Joseph Keels is helping all students develop World Class Skills 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 academic programs designed to challenge, meet, and exceed students' needs. We have just completed our third year as an AVID school and continue to design and create engaging lessons that meet students' varying needs. AVID strategies help students to gain tools that increase their thinking and learning capacity, preparing students to be college and career-ready. Also as a part of our AVID practices, students are introduced to a new college or university weekly. Persisting with a whole-child focus we also utilize restorative practices and ensure the social-emotional support students need utilizing Multi-Tiered Systems of Supports (MTSS) model as a foundation. In addition, we offer a number of programs before and after school to meet the needs of all students. We are currently partnered with The Quest Zone Afterschool Program to provide after school enrichment for students and convenience for families. Our 21st Century Grant allows us to offer a unique after-school academic program, where we provide qualifying students a unique experience including tutoring, enrichment activities, and swimming, complete with a snack and dinner. Our students also have opportunities to participate in chorus, soccer training, violin (through our partnership with USC String Project), mentoring programs, Recycling Club, Beta Club, and serve as WJKE morning news program cast members. We believe these experiences are essential to produce well-rounded students prepared to be productive citizens in the future. Our Breakfast In the Classroom, School Dinner, and Fresh Fruit and Vegetable programs also continue to provide our students with excellent nutritional options and learning related to a healthy lifestyle. Student recognition for student success is highlighted throughout the school year. As a result of our focus on providing excellence in education, we are an ASCD Whole Child Award-winning school and a 2021-22 finalist for the Dick and Tunky Riley SIC Award. In addition, we have been named a National Junior Beta Club School of Distinction and Merit. Students are rewarded for their positive behavior with incentives such as positive behavior referrals, and a bi-annual bicycle give-away. We are dedicated to building meaningful relationships with families and our community. Working with our PTA and award-winning SIC, we can bring families and the community together for many activities such as our Parent Universities, and Report Card Pick-Up Nights. Through our work we are proud to say we have validated our school's vision: "At Joseph Keels Elementary, we have high expectations for organization and preparation and a mindset without limitations."
Alvera C. Butler, Principal
Malcolm Pressley, SIC Chairperson