Homeland Park Primary School is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the South Carolina graduate by providing a nurturing and challenging problem-based learning environment focused on the advancement of science, technology, engineering, arts, mathematics, and literacy.   

Since opening its doors in 1954, Homeland Park School has built a tradition of excellence in the Anderson community.  At our school, children are held accountable to high standards of achievement, parents and other visitors are always welcome, teachers and staff truly care about our children, and the students help others by always doing “the right thing.” 

Today, our school continues to carry on its tradition of academic excellence and innovative programs.  Homeland Park Primary in Anderson School District Five is dedicated to STEAM education (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) and incorporating the arts by working alongside the organization ArtsNOW.  At Homeland Park, we are working to build a solid foundation of students who will have the opportunity to be well-developed in every aspect of academics and the arts.   

In addition, “Morning STEAM” sessions focus on literacy-based engineering activities and team students with their parents and community partners in problem solving situations.  Project Lead the Way engineering practices and standards are incorporated throughout the year to teach students the skills necessary to compete in the 21st Century.  Furthermore, all students in grades K-2 receive instruction from a PLTW “Project Launch” certified instructor.  In addition to exposing our students to the engineering design process, this opportunity ignites interest and confidence, fosters collaboration, and builds critical thinking skills.  

This past school year, several new and continuing initiatives were implemented to improve instruction, student recognition, and family networking:

• All teachers were trained and provided materials for the two year LETRS training. 
• Teachers implemented daily math journaling and math talks to improve number sense. 
• Students received intervention assistance through pull-out and “in-class” reading groups, math groups, resource, speech, and a summer enrichment program.   
• All students received copies of Little Rhino: My New Team. We, along with Varennes Elementary, participated this year in our “Family Book Club” and allowed families to read the book at home with their parents and siblings. At the end of the book, students were rewarded for their efforts. 
• Family engagement activities were weekly one-class “Morning STEAM” sessions to build stronger relationships with families. 
• First year of implementing “Ram Fam,” where parents meet monthly to learn about reading and math strategies to incorporate at home, and using everyday household items.  We also included the district translator to help our Hispanic families during our monthly meetings.
• Everyone had fun networking at our “Homeland Park Spooktacular.”  The teachers and other staff members wore costumes as students went “trick-or-treating” around the building.  This provided a safe, enjoyable way for the children to enjoy the season! 
• Partnerships with United Way, the Rotary Club of Anderson, Homeland Park Baptist Church, Plastic Omnium, Pleasant Hill Baptist Church, Dominion Senior Living, Clemson University, and Anderson University provided classroom resources, as well as tutoring/mentoring opportunities, to enhance student instruction.
• We received a grant from ArtsNOW to focus on integrating the arts into our lesson plans.  We had different sessions throughout the year to help us focus on certain domains of the arts (dance, visual, music, drama).

Finally, we believe the school, family, and community must share in the responsibility of educating our youth.  Thank you for all of your support in helping the development of our future South Carolina graduates and world leaders!