Gilbert High School is helping all students develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by committing to building relationships that raise the expectations of our students as highlighted by our mission statement. This year, this intentional focus on building relationships was critical to our success. GHS teachers, administrators and staff partnered with our students and community to navigate a school year like no other. Our school community supported one another as we carefully and thoughtfully approached reentry in a safe and responsible manner, and our students were challenged with relevant and rigorous coursework no matter the instructional model in which they were being served.
Without a doubt, our students developed power skills in navigating the varied learning models in which they engaged. Students showed marked growth in their ability to advocate for themselves, to communicate effectively with their peers and teachers, and to manage their time in relationship to the work they needed to accomplish. This growth, in combination with the relevant and rigorous coursework provided by their teachers, enabled students to grow as effective learners, ethical people, and contributors to a better world. We are proud of the perseverance, grit, and commitment to excellence that our students showed all year even in the midst of ever-changing circumstances.
GHS is incredibly grateful for the support and leadership that we received from the administration and school board of Lexington District One. Together, we continued to uphold our vision of empowering each child to design the future. In keeping with Lexington District One’s #1 commitment, we ensured that all students, regardless of their circumstances, have every opportunity to advance on time prepared for graduation. This commitment urges us as educators to find solutions for students who have been impacted in various ways by the COVID-19 pandemic. No matter the circumstances, however, our teachers, school counselors, and administrators sought solutions to support each student so that they could be their best selves each day.
Our teachers, school counselors, and administrators continued a focus on continuous improvement through professional learning this school year. This year we created personalized pathways for all educators to focus on the learning that they most needed to adjust our curriculum and instructional delivery based on the variety of learning models that we employed this year. In addition, our teachers collaborated daily to ensure that students were provided regular opportunities to engage in curriculum that was relevant to their lives and the issues that face our community and the larger world. This, in turn, increases the engagement of our students when they can see that the work they are doing matters outside the classroom and school.
Although this school year was filled with a great deal of uncertainty and change, we are proud of our student-athletes and what they were able to accomplish. Under the leadership of our athletic director Chad Leaphart, our coaches and student-athletes continued the focus and commitment to excellence. The athletic year culminated in two AAA State Championships: one in girls golf and another in baseball. In addition, our athletic teams boasted three lower state championships and 11 region championships. This level of achievement is proof of the dedication that our coaches bring to their craft and how they encourage our student-athletes to do more than they thought possible.
In a year that brought much change, uncertainty, and doubt, we are grateful to have the opportunity to serve alongside a learning community in Gilbert that is filled with dedicated educators, students, and families. As an EL Education school, we follow the creed that “We are Crew, not passengers.” This belief was on full display as our learning community came together time and again in support of one another. Because of this, we successfully completed a school year unlike any other. It is humbling to realize what our students and staff have accomplished, and gives great hope for the future of GHS.
Jacob W. Nelson, Principal
Anita Ballington, SIC Chair
