Baron DeKalb Elementary (BDK) School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by continuing to maintain a positive and productive school culture that promotes student success and cultivates a collegial work environment. Thanks to the ongoing support of our school district, we successfully implemented a multi-tiered support system that has significantly enhanced our ability to address the academic, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of all students. Our 2020-2021 school mantra, “Coming Back-BDK Strong”, inspired students, teachers, and staff to stay the course in the midst of a year filled with setbacks, challenges and uncertainties. As we conclude our final year as Baron DeKalb Elementary, we pause and reflect on ways that our school performance has consistently met or exceeded criteria to ensure all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.

At BDK, our stakeholders share a responsibility for ensuring that all students have the world class skills, world class knowledge and life and career characteristics to succeed in a global society. Due to the unwavering efforts and commitment of our teachers, staff, parents, administrators, and community, Baron DeKalb Elementary has been the recipient of four consecutive 21st Century Community Learning Centers grants. BDK has provided a quality afterschool program for students and families for the past seventeen years, and we have had a STEAM focused afterschool program for the past five years. By integrating concepts in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics, students participate in engaging and challenging problem-solving activities that enhance collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking skills.

Teachers engage in weekly Professional Learning Communities that provide opportunities for collaboration, professional development, data analysis, and planning. Students take ownership of their learning by setting and tracking SMART goals, and they also participate in leadership roles that build character and encourage positive work ethics. We recognize the importance of parent and family involvement to student success. Therefore, we sponsor programs and events throughout the year that promote family and community engagement. Our Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) sponsors fundraisers to support students, teachers and staff. In addition, we are fortunate to have dedicated parents and community members who volunteer in our school and who serve on the School Improvement Council.

By continuing to keep our shared goals and vision in the forefront of our efforts to promote student success, we are helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Although Baron DeKalb Elementary will close at the end of this school year, we are confident that our students have a solid foundation for academic and career success.

Betty Dixon Turner, Principal

Karen Fitzgerald-Jackson, Chairperson-School Improvement Council