High Hills Elementary School, home of the Panthers, is a proud Leader in Me school “Where Small Paws, Make BIG Impressions.” We are one of fifteen elementary schools in the Sumter School District. We serve students residing on Shaw Air Force Base as well as those from the surrounding rural communities of Sumter County. Our student body reflects a diverse population. High Hills currently serves approximately 430 students in grades 4 and 5, with a student demographic that is 56% African American, 27% Caucasian, and 17% representing other ethnicities.

At High Hills Elementary, we are committed to developing the World Class Skills outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by:

• Providing all students with rigorous, standards-based instruction across all content areas

• Maintaining high expectations for every learner

• Delivering curriculum through blended learning models that incorporate research-based practices, high-quality instructional materials, and purposeful technology integration

When analyzing our SC READY data, we observed clear signs of academic growth among students progressing from 4th grade in 2022–2023 to 5th grade in 2023–2024. ELA proficiency increased from 43.6% to 47.2%, while Math scores rose from 27% to 32.7%. These gains indicate that the instructional strategies and supports provided during the 5th-grade year had a positive impact on student learning.

To support diverse learning needs, High Hills Elementary offers a comprehensive instructional program. Our QUEST Talented and Gifted (TAG) program, led by a certified TAG teacher, provides enriched learning experiences for identified students, while classroom teachers use advanced materials to challenge high-performing learners. Small group instruction remains a cornerstone of our approach, offering targeted, differentiated support. Weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and ongoing data analysis ensure that instruction is responsive and aligned to student needs. Administrators also meet regularly with teachers to review progress and develop targeted action plans.

We are committed to continuous improvement and academic excellence. Teachers participate in monthly professional development and attend local, state, and national conferences to stay current on research-based practices and educational trends. As part of our commitment to high-quality instruction, we continue to strengthen Tier I instruction and focus on mastery of South Carolina grade-level standards. Instructional coaches support this work through embedded professional learning, while all certified teachers participate in a rigorous state evaluation process for recertification.

We are committed to continuous improvement and academic excellence. Teachers participate in monthly professional development and attend local, state, and national conferences to stay current on research-based practices and educational trends. As part of our commitment to high-quality instruction, we continue to strengthen Tier I instruction and focus on mastery of South Carolina grade-level standards. Instructional coaches support this work through embedded professional learning, while all certified teachers participate in a rigorous state evaluation process for recertification.

High Hills places a strong emphasis on literacy as the foundation for lifelong learning. Our comprehensive reading plan aligns with the School Renewal Plan and supports state and district initiatives, such as LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) and the Multi-Tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) framework. The plan is implemented through literacy-rich instruction and monitored regularly by the Literacy Team, with ongoing communication to stakeholders via newsletters, parent meetings, and our website. Our goal is to ensure that every student has the tools to thrive as a 21st-century learner.

Currently, 80% of our professional staff meet the state's highly qualified criteria. We are working toward 100% compliance with Read to Succeed (R2S) certification, supported by our Reading Coach, who provides ongoing support and guidance, ensuring all certified teachers complete the requirements. We continue to prioritize the recruitment and retention of highly qualified educators committed to student success.

High Hills Elementary understands that a strong school climate supports academic achievement. We have seen increased satisfaction among teachers, parents, and students regarding our learning, social, and physical environments. Communication between school and home is maintained through multiple platforms, including School and Class Dojo, the Parent Portal, our website, app, and Blackboard messaging system.

Parental involvement remains a key priority. We host Family Educational Nights and parent workshops throughout the year, and we encourage family participation through volunteering at school events such as the Earth Day Celebration and Field Day. These efforts foster a strong sense of community and shared responsibility for student growth.

We also recognize the importance of supporting students' social and emotional development. The Leader in Me program serves as our school-wide framework for SEL and character education. Through daily Morning Meetings and use of the Leader in Me online platform, students engage in lessons that build leadership, self-awareness, and decision-making skills. Bullying prevention is embedded in our daily practices, and students are encouraged to take on leadership roles and participate in clubs and extracurricular activities that enhance engagement and personal growth. 

To protect instructional time and promote a safe, supportive learning environment, High Hills Elementary remains focused on improving student attendance and reducing discipline referrals. Our assistant principal and behavior interventionist work proactively with students to encourage positive behavior, while our school counselor and social worker provide individual and group counseling, along with conflict resolution support. Faculty and staff also reinforce positive behavior through “positive office referrals,” recognizing students who go above and beyond to demonstrate kindness, helpfulness, or other exemplary actions.

Since becoming a Leader in Me school in 2019, we have focused on empowering students to take ownership of their learning and behavior. The 8 Habits are embedded into daily instruction and reinforced throughout the year to help students grow into responsible, confident, and effective individuals. Leadership development and instructional innovation are central to our school culture. Students are recognized for demonstrating the 8 Habits by earning ROAR Tickets, which can be redeemed for various incentives, reinforcing the value of positive behavior and personal growth.

At High Hills Elementary, we understand the importance of supporting the whole child and fostering a positive, inclusive school culture. We are committed to promoting the well-being of all students, teachers, and staff by implementing strategies that nurture social-emotional health, encourage meaningful relationships, and create a safe, supportive learning environment where everyone can thrive. 

Kathy Lyons,

Principal of High Hills Elementary School