Our district/school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing every student quality education experiences in a safe, nurturing, and engaging environment. Engaged learners are more apt to be learners who are meeting and exceeding grade level academic expectations.
We are committed to providing world class knowledge through the effective instruction based upon rigorous standards and curriculum. Our English Language Arts’ program is presented through a balanced literacy/workshop approach. Explicit small group guided reading instruction is at the heart of our instructional program. Each day students receive ninety minutes of uninterrupted reading instruction, thirty minutes of writing instruction, and an extra thirty minutes of support during what we call intervention time. We understand the importance of the foundation for learning that we are constructing for our students and strive to protect that time and ensure all of our students have the benefit of a firm instructional foundation.
In Mathematics, our teachers view instruction through the constructive approach and conceptual learning. Students use a “hands on” approach to construct and deconstruct mathematical concepts to develop this understanding. A variety of strategies are taught to solve Mathematical problems rather than just learning the algorithm. Students work in collaborative groups as they construct their understanding. They learn that multiple approaches may be taken to solving problems.
Our teachers monitor student progress and plan for instruction through a variety of formative and summative assessments. Students are taught to monitor their own progress which increases their responsibility and engagement in learning.
Beginning in first grade, our students receive instruction in German. The instructional focus is the culture and language of communication. It is important that our students understand that while they are a member of a small community, our community interacts with a larger community within our country and outside the United States.
Our school eagerly participates in a variety of service learning projects, such as Food Drives, Relay for Life, March of Dimes, Operation Christmas Child, and Valentines for Children (at the Children’s Hospital). Our students and their families benefit from the support provided by our local Middle Tyger Community Center. Our Faith Community partners with us to provide Backpacks of Hope for our students. Our students have the benefit of observing the real-life application of life and career characteristics which are demonstrated by the community partners and resources around them.
Our parents are involved in a variety of ways at Duncan Elementary. They are involved at the school through volunteering; involved by learning at home; through decision making; communicating; and collaborating with community. It is through this collaborative relationship that we share in the responsibility of educating our next generation of students and citizens.
Our highly qualified staff is involved in professional learning, and they are dedicated to providing exemplary educational opportunities and academic excellence to our students in order to improve the quality of their lives as well as improving our community. We are committed to living out our district motto-“Every Child, Every Day.”
Susan Hill, Principal Cilicia Fair-Stephens, SIC Chair
