Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by implementing a quality STEAM choice program in a positive and caring environment. With the addition of new students to Oakdale due to our district closing three elementary schools, we had to revamp our Positive Behavior Interventions and Supports (PBIS). Our students show us they SOAR by being safe, responsible, respectful, and ready to learn. A weekly celebration was held each Friday for students recommended by teachers for exemplifying behavior expectations. In addition, monthly celebrations were held for students for making good choices inside and outside of the classroom. We will continue to update PBIS to match the individual student needs in our school.
Oakdale SIC focused on the safety of our school community. Our team worked with our district to have bollards installed along the car rider drive to create separation between the road and our sidewalks. Before the installation, there was no curb to protect our students and staff from possible danger.
Oakdale’s PTO remained active during the year, as well. They continued to meet virtually and plan various COVID-friendly fundraisers. PTO raised money through our very popular Dragon Donors program. This program is important to us because of the partnerships made with local businesses from our community. They also hosted our first face-to-face event since the beginning of the pandemic! Over 200 families came out to enjoy pizza, playing, and a movie.
Our students' academic success is important at Oakdale. This year, 2022 MAP testing results indicated growth across all grade levels in math and reading. Our Dragon Time was used to provide enrichment and intervention for students, and tutors were secured to support students during the school day.
We held our Annual STEAM Fair for 4K-5th grade students. We were very proud to have students who compete in Piedmont Region 3 Science Fair, and 19 students placed or received Honorable Mention! We also kicked off the summer with our STEAM Camp serving around 50 students in grades K- 5!
At Oakdale, we continued our involvement in the Winthrop University-School Partnership Network as a Partner School. Interns were placed in music and first, third, and fifth grade classes.
Although we continued to experience the effects of the pandemic, our staff, students, and families persevered. We are thankful for their continued support this school year. If anything, navigating the pandemic has proved that Together, we SOAR!
Mniokhi Sims-Brewton, SIC Chairperson
Jacob Moree, Principal
