Edisto Primary School is striving to help all students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We are preparing our students by focusing on the development of strong reading, math, and social skills. In additional to these basic fundamental skills, Edisto Primary has also committed to the development of the entire student, to include the arts, sciences, and social/emotional growth. Although we still see challenges due to the Covid Pandemic, we have also seen great growth in our students as we move forward.
Emphasis on instruction is focused on a two-hour block of time for ELA and writing using fiction and non-fiction leveled text through the Wit and Wisdom Curriculum, both whole group and small group instruction. Our teachers collaborate and plan together to ensure that each standard is incorporated into the instructional day. Teachers are continuously seeking new and effective strategies to use in the classroom. Additionally, students learn problem solving and higher order thinking skills during reading instruction as well as through guided / hands-on math through the Eureka Math Curriculum. Science is dedicated to hands-on learning, use of real-life materials and real-life learning opportunities. Students explore cultures through social sciences while learning about various customs, traditions, and holidays, and foods, as well as challenged with project-based assignments in all core subjects. The Arts and Life Skills are also an important part of our goal to develop the entire child as students attend classes in Art, Music, and Physical Education. Our Guidance Department conducts weekly Social/Emotional classes, teaching general life skills needed to be .
Data drives instruction as each student is assessed through iReady; Waterford; Kindergarten Readiness Assessment (KRA); Letterland Assessment; and Individual Growth & Development Indicators (myIGDIs). Students who need additional help in reading can receive small group services through our reading interventionists. Edisto Primary School is also able to help students who are struggling with our Volunteer Program. Many of these volunteers are retired teachers.
Technology is an intricate part of building the skills needed for success now and in the future. Edisto Primary prides itself in having top of the line technology to help students succeed. Through the use of three computer labs, classroom iPads, laptops, and interactive Clear Touch Boards, students are exposed to a variety of educational software and research opportunities. As part of the students’ daily routine, this helps to advance their knowledge in reading, writing, math, and science and improve personal life skills in technology.
All students receive classroom guidance on many issues including, but not limited to bullying, how to resolve conflicts, health and nutrition and many other topics. We incorporate Service Learning for our students through numerous activities and projects. Students participate in activities and events including Relay for Life, collections for a local homeless shelter (Samaritan House), food drives, Jump Rope for Heart, Socks for Seniors, Coca-Cola tops program and collecting Box Tops for Education. Our students also participate in our daily morning announcements. Stressing positive behavior and choices is used to increase and improve desired student behaviors through positive means rather than punishment. Students are rewarded through Cougar Bucks that can be spent for treats and visits to the school store, awards, extra recess, and recognition for their accomplishments read over the intercom in the afternoon.
Edisto Primary knows that parents and community are a vital part of each student’s educations. Through our school’s School Improvement Council and Parent Teacher Organization, we solicit volunteers and community partners who help mentor students in academics and social skills. One of our most successful community partners is the Good News Club. They meet weekly in the morning prior to school starting, encouraging the students to do their very best, as well as hearing about the faith. Sonic Drive-in Restaurant and Ebenezer Baptist Church are additional community partners who have provided guest readers, free books, and treats for both the staff and students at Edisto Primary School.
Edisto Primary will continue to look for ways to further help students develop the world class skills and characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We hold true that Our Children are Our Future!
Dr. Steven D. Preast, Principal
