Mary H. Wright Elementary School has continued to enhance our performing arts program in 2018-19 with a production that involved nearly 200 students. In addition, our visual arts program took a huge step forward. Artists in Residence visited MHW to work with students on African Instruments and another on pottery. The MHW staff is committed to providing student-centered instruction, following our state standards, in an environment that prepares students to become active, compassionate, life-long learners and responsible world-class citizens. Our current vision for MHW is that we would be recognized widely for exceptional student achievement, which will help make our community a better place to work and live.
Our school will continue to help all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by offering a variety of academic opportunities with a blend of both community outreach projects. Our 5th grade Leadership Club and our Student Council participated in multiple community service projects. And, in June of 2019, 20 students from our Leadership Club went to Atlanta, Georgia for a week, which was sponsored by our faith-based partners at Episcopal Church of the Advent. We were fortunate to have 1:1 MacBooks for all students in grades 2-5 in 2018-19. 2nd-5th-grade students utilized 1:1 iPads. In addition, we have a Technology Integration Specialist that helps teachers and students integrate technology into instruction and assessment.
Our community partnerships at Mary H. Wright are an integral part of our school. Episcopal Church of the Advent partners with us to subsidize field trips, tutor students, plan special events and support classroom teachers. St. John’s Lutheran Church and Majority Baptist Church are very close in proximity to our school and help pack food bags for students on weekends. Mt. Moriah Baptist Church sponsors our First Tee program at MHW and volunteers come weekly to conduct Good News Clubs with groups of students after school. We are also very fortunate to have a dynamic partnership with the Boys and Girls Clubs of the Upstate. In 2018-19, 120 students attended our Club, with several former students coming from our feeder middle school next door to assist students in different activities.
Spartanburg Academic Movement is also helping MHW in many ways. In 2018-19, we employed a Continuous Improvement Coach who worked with grade levels in their planning of instruction, analyzing of data, and training in Balanced Literacy methods to assist our students. This person, along with our Reading Coach, sat down with 1st-5th-grade teachers, in grade-level teams, for 2 hours each week to assist.
Through our community partnerships, and with an increased focus on communication, collaboration, and critical thinking, we know that Mary H. Wright Elementary School will strive to be at the forefront of student leadership and academic excellence. We want our students to have a part in changing the world for the better!
Mrs. Tammy Jordan, Principal
Ms. Stanza Ferguson, SIC Chairperson
