Sullivan’s Island Elementary is helping students develop world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring and academically challenging learning environment. During the 2017-2018 school year, our school implemented several initiatives fostering student growth in creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication skills.
Students learned about the coastal environment through authentic math and science experiences in the lab, nature trail/beach, and school garden. Students regularly created models, worked in groups to solve problems, and shared their ideas though speaking, writing, drawing and photography. Our 2018 School Improvement Council Survey indicated high satisfaction with the Coastal Environment program. Sullivan’s Island Elementary’s performance on the SCPASS science test in 2017 ranked second in the state.
Students were also provided with expanded opportunities to use adaptive digital platforms to assist with targeting specific math and reading skills based on individual student readiness. While students worked independently on these platforms, teachers analyzed their progress and used the data to pull small groups of students for instruction based on student needs. Based on work in small groups, students worked on collaborative, creative math projects. Over 61% of students met or exceeded their annual growth targets in both math and reading.
Our parent-funded K-5 Spanish exposure program continued to directly impact student communication skills and global awareness this past year. Students were exposed to the basics of the Spanish language and the cultures of Spanish speaking countries through conversation, writing, song, dance, art, and games.
Finally, our 4th and 5th grade participated in Special Interest Units which motivated students to communicate and collaborate with other students, teachers and community volunteers who shared common interests. Students self-selected 6-week courses offered on Friday afternoons. Units included photography, Chinese, nature trail exploration, nutrition, kindness club, storybook coding and many other engaging topics.
At Sullivan’s Island Elementary, our teachers and community are committed to continued innovation and improvement as we collaborate to create a learning environment that cultivates critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity in all students. Thank you for your support in helping develop our future graduates and stewards of the Earth!
Susan King, Principal
Linda-Marie Hamill, SIC Chair
