Centerville Elementary School is determined to help all students develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. CES opened its doors to the Gilbert community in August of 2020 as the newest elementary school in Lexington District One. This state-of-the-art facility boasts 128,000 square feet of classrooms, labs, a large cafeteria, gym, and multiple offices and learning areas. Our school can accommodate 1,000 students. We are eternally grateful for the vision of our Board of Education and the citizens of Lexington District One for affording us this amazing learning facility.

Opening a new school in the middle of a pandemic was no easy feat, but the Aviator staff spirit made all the difference for our students, parents and the community. The year began with students attending 2 days per week in person and 3 days virtually (hybrid model). And, of course, we had well over 100 students attend LOOLA, a fully virtual experience. As the year progressed, we moved our instructional model to 4 days a week and finally, in February, we moved to 5 days a week. All this change was a challenge for every member of the CES community, but we showed tenacity, grit and perseverance, and ultimately we finished the year strong.

CES’s mission is to cultivate a caring community where ALL learners communicate, collaborate, create and think critically. Our vision is to prepare each child to design the future. To fulfill our mission and embody our vision, we commit to the following:

1. All students, regardless of circumstances, leave CES with the skills they need to succeed in middle school and beyond.

2. Teaching and learning develop Power Skills in all students.

3. CES is a service-oriented center of learning, committed to family and community partnerships.

4. Every adult at CES will be equipped with the skills, resources and support necessary to empower every child to be a successful learner.

A core part of our beliefs at CES is to meet the unique needs of EVERY student. To accomplish this, we have three beliefs that drive our work. They are:

1. ALL students can learn, and we are committed to doing whatever it takes to ensure ALL students learn at high levels.

2. Creating the right conditions, engaging experiences and high levels of learning are within our control.

3. EVERY child is curious, passionate, and has dreams and aspirations that can take them anywhere.

In preparing students to be globally minded, all students participate in the world language of Spanish. Utilizing the resources from Library and Project Studio, we continue to support and integrate student research and project-based learning. These projects foster critical-thinking and problem-solving skills for collaboration and teamwork.

CES is a Title I school. In an effort to foster growth in mathematics and reading achievement, we continue to utilize the services of mathematics and reading interventionists. We also enlisted a parent liaison to establish and provide support in fostering and encouraging parental engagement and improved school attendance.

CES also works with our local faith-based organizations to provide students in our community with a backpack food program and school supplies needed to begin school. Additionally, families in need were connected with services for mental health, food services and holiday assistance.

Due to the constraints that COVID-19 placed on our school, our School Improvement Council launched a virtual read-aloud library hosting a multitude of video read-alouds for students read by community members, teachers and staff, as well as teacher cadets from Gilbert High School. Our inaugural year as the Centerville Elementary Aviators was a huge success because of our amazing students, families, staff and the community. We look forward to continuing to build the legacy of our great school. As we say all the time at “CES — Start here. Go anywhere!”

P. Heath Branham, Principal

Tim Willis, SIC Chair