Our school is helping students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on the 4 Cs-critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity. We are an AdvancED Science, Technology, Engineering and MATH (STEM) accredited school at the Elementary Level. AdvancED STEM schools complete a rigorous review process that has as a focus STEM integration throughout core subject areas of Math, Language Arts, Science and Social Studies. The 4 Cs of critical thinking communication, collaboration and creativity are embedded in STEM integration across content areas through authentic projects that engage students at all levels. Curriculum from Project Based Learning in Grades K thru 5, and the Advanced Mathematics Engineering and Science (AMES) Program for identified Gifted and Talented students encourage our students to “learn by doing real world problem solving” with a focus on Science, Technology Engineering and Math (STEM).
In a Project Based Class, students complete approximately two projects each quarter connected to an overarching STEM theme (Change, Relationships, Power, Create/Environment). The Advanced Math Engineering and Science (AMES) program serves our identified Gifted and Talented students. Much like project based learning the AMES program integrates the 4 Cs of critical thinking, communication, collaboration and creativity through authentic activities, with a focus on higher math extension and acceleration, engineering challenges and science inquiries. The scope of project based learning across all grade levels allows all students K-5 receive direct instruction in engineering as a component of our STEM efforts that follow the engineering cycle.
Our efforts for continuous improvement and growth are based on data analysis from the information obtained through NWEA, ENRICH, and PowerSchool. Current Measures of Academic Progress (MAP) assessments, Fountas and Pinnell (F&P) Reading Assessment, and 2019 Palmetto State PASS Data and SC READY data.
MAP and SC Ready analysis for subgroups (Black, Hispanic and Students with Disabilities) in reading and math indicated a continued need for tiered support system and targeted interventions in an effort to reduce an achievement gap. As a result, we continue to implement a multi-tiered intervention framework that provides targeted supports and weekly progress monitoring for all students in both reading and math. Literacy Intervention Groups (approximately three students per group) meet for 30 minutes per day 5 days per week (Power Up Time) to receive targeted researched based interventions (Leveled Literacy Intervention) Progress is monitored weekly. IReady, an individualized prescriptive program of lessons, is utilized as a tiered support for students in both reading and math daily.
Pritchardville Elementary School students are expected to display REACH (Respect, Effort, positive Attitude, Cooperate with others, and show Honesty to everyone) behaviors in a daily environment at school. Students in Tier I have the opportunity to earn a REACH award each quarter as well as receive a quarterly incentive. Check-in and Check-out support is provided for Tier II students.
Our communication systems include: Weekly EBLASTS and BLOOMZ, Turtle Talk, and our PVES school website. Our PVES School Website and our WPVES News Show have been recognized as an award winning school communications tools by the State of South Carolina.
Our staff continues to participate in professional development with areas of focus in differentiation of instruction, project-based STEM learning, differentiation, leveled literacy intervention strategies, guided math framework, and technology integration. We are proud of the learning environment created for all students at Pritchardville Elementary School.
