Hanahan Elementary School is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring and challenging learning environment. Hanahan Elementary is home to a diverse population of approximately 1100 students in Pre-K through fifth grade. An outstanding PTO, a highly successful volunteer program, and approximately 30 active business partners are testimonies to the community’s firm commitment to quality education. The energy, enthusiasm, and expertise of the faculty and staff are the backbone of our school’s success. A tradition of excellence has been established at Hanahan Elementary as evidenced by receiving the Palmetto Gold Award in 2010, 2011, 2012, 2013 and 2014 as well as the Silver Award for 2006, 2007, 2008 and 2009. Twelve school incentive awards and two honorable mentions from the State Board of Education have also been received. HES was recognized nationally with two prestigious awards in 2007, the highly acclaimed Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Award and the SMART Showcase School. The Blue Ribbon Lighthouse Award is based on key educational elements, sustained success and effectiveness as a high performing school. SMART Showcase recognized HES as a leader in the adoption and integration of technology. We have been honored with the Red Carpet Award, the Exemplary Writing Program Hall of Fame Award, and also the Governor’s Reading Honor Roll Award. Our school was named a finalist for the Palmetto’s Finest Award in 2001, 2003, and again in 2004. Finally, we are the recipient of the 2014 National Blue Ribbon Award, a national honor bestowed upon schools with consistently high student achievement.
At Hanahan, we believe teamwork and communication with families and community are vital to the successful development of future South Carolina graduates and leaders. A very successful mentor program, Lunch Buddies, was continued with City of Hanahan mentors. Over forty students had a city employee come to school monthly to eat lunch and check-in with them. In addition, our Motivated Young Men and Motivated Young Ladies mentoring programs are growing and are providing our most at-risk students with positive role models from our community. Our third grade students partnered with Katie’s Crops and planted eight gardens to provide vegetables to local charities that feed families in need. We are committed to collaboration and continued dialogue with our stakeholders to ensure our students are strong academically and as citizens in our community.
Twelve teachers have earned the prestigious National Board Certification with five teachers receiving National Board Certification for a second time. Our school-wide reading program allows students and teachers to create individual reading goals determined by the student’s independent reading level. The gifted and talented curriculum challenges students in grades three and four. Junior Achievement and Kids Who Care are used to enrich the curriculum. Second Steps, along with a strong character education program, have been implemented school-wide to emphasize valuable life skills. All students are exposed to the arts through cultural experiences and a rich standards-based curriculum. Four ESOL teachers provide support with our growing English as a second language population, as well as offer after school and summer programs. An Instructional Coach provides curriculum support to the faculty, as well as assisting with the school improvement initiatives. Our teachers combine traditional educational approaches with current research and innovative practices to ensure all students are developing world class knowledge and skills.
The school has a fully equipped computer lab that enhances student learning. Each classroom contains SMART Board technology, a minimum of five chromebooks, and five IPads to increase student engagement and achievement. Additionally, we are 1:1 with Chromebooks and have implemented Google for Education in our elementary classrooms. Hanahan Elementary School exemplifies quality education in South Carolina. As we face the demands of the twenty-first century, we strive to challenge and empower all students to be successful in a highly competitive world.
Thomas L. Sparkman, Principal
Susan Cappello, SIC President
