integration—Rice Creek students are developing the World-Class Knowledge and Skills needed to be Purpose Driven and Future Ready. We are excited to continue this journey in the 2025–2026 school year.
Mrs. Chanelle Jackson, Chair, School Improvement Council
Mr. Stacey Gadson, Principal
