As a recognized Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Beacon School, Polo Road Elementary School is helping all students to develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the SC Graduate by ensuring we are tangibly, quantitatively and consistently “Exploring all options, Navigating through challenges and Discovering new pathways” in order to afford ALL students the opportunity to develop and succeed as global citizens by:
- Narrowing opportunity gaps through the use of the AVID framework
- Utilizing the unique gifts and talents of all partners
- Meeting the needs of a widely diverse population of students and families through meaningful engagement, community partnerships and intentional instructional designs
- Providing stimulating, meaningful and culturally relevant learning experiences within every classroom
- Utilizing 1:1 computing in grades K through 5
- Exploring college and career readiness pathways through our AVID Elementary course for all K-5 students
- Applying the tiered principle of academic & behavior interventions at all levels and in every classroom through the use of universal blocks and a behavior & academic interventionist.
- Strengthening our compass for teaching self-awareness, self-direction, self-regulation and social emotional wellness
- Facilitating a character education model that includes school-wide behavior expectations, character traits and an interdependent incentive component
- Seeking continuous improvements in the areas of joy, community, character and learning as a result of the regular analysis of all data types
- Demonstrating a continued commitment to excellence …
Excellence can be obtained if you care more than others think is wise, risk more than others think is safe, dream more than others think is practical, expect more than others think is possible.
- Author Unknown
Care More: Our school family deeply and sincerely cares about our students and their success. Our instructional staff maintains a nurturing environment and pays careful attention to their practices to ensure they are purposeful and student-focused. With a mindset of continuous improvement & refinement of the delivery of best instructional practices, we are consistently articulating both the art and science of sound teaching and learning.
Risk More: The implementation of a two-way dual language immersion (DLI) program (English/Spanish) in grades K-5 was a risky, yet very unique experience for school , as we are just among a few in the Midlands to do so. The academic and social successes of the students participating in the program continue within and beyond the walls of Polo Road Elementary.
Dream More: When Polo Road Elementary’s doors opened in 2006, we envisioned a school of excellence, where students would Learn Today to Change Tomorrow. Each year, a portion of that vision has come to reality, and it is an amazing experience to look at where we are today, compared to where we were in 2006. It is equally amazing to continue dreaming and forecasting where we will be in the years to come.
Expect More: Through a collaborative and cooperative approach, our partners expect the best of themselves and of each other. We continue to expect more, as it is our desire to continuously improve.
Polo Road’s successes are a result of the participation and engagement of motivated students, parents, faculty/staff and community members. With a commitment to excellence, we ensure that our students are developing the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Ms. Sharelle Harlan, SIC Chairperson
Dr. Cassandra S. Bosier, Principal