2025 School Report Card Narrative
Sand Hill Elementary School is proud to serve as a place where students are known, challenged, supported, and loved. As one of the largest elementary schools in South Carolina, Sand Hill remains committed to providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment where every student has the opportunity to grow. Our mission to learn, grow, and serve continues to guide the work of our faculty, staff, students, families, and community.
At Sand Hill, we believe that the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate is more than a state expectation; is a shared responsibility. We work each day to help students develop world-class knowledge, world-class skills, and the life and career characteristics needed to become successful learners, strong citizens, and future leaders. Our schoolwide expectations, Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Ready to Learn, and Be Kind, are woven into our daily routines, classroom communities, and school culture.
During the 2025-2026 school year, Sand Hill continued to focus on high levels of learning for all students through strong instruction, meaningful relationships, and a commitment to growth. Our teachers worked collaboratively through professional learning communities to analyze student data, plan rigorous instruction, and provide targeted support. Through ongoing professional development, classroom observations, coaching cycles, and collaborative planning, our staff continued to strengthen instructional practices that support student achievement and student growth.
Literacy and numeracy remained major areas of focus. Teachers continued to implement district-approved curriculum resources and evidence-based practices to support reading, writing, and mathematics instruction. Small-group instruction, intervention blocks, progress monitoring, and differentiated learning opportunities allowed teachers to meet students where they were while continuing to move them forward. Sand Hill also remained focused on building teacher knowledge in the science of reading through LETRS training and continued implementation of structured literacy practices.
Mathematics instruction continued to emphasize conceptual understanding, problem-solving, mathematical reasoning, and productive struggle. Teachers worked to create learning experiences that challenge students to explain their thinking, use multiple strategies, and apply their learning in meaningful ways. Our goal is not only for students to get the correct answer, but for them to understand the process, communicate their reasoning, and build confidence as mathematicians.
Technology continued to support student learning through Dorchester School District Two’s one-to-one initiative. Teachers used digital tools to enhance instruction, provide practice opportunities, support intervention, and create more personalized learning experiences. While technology is an important resource, Sand Hill continues to believe that the most powerful learning happens when strong instruction, relationships, and purposeful tools work together.
The district continued to use Measures of Academic Progress, or MAP, as an interim benchmark assessment during the school year. Sand Hill teachers used MAP data, common formative assessments, classroom performance, progress monitoring, and other student data to make instructional decisions. Our faculty regularly reviewed this information to identify student strengths, address learning gaps, and celebrate growth. One of our continued priorities is helping students take ownership of their learning by setting goals, tracking progress, and understanding that growth is something they can influence through effort, feedback, and perseverance.
The 2025-2026 school year also brought an exciting milestone to Sand Hill with the opening of our new 10-classroom wing in January 2026. This addition, made possible through Dorchester School District Two’s referendum, created additional space for teaching, learning, collaboration, and continued growth. As our school community continues to expand, we remain focused on making a large school feel connected, personal, and student-centered.
Sand Hill’s positive school culture continues to be one of our greatest strengths. Through Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports, PBIS Rewards, Capturing Kids’ Hearts, classroom social contracts, guidance lessons, small-group counseling, and individual student support, we continue to build a school environment where students feel safe, valued, and connected. Our staff understands that relationships are the foundation for learning, and we work intentionally to create classrooms where students are encouraged, supported, and held to high expectations.
We are also proud of the many ways our students are celebrated throughout the year. From academic growth celebrations and SC READY recognition to Terrific Kid, positive referrals, schoolwide events, student leadership opportunities, and community partnerships, Sand Hill works to recognize the whole child. We believe students should be celebrated not only for achievement, but also for effort, kindness, leadership, perseverance, and growth.
Our families, PTA, School Improvement Council, volunteers, business partners, and community members play a vital role in the success of Sand Hill Elementary. Their support allows us to provide meaningful experiences for students, encourage staff, strengthen communication, and build pride in our school. We are grateful for the continued partnership of all stakeholders who help make Sand Hill such a special place.
The faculty and staff of Sand Hill Elementary believe deeply in the potential of every Sandpiper. We are proud of the work taking place in our classrooms, proud of the growth our students continue to make, and proud of the culture we are building together. As we continue moving forward, we remain committed to learning, growing, and serving while preparing our students to become future South Carolina graduates and world leaders.
Mr. Steven Rabbon
Chairperson, School Improvement Council
Mr. Vincent Joy
Principal
