Joanna-Woodson Elementary School is helping all students develop world class skills to meet the standards outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing high quality educational opportunities that meet the needs of each individual child. Our district mission guides us in our efforts to advocate for all students and prepare all students for future learning in a culture that is driven by creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
Local stakeholders, including businesses and industries, indicate that critical thinking and problem solving skills in students are pivotal to the employability of our graduates. In classrooms throughout our building, students increase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by applying the skills that have been taught and not just answering surface level questions. We allow students to think for themselves when solving problems and work together to apply their knowledge. This has been accomplished through classroom assignments and in both individual and group projects.
Our students are encouraged to be creative and innovative. Our Literacy and Math curriculum help set the stage for students to be creative and innovative. We welcomed author Jerry Pallotta to Joanna-Woodson this past year and students were able to witness how a creative mind can generate beautiful words on a page.
Collaboration and teamwork are at the forefront of everything that we do. We know that in order to work together, many skills are required. Our school theme for the 2025-2026 school year has been “Born to Shine.” As a school, we continued to focus on our five character traits (kindness, gratitude, honesty, teamwork and perseverance). It is imperative that our school community and students exemplify these traits in order to succeed, not only in an academic setting, but in the world today. Our Joanna-Woodson family is working every day to make sure that all students receive the best education possible.
Through the use of technology, our students have been able to excel this school year. We are 1:1 school wide. Our teachers and students have all increased their technology knowledge throughout this year. Our parents have done a phenomenal job of helping with the technology as well.
Joanna-Woodson Elementary has completed its first year as a Leader in Me Elementary School. Leader in Me is a comprehensive, evidence-based PK-12 educational framework. It is designed to foster a culture of student empowerment, trust, and academic success by teaching essential 21st-century leadership and life skills to children.
In keeping with the vision of Laurens County School District 56, we strive to provide a learning environment where students become ethical and productive citizens by achieving excellence, embracing innovation, and forging new traditions. Joanna-Woodson Elementary is “Setting the Foundation for Graduation!”
Arneice Renwick, Principal
Janice Farmer, Assistant Principal
Ashley Broome, SIC Chairperson
