Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by targeting student academic, social and emotional needs and educating the whole child. The mission of Kings Town Elementary school is to discover the potential of students through a collaborative, inclusive environment that fosters lifelong learning. With this year serving as our inaugural year, we exemplified that mission by first acknowledging that we are an inclusive community that is invested in the academic, social and emotional development of all. Our commitment to nurturing an inclusive environment was emphasized through our earning the designation of being a No Place for Hate School through the Anti Defamation League. Although a big undertaking for a new school, earning that designation allowed us to brand our school as one that is appreciative and respectful of our entire community. As a certified No Place for Hate School through the Anti Defamation League, KTES emphasizes student participation in character development opportunities that highlight interpersonal skills from a global perspective. Utilizing our KNIGHTS character education program, students are reminded of the importance of Kindness, Nobility, Inclusivity, being Growth Minded, Hard Working, Team Players that exhibit Self Control. The inclusion of these traits and the school wide adoption of them allow opportunities for our students to develop strong character and leadership skills which lend themselves to a focus on self direction, perseverance and work ethic. All of these life and career characteristics help strengthen our students to be well rounded learners that exemplify the excellence expected of the South Carolina graduate.
Kings Town Elementary prides itself in providing rigorous instruction in all subjects, grades K-5, which in turn properly prepares our students for their futures. Teachers teach the SC Curriculum Standards in innovative ways which allows their students to be active and participatory. As a school, we utilize the Multi-Tiered System of Support, which is a comprehensive, integrated three tiered model of prevention which is used to address all students’ academic, behavioral and social needs. Grade level teams meet and discuss students at minimum twice a month. Specialized teams comprised of multiple faculty members, including administration, General Education teachers, Special Education teachers, School Counselors, the Lead Teacher, Reading and Math Instructional Specialist and the school psychologist meet once a month to have “kid talk” which centers on students whose needs are not being met through Tier I instruction academically, socially or emotionally. The team meets to discuss student interventions and assessments that have been implemented, track how those interventions are working, and discuss further interventions and potential next steps. The team also frequently meets with parents to discuss findings, as well as receive their input as part of the team.
Our STEAM leaders are developing the world class skills of students by helping the school culture of Kings Town Elementary through the utilization of collaboration and critical thinking by embracing STEM education through a long standing partnership with Discovery Education. Four teachers and the Lead Teacher attended monthly training on STEM education and brought their learning back to their grade levels and staff. These leaders began the process of transforming their teaching practices into models of integrated, critical thinking classrooms where their doors and minds were open to feedback and coaching from a Discovery Education coach. We are grateful for the opportunity to partner with Discovery Education on this initiative and are excited about the growth of our faculty and students as a result.
As we wrap up our first year of existence, Kings Town Elementary looks forward to a year that has not been severely impacted by a global pandemic, the ability to create our own version of “normal” and the opportunity to continue to grow and nurture tomorrow’s leaders.
Jocelyn Young, Principal
