Joseph Shanklin Elementary School is helping all students develop the world-class skills, life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing an innovative learning environment that focuses on leadership and developing self-directed learners. We provide such an environment by creating a culture of leadership by living out our school motto: “Learn. Lead. Make a difference”. School administration, teachers and students collaborate to develop school-wide, grade level, class and individual goals centered around literacy and mathematics. Throughout the year, staff and students track the progress of our Wildly Important Goals and celebrate our growth and achievement along the way. This process of goal setting and progress monitoring teaches students personal accountability and develops self-directed learners. Developing a culture of leadership in our school is about inspiring students to be leaders and take ownership of their learning.
We continue to focus on incorporating rigorous state content standards, a Balanced Literacy framework and the eight mathematical principles with fidelity, along with the school-wide use of Science kits to promote hands-on learning for our students. Positive Behavioral and Intervention Supports (PBIS) and Multi-tiered Systems of Support (MTSS) initiatives have helped to substantially reduce discipline issues and promote a positive learning climate for students and staff. Our curriculum is fully aligned with the South Carolina College and Career Readiness Standards to provide greater opportunity for improved student achievement.
Students have access to their own digital device through our district’s Connect2Learn 1:1 initiative. Our students are afforded opportunities to work collaboratively using media and technology that invite creativity and collaboration. Student leadership is encouraged through participation in school-wide leadership roles and clubs such as STEM Club, Student Council, JSES Morning News Show, Safety Leaders, Leadership Ambassadors, and others.
Volunteers are supporting us with our Literacy Initiative, and we continue to work very closely with our families to increase attendance and reduce truancy and tardiness at JSES. Together we continue to work to make Joseph Shanklin Elementary School an even greater place for our students to learn, lead, and make a difference.
