At Johnsonville Elementary School, we deeply value the partnership of school, family, and community. Together, we strive to develop the world-class skills and life characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. This year's theme, "One Step At A Time to Academic Excellence," symbolizes our commitment to each child's journey, with core academics taught using best practices. The staff at Johnsonville Elementary, in line with our daily mission, promotes high achievement through rigorous standards and relevant content, fostering engagement, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving.
At Johnsonville Elementary School, we are dedicated to providing a comprehensive educational experience in a positive learning environment. Our teachers are committed to student success, offering opportunities for individualized instruction in math and reading during an enrichment block. This personalized approach, combined with our 1:1 technology integration, including laptops for all students in grades 1-4, ensures that each student's unique learning needs are met. Reading Plus and IREADY are integrated to enrich and differentiate the curriculum, and students use this technology as "personal learning devices" to help extend their learning. IREADY 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 monitored data closely with three interventionists to address the instructional needs of students to help close the achievement gap.
At Johnsonville Elementary School, we believe in the power of continuous learning. We provide intentional and meaningful professional development to our teachers, equipping them with the necessary tools for student success. Our teachers are committed to ongoing professional development, analyzing IREADY and MTSS data along with Backward by Design. They actively participate in discussions concerning areas for student growth and the use of teacher content verbiage in the classrooms. This commitment to professional growth is a testament to our dedication to providing the best possible education for our students.
Other learning opportunities are offered through Robotics, Instruments, and Keyboarding. Drama Tones, Gifted and Talented, Voice of JES, Project Unify, Special Olympics, JES Literacy Nights, Drama and Parent Nights, 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 students are excited about learning and life. Students were engaged in monthly activities 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 Monday through Thursday during the school year. The program focuses on 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 that fosters their personal growth and resilience.
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 the community, we will continue to provide every child with the best possible educational opportunities. In the coming year, we plan to introduce new initiatives such as Stem Innovation classes, which will further enhance our educational offerings. We remain committed to maintaining a warm, supportive, child-centered environment to prepare our future South Carolina graduates and world leaders.
Lacinda Burrows, JES Principal
