Our school is committed to helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by implementing a high-quality STEAM choice program in a positive and caring environment.
Oakdale STEAM completed its third year of Leader in Me implementation in 2024–25. Leader in Me is a whole-school transformation model that functions like an operating system, strengthening and aligning all other school initiatives. Based on Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People, the program is research-based and proven to produce real results, including higher academic achievement, fewer discipline issues, and increased engagement among students, teachers, and families.
Through Leader in Me, students develop the self-confidence and life skills they need to thrive in today’s world. This year, we explicitly taught the language and principles of the 7 Habits during Habit Huddles in every classroom. Applying the habits in how we treat ourselves and others has become an essential part of Oakdale’s culture and climate.
Our Student Lighthouse Team took on expanded responsibilities this year. These student leaders analyzed school climate survey data and helped identify ways to strengthen our culture in alignment with our school renewal and continuous improvement goals.
We also proudly opened our doors to outside educators, business leaders, and community stakeholders by hosting our first-ever Leader in Me Community Learning Day and Leadership Day. These events showcased the powerful learning and leadership taking place at Oakdale, giving guests a chance to witness students applying academic skills, leading with confidence, and living out the principles of our shared vision.
School-wide clubs, student leadership roles, and personal goal setting through WIGs (Wildly Important Goals) were also expanded this year to increase student engagement and ownership. Students participated in a variety of interest-based clubs, including dance, sports, art, fashion design, photography, cosmetology, music, and more. They also had opportunities to apply and interview for classroom and school-wide leadership roles—including Dragon Tutors, bathroom cleanliness inspectors, school tour guides, and technology assistants. These opportunities gave students a strong sense of belonging and pride. We look forward to building upon these experiences and ensuring every child knows and feels that Oakdale is home.
The Oakdale School Improvement Council and Parent-Teacher Organization focused this year on strengthening stakeholder involvement and creating meaningful connections between families and school life. Together, they worked to review achievement and attendance data, build relationships, and support student success. Monthly spirit nights, family events like movie nights and dances, and activities such as BINGO nights were well-attended and helped foster a strong sense of community. Parents were also invited to participate in a series of educational workshops on topics such as the South Carolina school report card, new math standards, the power of reading at home, understanding academic achievement data, and the Read to Succeed law.
STEAM learning also continued to grow in exciting ways. Teachers increased integration of STEAM into core instruction, and parent participation in grade-level STEAM Nights rose significantly. Each week, students received one hour of integrated STEAM instruction in addition to their dedicated time in our STEAM Lab. Our STEAM lead teacher collaborated with grade-level teams to plan and deliver lessons that connect STEAM with core content through authentic, project-based learning. These experiences have been both engaging and challenging for our students.
Our teachers are committed to professional growth and continuous learning. This year, staff participated in a variety of impactful conferences and workshops, including PLC+ Training, Early Literacy Conference at Clemson University, South Carolina Music Educators Association Conference, SC EdTech, ISTE, Summer Smithsonian Institute, Leader in Me Summit, and the SC Innovation Fellowship.
Looking ahead to 2025–26, our focus remains on strengthening grade-level Professional Learning Communities (PLCs) and enhancing the impact of Dragon Time on each of our subgroups through the lens of MTSS, equipping our staff with practical high-leverage instructional strategies, increased STEAM integration with a focus on careers, and Leader in Me implementation. Our goal is to ensure that every student engages in rigorous, data-informed, and engaging instruction within a safe, inclusive, and supportive learning environment. We look forward to watching our Dragons soar!
LaVette Momoh, Jen Symons, and Kim Johnson, PTO/SIC Leadership
Jacob Moree, Principal
