Cooley Springs Fingerville Elementary School helps 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 our 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! We were fortunate that, under district leadership, we were given the opportunity to offer face to face learning safely throughout the 2020-2021 school year. We also offered the option of our District Two Virtual Learning Academy. Our Spring iReady scores indicated that our students made significant gains over the course of the school year. Our longitudinal data suggests that our students have improved in both Reading and Math towards meeting grade level proficiency measures. In Reading, on the iReady diagnostic assessment, 69% of our students achieved their annual typical growth or higher. We increased our on grade level percentage in Reading from 23% to 65%. In Math, on the iReady diagnostic assessment, 72% of our students achieved their annual typical growth or higher. We increased our on grade level percentage in Math from 14% to 71%.
Our teachers engage in grade level data chats weekly. In addition, our leadership team engaged in a mid year data chat conference with our district instructional leaders. At this conference, we analyzed the longitudinal academic achievement and social emotional screening data from each grade level and reflected on strategies that have contributed to our students' 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 skills. 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 school 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 mixtures and solutions experience 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 second, 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 throughout the child's school day. Each morning, students have the opportunity to participate in early learning tasks as they arrive on campus in an effort to work on individual learning targets in Reading and Math. During the school day, each identified child receives additional enhanced individualized instruction to allow for intensive intervention or enrichment. 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 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 SeeSaw, School Messenger, Smore Newsletters, Facebook, the school's web page, and marquee.
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
Steven Beheler - SIC Chair
