Nexton Elementary School is helping all students develop the world class knowledge, world class skills, and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring and academically challenging environment. We believe it is our responsibility to empower all students for success through dynamic instruction, rigorous learning opportunities, and technology integration. Students are each provided a personal technology device in a one-to-one school to accommodate learning styles and develop skills necessary for the 21st century. Students are encouraged to become responsible for their own learning and collaborate with others to think critically, problem solve and share information relating to current standards.
Technology integration is used at Nexton to support student interest and to extend learning experiences. We are extremely proud that our school was recognized as a Common Sense Certified Digital Citizenship School for the past two years. Teachers delivered digital online safety lessons to all students in kindergarten through grade 5. Additionally, students enjoyed participating in Google Classroom activities, Reading Buddies, RAZ-Kids reading, Reflex Math and Whooo's Reading, IXL Math, and Smarty Ants, all of which incorporate the use of technology. Project Lead the way was introduced to grades one and four through computer science and engineering modules. Students worked collaboratively in hands on activities, projects and problems that built on each other and related to the world around them. Students also learned coding skills and programming while creating video games using multiple applications.
During the 2017-2018 school year, staff members focused on effective Professional Learning Communities (PLC) using the Teaching for Understanding (TFU) cycle and technology integration with the implementation of technology. Staff development opportunities were provided by our technology and instructional coaches, teachers, and administrators. Mastery Connect was implemented to assist teachers in making data-driven decisions in PLCs.
School climate has been enhanced through the establishment of consistent behavioral expectations and opportunities for students to interact with one another outside of core content areas. Positive Behavior Intervention Supports (PBIS) has been implemented to establish school-wide expectations. PBIS and character education incentives were provided for students for making good choices, demonstrating character traits and receiving positive office referrals. Student clubs included Honors Chorus, Performing Arts, Robotics Team, Book Club, Good News Character Club and Beta Club. A student-developed school garden was created on Nexton's campus, as well as a school- wide recycling program to emphasize environmental responsibility.
A MakerSpace lab was created to incorporate a variety of STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Math) activities this year. Through the use of this space, students were given the opportunity to develop prototypes for 3D printing and experience reverse engineering lessons. This year, our school won the TangerKIDS grant to support MakerSpace for students. Nexton Elementary has obtained over twenty business and community partners that supported technology and Project Lead the Way. Additionally, student mentoring and reading buddies programs were also implemented.
Parent and community support is evident at Nexton. With over 250 registered volunteers, teachers, students and staff members feel supported through ongoing collaboration that contributes to student success. PTA supported students of various reading levels through the Scholastic leveled library and held numerous evening events to provide parent and student engagement. Our SIC (School Improvement Council) achieved Honor Roll status this year by the SC-SIC Board of Trustees for outstanding efforts in building the foundations for an effective SIC and exemplifying civic engagement.
At Nexton, we believe teamwork and communication with families and community are vital to the successful development of future South Carolina graduates and leaders. To that end, we are committed to collaboration and continued dialogue with our stakeholders to ensure our goals are achieved.
Jessica Cokins, School Improvement Council Chair
Nancy Leigh, Principal
