Collaboration/Creativity/Communication - Engaged Parents and Community
At FMES, we understand the importance of the family unit and the community as a whole in the development of students. We have tried to maximize the opportunities for parents to spend time in engaging activities with their children. These events include an FMES STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics) Night where students and families engaged in a family STEAM challenge, a Literacy Night with different English Language Arts activities, and lastly a Peace, Love, and Pastries breakfast event promoting character building and cultural appreciation. Each of these events provided a different experience for parents and students while providing the school an opportunity to continue to build relationships with all of our families.
We also recognize the value in including the greater community in the growth of our school and our students. To foster community relationships we have continued to implement partnerships with Winthrop University, First Baptist Church, Fort Mill Middle School, Fort Mill High School, and Nation Ford High School. First Baptist Church is involved in grounds improvement and cleanup as well as church members spending time reading and working with individual students. Our partnership with Winthrop University allows us to host students who have chosen a career in the field of education. These students participate in a multitude of classroom observations, student teaching experiences, and full year internship opportunities where they hold the status of “Junior Faculty Members”. The Fort Mill Middle School Beta Club also spends time reading and working with students while the two high schools send Teacher Cadet and Early Childhood Education students to observe and help teachers, as well as work with individual and small groups of students in specific classrooms. Each of these partnerships provides students with valuable one-on-one time with a mentor to continue to aid in each student’s growth and development.
Collaboration/Communication/Critical Thinking - Teacher Collaboration
Continuous teacher growth and collaboration is a priority at FMES. During the past school year the theme for the year focused heavily on the PLC model, student engagement, and learning for all students. To foster this theme we have continued to move to a Professional Learning Community model which incorporates increased teacher collaboration. Grade level teams operate as a collaborative team and have dedicated times when they meet to discuss curriculum and planning, as well as to discuss student data. Grade levels have implemented times for intervention and enrichment where they can further meet the needs of each child.
Teachers are also encouraged to share different things that they are passionate about or areas where they feel they have mastery. To enable teachers to continue to collaborate on these specific topics we have implemented staff-led Professional Development. During this time teachers have the opportunity to attend sessions that are taught by their colleagues and learn more about what is going on within the building where they teach. We also utilize STEAM leaders to continue to emphasize the importance of STEAM components in the classroom. STEAM leaders have been involved in learning labs which allow teachers to observe practices in their classroom, planning STEAM based lessons with other grade levels, as well as lead professional development sessions that focus on STEAM practices. Lastly, our literacy coach along with teachers have led professional development on the value of student engagement. Partnerships with other elementary schools have been utilized to learn more about how to positively impact the engagement of students in their learning. Each of these processes provides teachers with valuable time to collaborate with colleagues, share their craft and expertise, and continue to build relationships.
Jocelyn Young - Principal
Jane Mosher - School Improvement Council Chair