Bryson Elementary School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a challenging and safe environment, while integrating rigorous learning opportunities that create synergy and increased engagement in our classrooms. We are also providing a digital platform, so our students will be equipped with 21st Century skills. In doing so, we honor our school motto, Building for Tomorrow Today! At BES, we want all of our students to Believe, Excel, and Succeed in every aspect of their lives. Every day is an opportunity for our children to reach their fullest potential. We are proud of the strong support received by all of our stakeholders, who also share in this vision.
At Bryson Elementary School, we believe our students will continue to make educational gains both with student achievement and social and emotional learning opportunities. In order to attain this goal, it is essential for our teachers and staff to grow professionally and provide engaging, student-centered instruction. Our guidance counselors support students with lessons in leadership during small group and individual counseling sessions. We also have a full-time mental health counselor on the premises to support some of our students and their families. Our school’s academic focus this year has included the following:
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Personalized Learning Initiative: All students in kindergarten through fifth grade were supported with the use of 1:1 Chromebook devices to enhance their educational experiences. Teachers used the SAMR Model to integrate technology across the curriculum. Our Discovery Education partnership and digital leadership team have played an integral role in staff professional development by hosting learning labs. This has helped to infuse critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students during classroom lessons.
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Professional Learning Communities: Teachers implemented common formative and summative assessments and then analyzed benchmark data to make instructional decisions to meet the needs of their students. Teachers also collaborated with the instructional leadership team during grade level team planning weekly to build engaging unit plans, long-range plans, and project based culminating activities.
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Balanced Literacy: Teachers and staff continued to build foundational reading skills by focusing on Interactive Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Workshop Model, and Guided Reading. Several collaborative school-wide professional developments were provided, along with multiple coaching cycles, including Thinking Maps. Three members of our staff were certified as trainers for this researched based instructional model. New Fountas and Pinnell guided reading books were purchased for teachers and students in kindergarten through fifth grade. Furthermore, the Greenville County School District purchased brand new classroom libraries for all teachers in kindergarten through fifth grade to support our work with Balanced Literacy. Bryson Elementary has also served as a learning lab for the Workshop Model.
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Guided Math: To continuously improve student-centered learning and differentiated instruction, teachers have engaged in a small group guided math approach. Students benefited socially and academically from the interdependence of this model. Several teacher leaders hosted learning labs, and coaching cycles were also provided to support growth in this area. Materials and manipulatives were purchased for our professional library for teachers to integrate into classroom stations and instruction.
At Bryson Elementary School, we also believe it is vital to provide programs and opportunities for students to develop into responsible global citizens. Students participate in clubs and events, while also collaborating with our community. Below are activities and events that are offered annually.
Student Clubs and Events: BETV student-led morning news show, Hour of Code, Honors Choir, Chorus Club, Steel Drums Club, Bucket Drumming Club, Piano Club, Art Club, Lego Club, Safety Patrol, Student Council, SCOIS Career Assessments, Jump Rope for Heart, Peer Tutoring, School-Wide Fifth Grade Career Gallery Walk, Fifth Grade Immigration Day, Read Across America Day, Run Hard Club, Covey’s Seven Habits of Happy Kids Classroom Guidance Lessons, Small Group Counseling Lessons, Field Trips, PBIS Quarterly Team Incentives, After School Program, and Reflections Contest winners at the District, State, and National level
Community and Parent Events: Family STEAM Night, Family Math Night, Family Literacy Night, Terrific Kids, Good News Club, PTA, SIC, Veterans Day Luncheon, Muffins with Moms, Donuts with Dads, Thanksgiving Luncheon, Grandparents’ Day Luncheon, Reading with Rams Scholar Athlete Partnership with Hillcrest High School, Teacher Cadet Partnership with Hillcrest High School, Bryson Middle School Winter Music Assembly, Semi-Annual Bear Breakfast learning labs for parents and community members, Rick Floyd Digital Internet Safety Presentations for parents and students, Piedmont Mental Health partnership, Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, PTA Bear Fair, PTA Father/Daughter Dance, PTA Mother/Son Night, BES Chorus tour to assisted living centers, United Way Campaign, Quarterly Awards Ceremonies, Boosterthon Fun Run
Bryson Elementary School is an exceptional place for children, families, and community partners to collaborate and grow together. We look forward to our continued partnerships and the efforts put forth in helping to prepare our students to successfully lead the way in building bright futures.
Andreya C. Boggs, Principal