Saxe Gotha Elementary School is helping all students develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a well-rounded education that focuses on the critical components of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. The school recognizes the importance of preparing students for success in an ever-changing world and, therefore, implements various strategies and initiatives to foster the development of world-class skills. “Together We Shine,” this year’s school theme, focused on helping students work together to solve problems and grow, and cultivating a caring community where ALL learners are extraordinary communicators, collaborators, creators and critical thinkers.
ELA and mathematics instruction are presented daily using the workshop model. This model provides the opportunity for students to receive grade-level instruction through mini-lessons, as well as time for independent practice. At the same time, teachers address individual student needs through one-on-one conferences and small-guided-group work. This model also encourages student goal-setting, problem-solving and collaboration, which will equip our students with the skills necessary to be college- and career-ready. As an i-Ready Personalized Instruction pilot school, students were provided with lessons in reading and math based on their skill level and needs. Administrators and teachers tracked student progress as they completed 30 minutes weekly in reading and math.
At SGE, we are committed to the district’s system commitments. One of those commitments encompasses teaching and learning power skills of accountability, critical thinking, communication, interpersonal skills, integrity, perseverance, collaboration and willingness to take risks. Teachers know the importance of a daily Morning Meeting and Closing Circle to meet the needs of the whole child. Teachers plan short lessons on how to build community, and address the social and emotional needs of students. Our school counselors do classroom lessons focusing on career opportunities, bullying, and social and emotional health. They also work with students in small groups and individually to address any concerns from students or their families.
Providing quality professional development and support for teachers is imperative as the needs of students are ever-changing. This year, the SGE staff studied The Joyful Teacher: Strategies for Becoming the Teacher Every Student Deserves by Berit Gordon. Teacher leaders worked together to prepare material for monthly small-group meetings, and various teacher leaders led the cross-grade-level discussions to share how these lessons look in their classroom and interact with the material shared. A full-time math coach and a full-time literacy coach assist teachers in planning and developing skills to assist them in meeting the needs of every student.
Numerous opportunities to grow and learn in different ways were provided for students. For instance, students participate in art, music, physical education, STEM, and Spanish. At SGE, ALL means ALL. Inclusion is an important part of who we are and what we do each day, and becoming a Unified Partner school has been a goal for all at SGE for the past four years. SGE was named a South Carolina Special Olympics National Banner Unified Champion School.
A full-time family liaison helps build connections between home and school by partnering with families to support the learning, development and health of every student and family. This is achieved through various ways, including the Little Stars 3- and 4-year-old program, family engagement events and providing educational resources for families to use at home. SGE holds a variety of family engagement workshops during the school year. This provides families with an opportunity to learn new ways to support their students at home.
In order to intentionally Empower Each Child to Design the Future, SGE uses a systematic approach to analyze data on a regular basis. Teachers utilize formative assessments such as Fountas & Pinnell, STAR Reading, and the i-Ready Math and Reading Diagnostic throughout the year to assess and adjust instruction to meet the needs of students. Grade-level Data Dive meetings occur monthly, in which grade levels meet with administrators to discuss the level of support needed for students. Following Data Dive meetings, our Core Team (led by our lead interventionist with administrators, coaches, psychologist, school counselors and family liaison) meets to track student Response to Intervention. Our Mental Wellness Team (led by counselors with administrators, a school nurse, a psychologist, a lead interventionist and a family liaison) meets next to address the social and emotional learning concerns. This monthly approach to looking at data and discussing student needs assists our school in addressing the academic and social-emotional deficits of our students.
Community partners are an integral part of the caring community where ALL learners are extraordinary communicators, collaborators, creators and critical thinkers. Lexington United Methodist Church partners with Harvest Hope food bank to provide weekend snack packs for a number of students. Partnerships with Midlands Orphan Relief and RADIUS Church allow the school to assist families with basic needs.
The SGE family and community are structured to love each child, and help them grow each and every day. Our students are destined to be the leaders of tomorrow by designing their future, and we are willing to do whatever it takes to help make that happen.
Elizabeth A. Houck, Principal
Jason Hathcock, SIC Chair
