Congaree Elementary continues to develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, through BOLD (Believe, Own, Lead, and Dream) programs and actions with our students in the 2020-2021 school year. We resumed implementing the college and career readiness system of AVID by using the WICOR framework as well as the growth mindset, SMART goal setting, and sharing student success skills. Each month our staff exposed students to different and sometimes little-known colleges across the nation, but also explored fields of study and the education for various careers. Multiple career days were held throughout the school year both virtually and in person, giving our students hands-on experiences with professionals who actually do the jobs that they have studied. These activities, highlighting college and career paths, help lay a strong foundation for our students to compete in a global 21st century society.
We maintained our focus on the whole child, including strengthening relationships with our families as an element in building academic support and excellence. To help increase positive family engagement, we were able to acquire a parent liaison to work closely with the school counselor and families on a number of key areas for student success, among them improving student attendance, teaching about the impact their participation has on their child’s education, connecting with school and community resources, and ultimately hosting workshops and sessions at Parent University nights.
Within the small and tight-knit South Congaree community, our school has maintained and extended partnerships with various faith-based, business, civic and governmental organizations this year. American Legion Congaree Post 90, Ebenezer Pentacostal Holiness Church, Platt Springs Baptist Church, Dunns Chapel, His Harvest Ministries, and Kinetic Church have served our families and staff with both meals and school supplies amid the challenges of the COVID economy. The Lexington County Recreation and Aging Commission, the mayor and Town Council of South of Congaree have solidly supported the school in various endeavors such as our first Family Drive-in Movie Night and Field Day at the South Congaree Arena. The Lexington County Library South Congaree-Pine Ridge branch has continued to engage with Congaree Elementary throughout the school year and we anticipate increased vistitations and opportunities to encourage literacy.
At Congaree Elementary, we are teaching children to be BOLD -- to Believe, Own, Lead, and Dream. From academic programs like AVID, to 1:1 technology-supported learning, to strong relationships with families and community organizations, we will ensure that our students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Christopher K. Dickey
Principal
Ashley Hagwood
SIC Chair