Developing leaders - one child at a time is the mission of Kenneth Gardner Elementary School (KGES). It is our goal to inspire greatness in all of our students by teaching and living the habits as conveyed in Stephen Covey’s, “7 Habits of Highly Effective People”. As a Leader in Me Lighthouse School, KGES staff continues to participate in leadership training to ensure students are taught the skills that will allow them to be college and career ready as well as good citizens. KGES continues to maintain an environment which supports the individual needs of all students with the belief that every child has genius and everyone can be a leader. Through the implementation of the Stephen Covey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People at school and at home, we are helping to create young leaders who have the skills of self-reliance, self-discipline, and self-confidence as well as helping all students develop World Class Skills of the South Carolina Graduate. Each year, the leadership team leads the staff in selecting initiatives that will strengthen the academic progress of students.
During the 2020-2021 school year, our staff used data to inform decisions to drive instruction and to implement a more rigorous curriculum across the content areas. A multi-tiered system of support (MTSS) was implemented to provide assistance to struggling students and to decrease behavioral issues. Professional development was provided for all instructional staff members to enhance their understanding on how to provide a multi-tiered system of support to meet the individual needs of each student virtually and face to face. To further meet the diverse needs of students, teachers participated in professional learning and cluster meeting to share data, teaching strategies, and to model desired instructional approaches. In addition, students received support from reading and math interventionist, computer assisted instruction, 21st Century learning center and Title I after school and summer programs.
Progress from weekly reading and math assessments were graphed to document growth and decline in achievement. The honors and awards for our school include: Recognized as a Lighthouse Leader in Me School, recipient of the Fresh Fruits and Vegetables Grant Program, Charleston Low Country Food Bank Grant, 21st Century Learning Grant and the Santee Electric Co-op Bright Ideas Grant.
Though we faced many challenges as result of the COVID 19 pandemic, we still promoted parental, community and family involvement. A weekly newsletter from the principal was sent home and posted on our website. Parents participated in virtual workshops focused on areas such as literacy, math, using technology and leadership. Books, instructional materials and resources, and laptops were provided to students to assist in helping them achieve academic success.
We believe in positive interactions among students, staff, parents and community members and have worked to create a climate that supports that belief. Students are recognized for positive choices, attendance, improved grades, outstanding grades and display of positive character. It is through the efforts of our stakeholders that we shape our students centered on principles that will enable them to be successful and productive citizens in the 21st century. Developing leaders, one child at a time, continues to be our mission.
Dr. Jennifer Gardner Sabb, Principal
Mrs. Nydra Wilson, School Improvement Council Chairperson
