Waterloo Elementary School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing an environment that promotes valuable academic opportunities and addresses the individual needs of students. Our first priority in being able to deliver this is to provide a safe, secure, nurturing, and engaging environment. Communication is at the forefront of what we do. Our goal this year was to increase student engagement regardless of the delivery method of instruction, as well as the continual connection for student and parent involvement using several mediums of technology and social media. We are committed to providing a challenging, safe, and positive learning environment where children can reach their highest potential. Waterloo Elementary School is a Title I school, a place where we strive for excellence and learning has no boundaries. We are committed and confident that we are successfully accomplishing our mission: to empower and inspire all to be educated and informed. Our warm and inviting school serves approximately 265 three-year-old kindergarten through fifth-grade students. We offer a choice of Montessori education as well as our personalized learning in the fourth and fifth grades. In order to ensure students with quality education, teachers attend ongoing staff development sessions on literacy, math, personalized learning, best practices, and technology. We are proud of our accomplishments and continually strive to improve student success. Our primary focus is meeting the individual needs of our students. Data analysis, differentiated instruction, and guided reading have been and will continue to be a focus as we strive for continued growth and academic success for all students. Our well-trained, professional faculty and staff work diligently to provide every child with academic experiences that extend beyond the classroom so that our students will achieve their fullest potential.
This year we continued to implement our 21st Century after-school program. This program provided academic enrichment opportunities for students to help them meet state and district standards in reading and math. It also offered enrichment activities that complemented their regular academic program and focused on physical fitness.
Collaboration and teamwork are at the center of success. This year we continued to provide Response to Intervention that supports both struggling and high-achieving students by providing them with learning strategies that help them reach their potential. Academic success is the driving force behind our mission. The rigorous teaching and learning that occurs are built with a collaborative effort from our teachers. Planning meetings are held throughout the month to analyze our data to afford us the opportunity to provide the most relevant education. Professional development was provided through our district and at the school level. The administration and Instructional Coach provided professional development using best practices. Our literacy initiative continues to be a driving force to our success. Teachers use a variety of effective and engaging strategies in the classroom by incorporating STEM activities, small group instruction, targeted learning paths, and the use of technology. Students have access to technology in their classrooms through computers, smart boards, Chromebooks, and Ipads. These tools are used for instruction, communication, and learning. All students are supplied with a Chromebook for in-class instruction.
Our goal is to prepare students to become active, caring, lifelong learners who demonstrate respect for themselves and others. We recognize that education is a team effort. Therefore, we appreciate the support of our parents and community in educating our young learners. Please continue to partner with us as we continue to strive for academic excellence. We thank everyone who made this a wonderful year and look forward to greater achievements in the future. Waterloo Elementary is a special place to learn and grow! Through a continued focus on collaboration, communication, creativity, and critical thinking, Waterloo Elementary School strives to develop well-rounded students prepared for the future.
Farrell C. Thomas, Principal
Suzanne Fay, SIC Chairperson