Laurel Hill Primary continued to focus on critical thinking and creativity as we developed the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate for all students throughout the 2024-2025 school year.
Critical thinking is essential in developing independent learners. The Bridges Math Curriculum, The Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) strategies, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) strategies, and Adaptive Digital Content (ADC) continued to be utilized to create differentiated learning opportunities for students. They allowed our teachers to pre-assess student skills and individualize instruction to meet student needs. Teachers also utilized adaptive digital resources to allow students opportunities to practice skills in both content areas. Our K-2 teachers continued to implement the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations and saw great growth in our learners, particularly in the areas of phonics and phonemic awareness. Using funds provided by the Weighted Student Formula (WSF), Laurel Hill was able to provide targeted instruction to our pupils in poverty, students with disabilities, and ML learners. This targeted instruction, through both reading and math intervention as well as special education services, yielded increased growth in both reading and math across all student populations.
In order to improve the quality of instruction across all grade levels and subject areas, our teams participated in four PLC planning days throughout the school year. These days allowed our teams to dive into student data, reflect on their instructional practice, and plan instruction that focused on SC State Standards and the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Our school continues to maintain a high standard of excellence as noted by our accreditation through the National Association of Educators of Young Children (NAEYC). We have been accredited since 2013 and our accreditation remains in good standing through 2028. This honor is a testament to the high quality instruction and developmentally appropriate practice offered at our school.
Being a primary school carries a unique yet important role, as we are responsible for providing a foundation of academic and social skills that will set up our students for success for years to come. This year, our staff focused on that responsibility and dedicated themselves to excellence in all areas. As we move forward, we will continue to set the standard for high quality, meaningful instruction in the primary setting.
Jason Sims, Principal
Erin Pollock, SIC Chairperson
