Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by supporting our students as they build a solid foundation of knowledge and skills to foster success both in and beyond the classroom. We are committed to the highest levels of learning for all students by engaging them in a rigorous learning environment focused on the South Carolina State Standards in all core content areas. We meet the needs of our students in a safe and innovative learning environment to prepare them for the world in which they live. At Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary School, our mission is to empower students in a nurturing environment in order to inspire lifelong learning.
At CSF, we maintain an intentional, focused instructional program by creating an environment of collaboration. Teachers receive ongoing professional development to ensure that they have all the tools necessary to implement best practices that are proven to have the most significant impact on student learning. Teachers collaborate weekly during TLT meetings with the Math and Literacy coaches to plan differentiated instruction that is relevant, rigorous, and engaging for all students. Teachers work collaboratively to develop assessments that align with learning targets. As teachers analyze data, Guided Reading and Guided Math lessons are designed to meet all students' needs. We have much to celebrate at CSF! Though we were unable to gather data in the Spring due to COVID-19, our Winter iReady scores indicated that our students showed little regression over the summer and had improved in both Reading and Math towards meeting grade level proficiency measures. In Reading, 50% of our students achieved 76% or higher of their annual typical growth. We increased our on grade level percentage in Reading from 28% to 53%. In Math, 50% of our students achieved 57% or higher of their annual typical growth. We increased our on grade level percentage in Math from 26% to 50%.
Our teachers engage in school-wide data conferences during the school year. At this conference, each grade level analyzes the academic achievement of their students' progress longitudinally and reflects on strategies that have contributed to their success. Collaboration is vital for our students in every aspect of their educational journey while at CSF. They engage in our positive behavior system to encourage growth with life and career characteristics. CSF offers many engaging activities that promote student success and instill strong interpersonal skills and perseverance. Some of these activities include Boys and Girls Club, academic and behavior recognition programs, before and after school clubs, enriched art opportunities, onsite and hands-on learning experiences, and various family involvement events.
To increase student readiness and develop world-class skills, the CSF staff continually emphasizes authentic learning opportunities for students. Our students become critical thinkers and problem solvers through real-world activities, guided instruction, and classroom projects. Projects such as our fifth grade “Shark Tank” allow students to creatively demonstrate problem-solving while accessing, assimilating, and sharing information with authentic audiences. Technology is an essential part of our students’ academic success. Students in third, fourth, and fifth grades have a personal iPad to utilize vetted digital tools such as iReady to personalize their learning paths. Teachers use data from online instructional assessment tools and administer common formative assessments to ensure fluid instructional groupings. Academic enrichment programs are offered before, during, and after school. Each morning, students have the opportunity to participate in a morning computer lab to work on individual learning targets in Reading and Math. During the school day, each teacher receives an additional computer lab class to enhance individualized instruction and to allow for intensive intervention. Our schedule provides the framework to ensure a focus on uninterrupted Reading and Math instruction. Reading and Math interventionists provide individualized intervention to help students reach their learning goals. After school, Boys and Girls Club students receive academic instruction during Power Hour by certified teachers. The use of other strategies to ensure our students’ success are Leveled Literacy Intervention, LindaMood Bell, Response to Intervention in both Reading and Math, and Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports.
Communication among all stakeholders is vitally important to a positive, vibrant sense of community at CSF. Stakeholders are well-informed through School Messenger, school newsletters, Facebook, the school's web page, and marquee, as well as various digital communication tools.
At Cooley Springs-Fingerville Elementary, we continuously strive to work together to provide a state-of-the-art learning environment for our students. We are thankful for the support we receive from our families and the surrounding community. Each day we embrace our challenges and celebrate our successes. We believe that all students can learn at the highest level. Every student matters. Every moment counts.
Stephanie Blanton - Principal
Jessica Arledge - SIC Chair