Pelion Elementary School is helping all students to develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by fostering a safe and nurturing environment for the development of each student through hands-on learning using the workshop model.
Our school supports the needs of the whole child in various ways. We utilize Social and Emotional Learning, morning meetings, closing circles, physical activity, LIFELONG GUIDELINES and LIFESKILLS, as well as the Lexington County School District One power skills to support these efforts. Students are also encouraged to show their Panther PRIDE: Personal Best, Respect, Integrity, Determination and Effort in all their learning endeavors.
PES is a learning community focused on the development of every aspect of every child in every classroom. The entire staff works as a team to provide a safe and secure learning environment so that our students can develop their talents in a way that will enable them to move toward their individual levels of success. Our goal is that they will be well-equipped as productive citizens and leaders in the Pelion community and beyond.
Our focus continues to be helping our students with motivation, independence and self-determination as learners; therefore we structure our learning experiences to stimulate creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication. Our teachers and instructional leaders make data-driven decisions concerning the delivery of instruction in literacy and math to bring about growth targeted to identify areas of need. Our math and literacy coaches use a student-centered coaching model to assist teachers in meeting the needs of all their students. The workshop model plays a greater role in personalizing learning and meeting each student on his or her level. Teachers utilize the workshop model in ELA and math. This allows for small-group instruction as well as individual conferring opportunities as teachers use student performance data to guide instruction and meet the specific needs of all learners in their classroom.
PES teachers employ the latest technology along with books, papers, pencils and hands-on methods to make learning engaging and meaningful. In addition to our targeted attention to developing core reading and math skills, we provide our students with access to computer programming through our coding program. Students learn how to code through Scratch, LEGO Robotics and Minecraft educational coding programs. They use these skills to integrate their learning with other subjects through a variety of collaborative, hands-on projects. We promote digital citizenship and encourage our students and their families to practice safe technology use at school and at home. To enable our students to develop their artistic talents, PES provides excellent programs in music and art, including band, orchestra and chorus. Our physical education classes focus on building strong bodies through physical activity and healthy habits. Students are also given the opportunity to participate in the PES youth running club. We have a state and nationally ranked elementary archery team of fourth and fifth graders.
Recognizing the fact that all our students have individual needs, our RtI, special education and MLL programs provide caring, targeted support to enhance learning experiences for all our students and their families. Beyond those programs, we have other grant-funded programs that are designed to ensure that all our students have equal opportunities to succeed, regardless of income or ethnicity. For example, we provide research-based interventions to students with deficits in reading and math through our grant-funded 21st Century After-School Program for second, third, fourth and fifth graders.
Our 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, anti-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.
PES has been able to maintain its strong connection to the Pelion community because of tremendous support from local businesses, churches and community groups. Partnerships with Shumpert’s IGA, Clemson Extension, Lexington Soil & Water Conservation District, Pelion Police Department, Pelion High School FFA, D&T Steel, Convent Baptist Church, Florence Baptist Church, Pelion Baptist Church, Pelion Ruritan Club, Pelion Woman’s Club and the Lexington County Public Library have been beneficial to our
students and staff. A strong PTO along with local churches and community groups have generously supported our efforts as well. They planned food trucks and other events for students and staff this year. A strong connection to the other schools in our feeder system has provided continuity for our families and a sense of unity for the entire community. We partnered with all Pelion-area schools in the spring to hold a Pelion Area Schools Showcase night. The event played host to literacy games, Fine Arts and FFA exhibitions, an archery showcase, and many other engaging and educational activities for the families of Pelion.
Another key element in our service to the Pelion community is our parenting program. Our family liaison works with parents of our new 4 year olds and other families. She sends newsletters and other publications to keep parents informed and solicit their input concerning our programs. Students who are unable to participate in our 4-year-old classes are encouraged to participate in Little Panthers, a program that brings them into the school environment once a week to access enrichment activities and help prepare them for kindergarten. Our Panther Dads and Panther Moms’ morning information sessions are held once a month for parents to eat breakfast and learn together as a family. We also host a community flu shot clinic and mammogram van for staff and community members.
We plan special events throughout the year such as Bingo for Books Night, Math-a-Palooza, Family Scavenger Hunts, Reading Prize Patrol, Veterans Day breakfast, a free Scholastic book fair, and our Winter and Spring Arts festivals to encourage parents to be part of the school experience.
At PES, our philosophy is that families, school and community must work in partnership to provide the best possible learning environment for our students. Based on that philosophy, we will continue to dedicate ourselves to strengthening the Pelion community by enabling its children to learn and grow.
Debbie Poole, Principal Stacy Brown, SIC Chair
