Williams Memorial Elementary is helping all students develop the World-Class Skills and the life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe learning environment that is academically challenging and programs that promote collaboration, critical thinking, and problem solving. Our motto of being “PAWS”- itively the Best provides us with the simple direction needed to help our students and teachers reach their fullest potential and encourages high expectations for success.
The WMES faculty and staff work tirelessly, learning and implementing teaching strategies, best practices, and interventions that will enhance and move our students academically. It is imperative we implement educational programs and provide curriculum that is in alignment to the State Standards; therefore, we are constantly reviewing existing and implementing new strategies and programs that will move all our students to their desired targets. Such strategies include our STEM Lab, Response to Intervention, small group instruction, Literature Stations, Socratic Seminars and Literature Circles, Orton-Gillingham Phonics, i-Station, Achieve 3000, Smarty Ants Program, Science Kits, and Hands-on Learning. Approaches and models used include the Lucy Caulkins Writing Workshop, the Gradual Release Model, the Balanced Literacy Approach, the Workshop Model, Problem-Based Learning, and the University of Florida Initiative (UFLI). Renaissance STAR Early Literacy and STAR Reading and Math Testing are conducted quarterly, while NWEA MAP Reading and Math Testing are administered in the fall, winter, and spring to determine focus areas for instruction and personal learning pathways for our students.
At Williams Memorial Elementary, we believe all students should be involved in various extra-curricular programs and activities that will develop the whole child. Programs like choir, soccer, cheerleading, and basketball help our students understand the importance of staying active and assist in developing social skills and teamwork; however, because of COVID-19, we were not able to provide these extra-curricular programs and activities, the monthly clubs and organizations, or the after school homework center. Instead, our Guidance Department worked in conjunction with our teachers using Edgenuity's Purpose Prep Curriculum to assist our students in learning how to understand and manage their emotions and to develop respectful behavior and communication skills needed to build a positive classroom and school culture.
At Williams Memorial Elementary, we feel strongly that in order to be successful, the school, our families, and the community should work together for a common goal-to support and to encourage our teachers and children. We also understand that students who have involved parents or guardians are more successful in school. At WMES, we strive to create a parent friendly school and have an "Open Door" Policy for all stakeholders. Because of this, our stakeholders take an active role by joining us for PTA and SIC Meetings, quarterly Parent-Teacher Conferences, and school sponsored events like Meet the Teacher Night, Open House, Literacy Night, STEM Night, Family Fun Night, Awards Programs, and Character Kids Celebrations.
We are proud of our students, faculty, staff, and stakeholders for sharing in the responsibility of making sure our students are successful. Together, we will continue to make WMES "PAWS"-itively the Best!
Erica Misik, School Improvement Council Chair
Ruth Mims, Principal
