At Forts Pond Elementary School, we are proud to nurture World-Class Skills aligned with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by creating a dynamic and supportive environment focused on academic excellence, leadership development, student agency and social-emotional wellness.
Our school’s vision is more than a statement; it’s the heartbeat of our daily work and culture. It reminds us that learning thrives in a community where trust, care, collaboration and celebration are at the core. At FPES:
We trust each other.
We care.
We work together to do our best.
We celebrate every person.
We are the Mighty Mallards!
Throughout the 2024–2025 school year, our motto, Be Kind. Learn Together. Celebrate Big., came to life across classrooms, hallways and the greater community.
Be Kind
Kindness was a focus woven into the fabric of our weekly learning. Every classroom participated in weekly schoolwide themes that included thought-provoking quotes, engaging read-alouds, inspirational videos and activities to help students learn about these profiles and practice the skills. These themes, aligned with the South Carolina and Lexington One Profiles of the Graduate, were shared with families through our weekly “Mallard Message,” encouraging continued conversations at home.
To support the whole child, our staff engaged in ACEs and Trauma-Informed Training, and we continued our valuable partnership with Lexington County Mental Health, offering on-site counseling in a familiar, supportive setting. Our collaborations with the University of South Carolina and the Handle with Care initiative further expanded our ability to care for the needs of all students and families.
Learn Together
We believe learning is a lifelong journey — for students and educators alike. Our teachers participated in a wide range of professional learning opportunities, including: LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) – empowering reading instruction grounded in the Science of Reading; OGAP (Ongoing Assessment Project) for deepening understanding of math instruction and assessment; Vertical Teaming and Data Literacy Work for enhancing instruction through collaborative data analysis; Professional Learning Communities where grade-level teams focused on aligning standards and rigor for high-impact planning; Empowering Student Voice; and Collective Leadership Cohorts that ensured every learner is heard and valued.
Teachers met weekly to analyze student performance data, plan differentiated instruction and implement hands-on, engaging learning stations. Our workshop model promoted collaborative learning, goal setting, self-reflection and increased student ownership of learning.
We also celebrated the joy of learning with monthly family events, including our Mallard University sessions, where parents and students learned together through fun, hands-on activities.
Celebrate Big
At FPES, we believe celebrating success is essential to building confidence and motivation. Each day began and ended with Morning Meetings and Closing Circles, where students reflected on achievements and built community. Monthly, our students eagerly looked forward to positive office referrals, leadership celebrations, Hallway Huddles and Leader of the Month recognitions, where students were nominated by peers and staff for living out our school vision. We saw a significant increase in family participation during student-led conferences and academic nights, highlighting the strong partnership between home and school.
FPES also celebrates community collaboration. We proudly partner with Lexington Soil and Water Conservation District, Pelion Police Department, Lexington County Public Library Pelion Branch, local churches and businesses. These partnerships have provided enriching field studies, hands-on learning experiences, weekend food packs and comprehensive family support. We are eager to expand these partnerships to further enhance our students’ educational experience.
At FPES, we are creating more than a school. We are building a thriving, inclusive learning community where every child feels empowered to grow, lead and dream big. We are proud to be the Mighty Mallards!
Margaret Casey Davis, Principal
James Baxley, SIC Chair
