Laurel Hill Primary continued to focus on critical thinking and creativity as we developed the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate for all students throughout the 2023-2024 school year.
Critical thinking is essential in developing independent learners. The Bridges Math Curriculum, The Ongoing Assessment Project (OGAP) strategies, Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) strategies, and Adaptive Digital Content (ADC) continued to be utilized to create differentiated learning opportunities for students. They allowed our teachers to pre-assess student skills and individualize instruction to meet student needs. Teachers also utilized adaptive digital resources to allow students opportunities to practice skills in both content areas. Our K-2 teachers also implemented the University of Florida Literacy Institute (UFLI) Foundations and saw great growth in our learners, particularly in the areas of phonics and phonemic awareness. The Elementary and Secondary School Emergency Relief (ESSER) III grants funded two part-time reading intervention teachers who worked with kindergarten and second grade students. Laurel Hill also utilized a math coach to provide targeted support to students in first and second grade, as well as provide coaching and co-teaching opportunities in the classroom. Spring 2024 data showed substantial positive growth in the areas of both math and reading across all grade levels due to differentiated instruction and targeted interventions for all students.
In order to improve the quality of instruction across all grade levels and subject areas, our teams participated in four PLC planning days throughout the school year. These days allowed our teams to dive into student data, reflect on their instructional practice, and plan instruction that focused on SC State Standards and the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Our school continues to maintain a high standard of excellence as noted by our accreditation through the National Association of Educators of Young Children (NAEYC). We successfully renewed our accreditation through 2028 with a 97% passing rate, as we continue to provide high quality instruction that is child-centered and developmentally appropriate.
Being a primary school carries a unique yet important role, as we are responsible for providing a foundation of academic and social skills that will set up our students for success for years to come. This year, our staff focused on that responsibility and dedicated themselves to excellence in all areas. As we move forward, we will continue to raise the bar and provide valuable, engaging opportunities for our youngest learners.
Jason Sims, Principal
Emily Laird, SIC Chairperson
