Mt. Gallant Elementary School is helping all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, and academically challenging learning environment. In addition to our continuous work as a professional learning community, we are committed to providing our students a strong, well-rounded education through a comprehensive curriculum. Our experienced educators provide the instruction and motivation for all students to perform at high levels utilizing the highest quality teaching tools, methods, and materials.
Our teachers and staff participated in professional development opportunities including Lucy Calkins Phonics instruction, Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (specifically identifying and understanding our own implicit biases, participation and discussion of a privilege walk, and providing equitable learning experiences for all students), and Restorative Discipline. We also received year-long professional development on the Math, Reading, and Writing workshop models, the use of technology in the classroom, and implementing supplemental programs, such as DreamBox Math.
Even during the pandemic, we realized that our students needed to learn from outside influences. Utilizing Zoom, students were able to meet and have conversations with former NFL player and author, Dr. Harry Carson and had a face-to-face meeting with local author, Jeryl Christmas. First grade students were even able to participate in a gardening program where they grew and then ate their own vegetables at the end of the year.
This year we also promoted a schoolwide reading challenge in collaboration with the Charlotte Hornets and their mascot, Hugo! The entire student body, along with the staff, were challenged to ready for 20 minutes a day for 30 days. The students and staff did a wonderful job participating and shared their reading experiences with one another. It showed in our reading scores as well.
While the 2022-2023 academic year is considered the toughest year in education in recent memory, our students, families, and staff demonstrated resilience and perseverance. Our students showed significant academic growth as indicated on our MAP and state assessments. More importantly, our students, with support from all stakeholders, displayed excellent social and emotional growth through their interactions and work ethic. As all of our stakeholder know: The Knight Way is the Right Way and it Starts with Us!
Mr. Christian May, SIC Chairperson
Mr. Aaron Clark, Principal
