Meadow Glen Elementary School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by creating a culture of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. We entered this year with our motto to “Believe. Work. Grow... We are CREW.” Our expectation regarding this year has been that, through cooperation and creativity, we will work as a community to best support our young learners. By living the Lexington District One vision to “Empower Each Child to Design the Future,” we can and will develop individuals who will be the change we wish to see in the world (Gandhi).
The 2021–22 school year was a year of change and challenge with each of us working to maximize learning experiences in an ever-changing environment. We continued to seek ways to support not just the academic needs of each student, but to also focus on the social and emotional needs of both children and adults. We have learned that by working together, we can create warm, supportive learning environments, remotely or in-person, no matter the external influences.
“I just wanted to say how impressed I was with Mrs. Diener’s remote learning. I’ve watched a lot of remote learning over the past three years and this was by far the best. It was like [my student] didn’t miss a day of school.” —Parent
“I’ve really been impressed with how patient you have been with your students. They have such different needs but you have plugged along trying to give them the best you can…”
—Interventionist to another teacher
Through our partnership with EL Education, MGES focuses on core practices and design principles that promote mastery of knowledge and skills, high levels of character and leadership, and the production of high-quality work in every classroom. Our professional learning is centered on the premise that by creating structures and leveraging opportunities to develop SEL/academic awareness in teachers, then they will have the knowledge, understanding and tools to help students grow in their understanding of self and others. To grow as a learner, students must feel safe and supported. Additionally, through the use of learning targets, students purposefully built ownership of their own learning. MGES believes our vision is to see, hear and experience life from various angles, allowing us a limitless future as we explore the world.
“The year began with mounting tribulations due to the swift, unpredictable nature of the COVID-19 pandemic. Some of these were lingering from 2020, while others were completely unanticipated; however, MGES was steadfast in [its] resolve to overcome any impediments that came their way. It required numerous additional hours of diligent work from the entire team of MGES to be able to provide a secure environment, superlative education and also opportunities for enjoyment to our students. The volatile nature of the pandemic played havoc with several aspects of the school and the community. It also put a full stop to various events and activities. In the face of such uncertainty, it was the united front of MGES’ administration, teachers and staff that devised and executed novel ideas to work toward their just cause of motivating students’ minds, growing leaders, exploring as thinkers and serving others. Every single day, the entire school strived tirelessly to ensure the safety of everyone in the school and in the community. I am most thankful and grateful for the empathy and understanding that the entire school displayed to the entire community, especially during this school year. As a parent, I take immense pride in our school; a school whose people have patience, commitment, love and compassion in their hearts; a school that has embodied a new way of being, via adaptability and flexibility; a school comprised of a trusting team of heroes that has grit.” —School Improvement Chair
As we “Empower Each Child to Design the Future,” our Explorers exemplify the characteristics of young learners and leaders.
Jennifer McNair, Principal
Sri Lakshmi Ramya Sreedharan, SIC Chair
