For the 2021-2022 school year, Chester Park Elementary School of Inquiry helped all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by the continued implementation of our hiTech 1:1 technology initiative in Grades PreK-12. Students have access to and use technology on a daily basis. The CPE School of Inquiry (CPESI) also provided a strong academic and social environment. Our culture is fulfilled through our Mission Statement which is “At the School of Inquiry, we set high expectations to enable all children to become inquiring, life-long learners.”
As we continue our journey to becoming a Professional Learning Community, teachers continue to study and implement best practices as well as participate in other professional development opportunities. Each week Grade Level Data Team/PLC Meetings are held with the principal, assistant principal, literacy coach, and math coach to analyze data and to discuss the implementation of best practices based on data. With the results from the data analysis and targeted professional development, teachers are able to develop plans and tailor instruction to best meet students’ needs. Some of these best practices are: Project Based Learning; STAR Time- a daily 30-minute intervention time for all students for reading and math; DreamBox, Waterford, IXL, Math Seeds and Reading Eggs-computerized programs; Into Math-math curriculum; a math interventionist; a Balanced Literacy program; and two reading interventionists. Teachers in Grades K-3rd, Resource Teachers, Reading Interventionists, the Literacy Coach, Assistant Principal, and Principal participated in and completed the year-long LETRS (Language Essentials for the Teachers of Reading and Spelling) training for Volume 1; Volume 2 will be completed during the 2022-2023 school year.
In addition to academics, we place an emphasis on social development for our students. Each month one STAR Student from each homeroom is selected for demonstrating one of the character words of the month. Students are also recognized each nine weeks for being the “Most Improved”.
During the 2021-2022 school year, 8 families selected the virtual instructional option for their children at the beginning of the year; only 4 of the students remained in virtual instruction for the 2nd semester.
Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, our family events were greatly reduced. During the first semester in conjunction with the PTO and SIC, we held our Fall Food Truck Festival which highlighted ELA and Mathematics activities. During the second semester in conjunction with PTO and SIC again, we held our Spring Food Truck Festival which highlighted testing strategies in preparation for the SCREADY & SCPASS State Assessments. In May, we held our Summer Reading & Math Kick-off on May 12 and May 19 after school; at this event, families had an opportunity to help their students shop for reading and math books.
Teachers were creative with meeting with parents/guardians for conferences which included virtual conferences, phone conferences, or curbside conferences. Parenting and family engagement materials were replenished in the Parent & Family Engagement Resource Center. Families could also attend PTO and SIC/Title I Meetings virtually each month. A monthly newsletter was sent home and additional information is available via the school website, Facebook, and automated phone messages through Blackboard Messenger.
Robin K. Taylor, Principal Erin Jayakumar, SIC Chair