Our school is focused on all students developing the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by implementing a variety of innovative learning opportunities for all students. During the 2019-2020 school year, we continued the Energy Bus program school-wide at College Park Elementary. This is a social emotional program that teaches students to be accountable for their actions, create a positive vision, transform negativity, demonstrate integrity, and positively collaborate with others. In addition, each classroom participated in morning meetings and school-wide morning meetings. All teachers at CPE were trained in Math Workshop and Guided Reading and these programs were implemented with fidelity.
CPE expanded our multiage program introducing the multiage pod from first through fourth grade. These students made tremendous growth and participated in project-based learning, research, and created a charity, K.I.D.S. (Kids Inspired and Determined to Serve). These students raised money by making cards and donated all of the proceeds to Water Missions and MUSC for books for children in the hospital. The multiage class was so successful that we are expanding the program to four classes for the upcoming year that will include two first and second grade combination classes and two third and fourth grade combination classes. Through grants, we were able to create a Wonder Room that includes a variety of Makerspace materials, robotics, Google Expedition VR kits for virtual fieldtrips, and a green screen for presentations. We started a robotics team that participated in competitions and coding activities. The special education team at College Park created our own school-wide Special Olympics after the district event was cancelled due to weather. All of our special education students, their peer buddies from fourth and fifth grade and parent volunteers demonstrated teamwork and participated in a variety of stations. The CPE Cafe was created and operated by some of our third, fourth, and fifth grade special education students. They cooked and prepared treats every Friday for staff members. They delivered the orders to staff members, practiced communication skills, money skills and developing a work ethic. All kindergarten students developed a business project that included a business plan, logo, and explored the types of jobs needed to run their business. After creating their businesses, and products in collaborative small groups, they opened their businesses for parents and staff members to attend.
During the 2019-2020 school year, College Park Elementary is proud to offer innovative programs that will support World Class Knowledge, World Class Skills, and Life and Career Characteristics. Many of our teachers participated in the Launch Personalized Learning Cohort through the State Department Office of Personalized Learning. We experienced great success with our students. As a result, we will be partnering with Knoweledge Works in the upcoming school to fully implement Personalized Learning schoolwide. We will also be participating as a Inquiry Lab for the State Department.
