At Johnsonville Elementary School, we believe in the partnership of school, family, and community. In cooperation with home and community, we work to develop the world-class skills and life characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. The school strives to provide a scholarly academic program that will meet the needs of all our students by providing a caring, safe, rigorous, and academically focused learning environment. Our theme this year, “Passport to Success,” embraced each child while continuously working to provide core academics with instruction that incorporates best practices. The staff at Johnsonville Elementary embodied the daily mission of promoting high achievement through rigorous standards and relevant content that encouraged engagement, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
In order to provide a comprehensive educational experience in a positive learning environment, our school has teachers who are dedicated to student success. Students are provided opportunities for individualized instruction in math and reading during an enrichment block where students receive small group and one-on-one instruction. Additionally, JES is now a 1:1 school, including laptops for all students in grades K-4. Reading Plus and Math Dream Box are integrated to enrich and differentiate the curriculum. Students use this technology as “personal learning devices” to help extend their learning. NWEA (MAP) assessments in grades 5K-4 have been utilized to provide valid and reliable information to guide instruction and monitor student learning. Summative assessments are administered three times during the school year to provide data that helps guide classroom instruction. The school’s reading coach offers many different opportunities for teachers and students to participate in fun, literacy events. Our shared MTSS coordinator monitors data closely with three interventionists to address the instructional needs of students to help close the achievement gap.
Intentional and meaningful professional development was provided so that teachers had the necessary tools for student success. Our teachers were committed to ongoing professional development in analyzing MAP and MTSS data along with Backward By Design as they participated in discussions concerning areas for student growth and the use of teacher content verbiage in the classrooms.
Other learning opportunities are afforded through Coding, Robotics, and Keyboarding. Drama Tones, Gifted and Talented, Voice of JES, Project Unify, Special Olympics, JES Literacy Nights, Drama and Musical Parent Night, PTO meetings, Red Ribbon Week, and Celebration Day have been an integral part of building relationships and providing additional avenues for learning. Capturing Kids Hearts has been a school-wide initiative to win hearts and minds so that students are excited about learning and life. Students were engaged in monthly activities and utilizing the social contract, affirmations, listening, and asking for feedback.
Johnsonville Elementary School received a 21st Century Community Learning Center grant funding from the South Carolina Department of Education. This funding has allowed the school to provide an After-School program, “Grow Through What You Go Through,” for 5K- 4 students on Monday through Thursday during the school year. The grant allows the school to grow academic support, language development, character building, recreation and sports, and artistic and music development. Not only do the students have additional time to master standards, but they are immersed in a fun, hands-on learning environment.
Johnsonville Elementary School will continue to be a place where every day brings new success, and all our students are encouraged to achieve their best. Through the collaborative efforts of students, faculty, parents, and community, we will continue to provide every child with the best possible educational opportunities in a warm, supportive, child-centered environment to prepare our future South Carolina graduates and world leaders.
Miss Ellen Evans, Chair of the School Improvement Council
Mrs. Lacinda Burrows, Principal