Brockman Elementary School students are developing world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. These students benefit from a high-fidelity Montessori public school program. The primary tenet of the Montessori philosophy is that a child learns best in an enriched/supportive environment, where exploration, discovery, collaboration and creative thinking are the norm. Integrity, self-direction, a global perspective and interpersonal skills are also fundamental to Montessori education.
The goal of Brockman Elementary is to help students reach their potential in all areas of life. Independence, self-motivation, creativity, leadership and cooperation are foundational. The curriculum and environment empower children, ignite their creativity and support them in building a sense of self. Learning is personal, enjoyable and self-fulfilling. The development of social skills and an intentional wellness initiative work together in support of academic achievement.
Brockman Elementary students consistently demonstrate strong academic achievement. The school received an Excellent rating on the State Report card for the 2017-2018 school year. This report card indicated that school performance in academic achievement, student progress and school quality substantially exceeded the criteria to ensure that all students meet the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Brockman also received the U.S. Department of Education’s National Blue Ribbon Award in 2017.
Brockman students are encouraged to think creatively. The school received an Arts in Basic Curriculum grant in 2018 and has developed a five year strategic arts plan to promote a wide range of arts experiences. Students demonstrate originality and inventiveness in project based learning. For example, students in upper elementary classrooms created a living wax museum after researching notable African Americans. They compose a narrative in first person, dressed as the person and brought props to share their story with younger students. These students brought history to life!
Brockman students also learn to work collaboratively. This is accomplished in a proactive way as each classroom has a Peace Table where students are taught to go with a peer in order to resolve a disagreement. This proactive approach teaches students a strategy to use when conflict arises. Throughout the year, students work together on Montessori lessons and often teach skills to their peers. Brockman students also learn to be responsive to the ideas of others and work together to incorporate group input. During this school year students worked collaboratively to contribute to the design of the new playground.
Brockman Elementary also offers creative and collaborative enrichment opportunities after school. Students in the STEM club led and taught their peers coding skills. Students in the Odyssey of the Mind club competed in the state and regional competition and qualified to participate in the World Finals for the second year in a row.
Brockman Elementary is committed to creating a school environment that promotes and protects the well-being of students and staff. The school wellness committee developed a wellness policy that identifies actions to incorporate healthy food choices, nutrition education, physical education and physical activity. Annually Brockman Elementary demonstrates this commitment with a fund-raising activity that challenges students to run continuously for 20 minutes. This FUNd run is ingrained in the school culture and students prepare for it by running both in school and with their families. Every classroom also incorporates physical activity and movement throughout the day. In alignment with our philosophy, Brockman staff made a commitment to refrain from denying participation in physical activity as a form of discipline.
Brockman Elementary also offers wellness enrichment opportunities after school. The Bears on Track club is a popular after school running club for staff and students that culminates in a 5K run. The school also hosts a 4H club. Students, parents and staff meet after school to create and maintain a school garden and learn about the natural world. Annually, students, parents and staff meet after school to “Dance your Heart Out.” This popular event packs the gym and students dance with line dances that they have learned in class. For the first time this year, Brockman students also participated in a Fitness Bowl competition. This district-wide event promoted the benefits of a physically active lifestyle. This concerted effort to promote health and well-being was recognized in 2018 as Brockman Elementary was awarded the Silver Award by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation and was also nationally recognized as a “Let’s Move/Active Schools” recipient.
The Brockman Elementary school community recognizes that children will need the ability to navigate complex life and work environments as they grow and intentionally incorporates both life and career skills into the educational program. Montessori education supports this development as children as young as three years old learn to focus their attention for increasingly longer periods of time. They learn to use their time efficiently, work independently and demonstrate initiative. As children grow older, they are afforded additional leadership and responsibility to guide and lead others. They inspire younger children by modelling service and selflessness. The Friendly Helper program at Brockman Elementary is one example of this authentic opportunity for older children to act as leaders. Friendly Helpers arrive early and support the safe ingress of students in the car line. They greet each family and wish them a good day as they open the car door and ensure the younger children move to the safe zone on the sidewalk. They perform this service in the cold, heat and rain with a positive and helpful demeanor.
Brockman Elementary is a vibrant and progressive public Montessori school. Brockman students benefit from high-fidelity implementation of the Montessori Method. These students are well on their way to developing the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate!
Heidi Stark, Ed.D., Principal
Kirby Speas, SIC Chairperson