McBee Elementary School is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. We provide such an environment through the implementation of our school district’s vision of having high expectations and support structures that encourage all students to learn and apply this learning throughout life. We demonstrate this vision by challenging our students with best practices to reach their full potential and by the continuous professional development of our teachers.
Our teachers are always seeking ways to improve classroom instruction through staff development, course work, book studies, data analysis, and self-reflection. Our teachers utilize Lucy Calkins Reading and Writing Units of Study, small group guided reading, writing workshop, integration of Social Studies with ELA, teacher/student conferences, Fountas and Pinnell Reading Assessment / Planning tool, MAP data, running records, Science kits, STEM activities, and Imagine Learning and Literacy / Imagine Math to meet individual student needs. Students are encouraged to “think outside the box” as they problem solve and work cooperatively to complete assigned tasks.
We believe in developing the whole child as we guide them down the path of becoming prepared for society and the workplace. We strive to develop all students intellectually and socially. COVID continued to pose many challenges this school year. Schedule changes, virtual instruction, masks, plexiglass and increased safety measures were just a few of the obstacles that had to be faced and overcome. Throughout it all, our teachers, staff, and administration ensured that our students received the best quality education possible.
The school did raise money for Relay for Life. We plan to participate in fundraisers for the March of Dimes and The United Way next year. Our Beta students also organize and participate in numerous service projects. Through these experiences, our students learn how to give back and better serve their communities. We also collaborate with the Lion's Club who provides many invaluable services to our students. MES has community sponsors that provide school supplies as well as Friday backpacks to provide meals for our students over the weekend or during holiday breaks.
For social development, our guidance counselor meets regularly with all classes to discuss how to handle numerous situations to include bullying, manners, and peer pressure. She conducts classes on developing positive character traits and productive citizens with an emphasis on developing strong communication skills. Students are constantly encouraged to turn and talk with their neighbor in guidance and during regular classroom instruction. In addition, she met individually with students and /or staff who needed emotional support during such turbulent, uncertain times.
After all, we believe the future of our community will be determined by the education our students receive. In order to guarantee success, we believe it takes teamwork between teachers, parents, and community members. At McBee Elementary we are blessed to have those very ingredients that help better guarantee bright days ahead for our students, community, and state.
Mrs. Leslie Smith, School Improvement Council Chair
Todd Pletcher, Principal
