Sandy Run K-8 School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by continuing to implement the framework developed by Partnerships for 21st Century Skills. According to this framework, student readiness can be increased through the utilization of the four Cs - critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity. Sandy Run K-8 School’s goal is to focus on the four Cs to prepare our students for the future.
According to the Partnerships for 21st Century Skills, critical thinking requires the student to reason effectively, use systems thinking, make judgments, and solve problems. This year, professional developments have been specifically geared to increasing rigor in every classroom and literacy skills in all subject areas. Students continue to use various types of reasoning to solve real world problems in the mathematic and science classes. These are essential skills that foster students’ ability to make judgments and decisions based on the evidence provided and conclusions drawn through the analysis of varying points of view. Also, the new math interventionist position allowed the opportunity for students to receive additional support in areas of concern. Students were required to construct arguments and reflect critically through their participation in the Liberty Day essay contest sponsored by the Ruritans and the R.I.D.D.E.essay contest sponsored by the Rotary Club. Fifth grade students were asked to make positive judgements relating to being alcohol and drug free in our Define, Access, Respond, and Evaluate Program (D.A.R.E.) Our middle school students participated in a College and Career Fair to enhance their awareness of the different programs that colleges have to offer, as well as, career opportunities. Lastly, our students participated in the regional science fair which encompasses all aspects of critical thinking and problem solving.
In today’s world, there are more forms of communication than ever. Students must be able to articulate thoughts and ideas through various forms, listen effectively, communicate for multiple purposes, utilize differing media and technologies, and communicate in diverse environments, as stated by the Partnerships of 21st Century Skills. At Sandy Run K-8 School, communication continues to be the key component in increasing student readiness. Our ESOL program, which provides professional development for teachers, promotes inclusion of multicultural and multilingual students and instruction. Students participate in the annual Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Oratory contest, which utilizes the students’ ability to articulate thoughts orally. This contest is a great example of using communication to inform, motivate, and persuade. Our one-to-one technology initiative for students in kindergarten through eighth grade provides students the ability to utilize multiple media and technologies to communicate with their teachers and conduct research. Communication is essential for preparing our students to be successful in an ever changing global society.
According to the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, global perspective and interpersonal skills are two of the six life and career characteristics for college and career readiness. These characteristics require the ability to effectively collaborate with others through respect, flexibility, and shared responsibility. Sandy Run K-8 School is fortunate to have a diverse population throughout all grade levels. This requires everyone to be very respectful towards one another to promote a positive learning environment for all students. Students of the Month are selected from each class based on positively exhibiting the character trait of the month. Students are asked to complete collaborative projects as assessments throughout the school year. Students must prove that they can work together to achieve a common goal, while sharing responsibilities. Students compete in teams during our annual Field Day, as well as, on a bi-weekly basis in our physical education program. Several students compete on the junior varsity level in athletics thus promoting their ability to collaborate effectively with others. Our child development, kindergarten, first grade students, and now second grade students and parents work together in monthly literacy nights. Our Beta Club members continue to work as a team to provide service to others. As John Donne famously wrote, “No man is an island,” and this is evident at Sandy Run K-8 School through our constant collaboration and positive interpersonal skills.
Lastly, our students demonstrate the ability to think and work creatively with others while implementing innovations. Sandy Run K-8 is a rural school that competes on a global level, so creativity is a skill we demonstrate on a daily basis. According to the Framework for 21st Century Learning, students must use a wide range of idea creation techniques. Since we are a one-to-one district, the students continue to excel by completing multiple forms of assessments through the use of projects, performances, and presentations. Our newly implemented STEM class, Lower Montessori, and Upper Montessori programs definitely support creativity and innovation. Students consistently elaborate, refine, analyze, and evaluate their work to improve upon their efforts. The students must be able to demonstrate originality and inventiveness in work, thus viewing failure as an opportunity to learn, per the Framework for 21st Century Learning.
The home-to-school connection is vital to the success of our students. Our STEAM night for all stakeholders provided an opportunity for all to be engaged in Science, Technology, Engineering, and Arts activities. Our arts program fully implements the entire aspect of creativity and innovation. The talented Sandy Run K-8 Chorus, performed at Disney World during the month of March. Our extremely talented band students work diligently and performed in various events. One student was accepted in the prestigious South Carolina Governor’s School of the Arts. Our summer programs, Summer Reading Camp, Gatorville Summer School, Extended School Year, and CERDEP program all foster creativity while being engaged in quality teaching and learning. Each of these accomplishments show the level of commitment to creativity here at Sandy Run K-8.
All stakeholders of Sandy Run K-8 School family value the relationship between the school, family, and community. Our vision to strive for excellence is accomplished through ensuring that we remain the epicenter for transforming learning. This continuous transformation is a result of the Four Cs, teacher dedication, best practices, professionalism, a strong commitment to continuous growth, analysis of data, blended learning, a strong School Improvement Council, and public support of Calhoun County Public Schools.
