Cottageville Elementary School is helping all students develop the 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. We provide rigorous, standards-based instruction and integrate character development into the curriculum in order to help all students achieve personal success and become responsible and productive citizens.
Our instructional staff strives for excellence through the implementation of standards-driven instruction, participating in professional development and implementing the Professional Learning Communities at Work model. Our teachers collaborate weekly with one another and instructional coaches to develop rigorous lessons, engaging strategies, and appropriate assessments. Some of the engaging strategies include the utilization of hands-on science kits, differentiated instruction, small group instruction, technology infused lessons, and direct instruction. Cottageville Elementary School implements the Balanced Literacy Program, gifted and talented program, Response to Intervention, and inclusion to best meet the needs of our learners. Additional support is provided to our students through a Reading Coach and Reading Interventionists. CES teachers assess the academic progress of our students, reflect upon the data and use the data to plan effective and engaging lessons.
Technology integration continues to be a focus area as well as providing students with opportunities to develop strong character and healthy living habits. Cottageville Elementary School continues to implement the Positive Behavior Interventions and Support (PBIS) program which rewards our students for exhibiting positive behaviors. Our guidance counselor delivers guidance lessons throughout the year on character building topics, as well as, provides individual and small group counseling sessions. CES teachers focus on the Life and Career Characteristics within the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by incorporating lessons on honesty, responsibility, conflict resolution and respect into the curriculum and provide opportunities for students to work collaboratively with partners and in small groups. Cottageville Elementary School offers free breakfast and lunch to all students in order for the students to perform to their absolute best. CES promotes healthy living initiatives such as providing students weekly with fresh fruits and vegetables, sponsoring a CES Running Club, providing Brain Breaks throughout the instructional day, and adopting health and wellness policies to support the physical health and well-being of our students.
Cottageville Elementary School believes that fostering strong relationships with parents and community is essential for our school. CES is fortunate to have a supportive and active Parent Teacher Organization, School Improvement Council, along with business partners that support our learning. The Friends of the Colleton County Animal Shelter (FOCCAS) worked with our fourth grade students on pet responsibilities. All fourth grade students completed this program and received certificates of participation. Also, our students participated in programs and events offered by the Colleton County Memorial Library. Cottageville Elementary School staff and students supported community organizations such as March of Dimes, American Red Cross, Relay for Life, Lowcountry Food Bank, and Jump Rope for Heart to give back to the community.
At Cottageville Elementary School we believe our mission "to prepare every student to graduate with a 21st century education to be globally competitive for their chosen college or career path” is being accomplished with the support of our school staff, parents, district personnel and school community. Thank you for all of your support in helping in the development of our future South Carolina graduates and world leaders!
Janis Headden, Principal
Brandy Gerard, Chair of the School Improvement Council
