Pleasant Hill Elementary School is helping all students develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity, and by supporting Lexington County School District One’s System Commitments.
PHES’s theme for 2020–21 was “Connecting ALL Together.” As this unusual year unfolded, we found ourselves connecting with each other, with our families, with our colleagues and with our community in ways that we have never experienced before. During the 2020–21 school year, we participated in various instructional models including hybrid, virtual and 5-days-a-week face-to-face learning. Even though each model brought its own unique challenges, we worked together as a Pleasant Hill family to help each child be successful.
Five LEAP days prior to the start of the 2021–22 provided time for our teachers to get to know our students and to assess their academic strengths and needs. This time proved very valuable in helping us prepare effectively for each child at the beginning of the school year.
In order to meet Lexington District One’s first system commitment that “all students, regardless of circumstances, advance on time, prepared to graduate and ready to enter college, the military or industry with certification,” we provided opportunities for students to actively engage in instructional activities both in person and virtually. All students in grades 5K through two were given an iPad, and students in grades three through five were given a Chromebook. The learning platform used with our younger students was Seesaw, and the learning platform used with our older students was Google Classroom. Students participated in both synchronous and asynchronous learning experiences throughout the school year. Our teachers and staff members were supported all year long with professional learning in online learning, and were provided assistance from two e-learning Lead Teachers at our school. Technology was utilized more often and more effectively this past year than ever before.
Another instructional shift that occurred during the 2021–21 school year that provided focus on student learning was the move to feedback-driven progress reporting with students being assessed as met, partially met or not yet met on each learning standard. Teachers, students and parents all connected together to enable students to be successful learners.
A focus on social and emotional learning was essential during this year of the pandemic. School counselors connected with classroom teachers to make sure students’ social and emotional needs, as well as their academic needs, were being met. Support and resources were also provided to families.
“Teaching and learning develop power skills in all students” is the second of Lexington District One’s system commitments. As we all navigated through the pandemic, we integrated perseverance, integrity, critical thinking, accountability, willingness to take risks, interpersonal skills, communication and collaboration into everything we did. Our fifth graders reflected on this in words they shared during our fifth grade graduation programs. According to our fifth graders, they learned to persevere as they dealt with technology issues, and they learned to be creative as they invented games they could play at recess while they practiced social distancing. They learned to be flexible, and they learned how much they really need each other. One student shared the following: “This year we have grown as students and as people. We have had to adapt and change, yet we have treasured every step toward the future. We have persevered through this year, and we have become not only stronger students, but also stronger individuals. We’ve learned how to be adaptable, and we were able to grow closer and build a stronger community with our classmates. We have learned that we are resilient, and when we put our minds to it, we can accomplish anything.” Another student shared, “We have learned to be optimistic and see the good in whatever life throws at you.”
Lexington District One’s third system commitment is, “Our schools are service-oriented centers of learning, committed to family and community partnerships.” Our amazing PHES PTA connected us together with monthly events that brought people together virtually or in cars. They presented virtual Bingo for families and drive-through events such as “Anti-Social Popsicle Party” and “Boo-Thru.” Our students, wanting to help others, participated in the American Heart Association Kids Heart Challenge, raising more than $10,000.00. Our first graders connected with members of our community as they read virtually with residents at the Presbyterian Community of Lexington. All PHES students were encouraged to participate in the Lexington County Public Library’s summer reading program, “Tails and Tales.”
Staff members participated in professional learning sessions at the school and district level throughout the year so that “Every adult will be equipped with the skills and resources necessary to advocate for and ensure the success of all students.” Teachers participated in book studies on The Next Step Forward in Running Records and Number Talks, and they attended professional learning sessions that were conducted by 27 PHES staff members.
During the 2020–21 school year, we had some special celebrations. PHES Fifth Grade Teacher Jessica Moore was named PHES Teacher of the Year and a finalist for Lexington District One Teacher of the Year. PHES Custodian Terry Setzer was named PHES Support Staff Member of the Year. We received a $4,857 grant from the Lexington One Educational Foundation to purchase virtual reality devices so that our students can explore concepts and virtually visit many places. Teachers received grants from our PTA that enabled them to purchase books for students, improvements for the outdoor classroom and riding toys for kindergartners.
In conclusion, we thank all those who worked with us this year to support us in so many ways. We thank our parents, community members, our PTA and School Improvement Council, and staff at Lexington District One Central Services. A guest attending one of our outdoor fifth grade graduation programs sent the following comment, “If your dedication to providing a nurturing environment, parental involvement, administrative support and financial support were a part of every child’s educational life, we would see a different nation. Also, I couldn’t help noticing the diversity of families and how you and the other educators not only accepted, but also helped create this beautiful community. May we work to bring this high standard to bear on the lives of all.”
By “Connecting ALL Together,” we truly can “Empower each child to design the future.”
Margaret B. Mitchum, Principal
Quinton Tucker, SIC Chair
