During the 2020 -2021 school year, Mount Holly Elementary School has helped all students develop World Class Skills and Life and Career Characteristics of the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate by engaging all students through the delivery of instruction in a myriad of ways including virtual, remote, and face-to-face. Unlike previous school years, all kindergarten through fifth grade students were provided with media and technology through an assigned personal HP laptop. In addition, families needing assistance with Wi-Fi were provided with a personal HotSpot. The impact of the pandemic, in conjunction with this technology, promoted creative and innovative content delivery from our teachers. Most importantly, this technology also provided an online platform for students to collaborate, demonstrate knowledge of understanding, and be able to think critically through the use of programs such as SeeSaw, Prodigy, and Canvas.
At the foundation of all learning is World Class Knowledge. During the school year, our staff participated in a variety of professional development opportunities which broadened the use of technology to enhance instruction. Our students benefitted from this as the technology was a vehicle for delivering instruction and practice focused on rigorous standards in ELA and Math. In addition, we look forward to continuing to support our students through our daily Mustang Time.
In past years, the staff focused on the need for students to be exposed to a variety of career possibilities. In response to this need, Club Friday was continued. Each month, during various clubs, students were introduced to various careers through books, videos, demonstrations, and special guests. Due to the pandemic, it was cancelled and will be rescheduled for the upcoming 2021-2022 school year. Having such clubs help provide students with self-direction in order to develop life and career characteristics.
This year our students definitely learned what it means to persevere in the midst of changing and challenging times. In addition, our guidance counselor, school psychologist, and district mental health staff served a critical role with mental support for all students and staff.
We know that we are headed in the right direction because we strive for continuous improvement and we will continue to build upon the solid foundation that we have established. Our goal is to help children grow and persevere into successful learners and to provide them with the support systems that will enable them to achieve their dreams.
Children First,
Jacqueline G. Jones, Principal
Amy Vaughn Newcomb, SIC Chair
Deitrice Hemphill, SIC Co-Chair
