West Pelzer Elementary School is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate by providing an environment that promotes valuable academic opportunities and addresses the individual needs of students. Our mission is to R.E.A.C.H. every child, parent, teacher, and community member of WPES by respecting others, educating all, achieving goals, communicating well, and setting high expectations while molding today’s learner into tomorrow’s creative and innovative thinker.
Academic success is the driving force behind our mission. Literacy continues to be a great focus, not only with instructional expectations, but creating an environment where children love to read. We held literacy events as Real Men Read, K4 parent literacy workshops, Administration/Student Book Clubs, STREAM day, and workshops for our ELL parents and students. Teachers used a variety of effective and engaging strategies in the classroom. We promoted core academics by incorporating STEM activities, the Greenville Drive Reading program, math fluency recognitions, and literacy events to encourage reading. Additionally, our teachers work collaboratively to ensure high levels of rigor for each student.
Life and career characteristics were enhanced in many ways. Students participated in lessons about the 7 Habits of Happy Kids based on the work of Franklin Covey. Leader In Me/7 Habits of Happy Kids is an evidence-based, comprehensive-school improvement model that empowers students with the leadership and life skills they need to thrive in the 21st century. Teachers and staff implemented Leader in Me habits into daily routines and lessons and students learned about a different habit each month led by the school counselor.
Social-Emotional Learning (SEL) was promoted through the development and implementation of the 7 Habits curriculum. Teacher and student-led activities focused on the personal and interpersonal leadership skills of students, staff, and families.
YMCA Mentor Program encouraged more mentors to spend time with our students and our staff became committed as well through our schoolwide Champions League mentoring program. We continued the Mustangs 4 Motivation partnership with Palmetto High School. This provided our students with positive role models from successful high school students who participate in football, cheerleading, etc. The Mustangs 4 Motivation high school mentors came and read to classes and/or helped during morning arrival.
Collaboration, teamwork, and self-direction are a part of our students' academic work; however, our school provides other opportunities for students to grow. We offered many opportunities for students to develop leadership skills including a Girls and Boys Running Club, Good News Club, Junior BETA Club, Safety Patrols, WPES Dance Team, Strong Ties and Student Council. Clemson University funds our afterschool program through a 21st Century grant. We continued PBIS (Positive Behavior Implementation System) which helped us to create a student-friendly, positive climate and to establish common language and expectations for behavior. The Powdersville YMCA hosted an afterschool program.
Our parents are very supportive and attend conferences, student performances, and Title I parent events. WPES has received the Palmetto Gold and Silver Awards. Our PTO worked hard to provide a Fall Festival, Fifth Grade Celebration, and Teacher Appreciation luncheons as well as funding and opening an Outdoor Learning classroom with a sensory component. We will expand our academic successes by creating a challenging learning environment for each student and a shared focus from parents, teachers, and the community.
