Mill Creek Elementary School is steadfastly committed to cultivating within all students the world-class skills and the personal, academic, and professional attributes outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. This commitment is realized through the alignment of instructional methodologies with the rigorous academic standards prescribed by the state of South Carolina.
The mission of Mill Elementary School is to transform lives by closing the achievement gap and empowering all students to achieve their potential and dreams, preparing them for college and career readiness.
Our vision is a commitment to
Technology and teaching life skills,
Equitable learning Environment,
Achieving excellence,
Motivating students and staff,
Master state standards and
Cultivating responsible citizens and Parent/Community involvement.
Academic Progress and Demographics
Mill Creek Elementary demonstrates consistent academic growth comparable to statewide performance metrics. The student population is comprised of approximately 90% African American, 3% White, 3% Hispanic, and 4% representing two or more racial backgrounds. The school benefits from a favorable student-to-teacher ratio, extensive professional development programming, and well-allocated resources that collectively advance the institution’s overarching academic objectives.
Instructional Strategies and Assessment Framework
To facilitate the development of the competencies embodied in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate, the school implements a comprehensive strategy that includes evidence-based assessments and targeted instructional practices. These include:
- STAR Reading and Math Assessments
- District Common Formative Assessments (DCFA)
- i-Ready Diagnostic Assessments for students with Individualized Education Programs (IEPs)
- Master View Predictive Assessments (MVPA), administered biannually
- BAS (Benchmark Assessment System) for gauging reading levels
- Quarterly Writing Benchmarks for students in kindergarten through fifth grade
Assessment data are meticulously analyzed to inform instruction, measure student growth, and implement strategic interventions throughout the academic year.
Instructional Design and Literacy Focus
In recognition of literacy as foundational to achievement across all subject areas, the school employs the LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling) framework and a Balanced Literacy Model. The core literacy block is 150 minutes, exclusive of dedicated reading intervention time. Instruction is delivered through whole-group, small-group, and individualized modalities, with an additional 30-minute intervention block provided in both ELA and Mathematics.
A 1:1 student-to-device technology ratio is maintained across all grade levels, and every classroom is equipped with a Smart Board to enhance instructional delivery. These practices are designed to address the diverse learning needs of students and foster academic mastery.
Reading Emphasis and Critical Thinking
Significant instructional emphasis is placed on the cultivation of proficient reading skills. Students are expected to engage in daily independent reading at school and at home. Incentives and reflective writing assignments are incorporated to promote critical engagement with texts across all grade levels.
Collaborative Support Structures
To ensure equitable academic outcomes, particularly for historically underserved populations such as African American males and students with special needs, the school utilizes:
- Professional Learning Communities (PLCs)
- A Multi-Tiered System of Support (MTSS)
- Principal-Teacher Data Conferences
- Professional Learning Opportunities (PLOs) and Deep Data Dives
These systems empower educators to collaboratively analyze student performance data and determine actionable steps to enhance teaching and learning.
Community and Stakeholder Engagement
Mill Creek Elementary thrives through enduring partnerships with various faith-based and business organizations. The School Improvement Council (SIC) and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) serve as integral components in fostering community engagement and resource development. Notable partners include Westinghouse, McEntire Joint National Guard Base, Trinity Church, and Temple Baptist Church. Efforts are underway to expand the Foster Grandparent Volunteer Program to further enrich student support services.
Programmatic Transitions
Effective in the 2024–2025 academic year, Mill Creek Elementary no longer holds a Title I designation. Consequently, the school retains only one reading interventionist. Additionally, Mill Creek has ceased participation in the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) program for the forthcoming school year.
Commitment to Lifelong Learning
Mill Creek Elementary’s leadership, faculty, staff, parents, and community stakeholders recognize that the development of globally competitive graduates necessitates a collective commitment to lifelong learning. Adult role modeling, paired with a nurturing and innovative educational environment, is fundamental to achieving the school’s mission of educational excellence.
Eddie J. Whack
Principal
Ruthie Edwards
Chair, School Improvement Council
