Our school continues to help all students develop World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by fostering a culture that promotes and supports collaboration, communication and critical thinking. It is imperative that we prepare our students for the world stage. With that in mind, our faculty and staff take pride in developing the whole child and addressing those soft skills that are important to success beyond high school. With that goal in mind, our PBIS initiative was established on the premise of always displaying Griffin P.R.I.D.E.: Perseverance, Respect, Integrity, Determination, and Excellence. Our teachers collaborated to develop expectations for classroom behavior, as well as other areas throughout the school campus. Our students were introduced to the characteristics and importance of Griffin P.R.I.D.E. through our bi-monthly homeroom sessions known as P.R.I.D.E. Time. Activities presented during P.R.I.D.E. time promoted communication and collaboration among the students. Not only should our students be able to communicate effectively in the academic setting, they should also be able to communicate during standard day-to-day activities. Our P.R.I.D.E. time activities are designed to build character while providing the opportunity for communication and collaboration. In addition, every student in the building selected a club of their choice and attended every 2nd and 4th Tuesday of the month. This initiative supports our efforts to ensure that we graduate well-rounded citizens who learn the importance of being involved.
Critical thinking is a fundamental skill that supports our motto of “Quality Teaching and Learning, Every Day for Every Student”. To support and enhance teacher’s toolbox, our professional development has focused heavily on engagement in the classroom. Our professional development has been rooted in researching and implementing strategies to have students truly engaged in learning and also to utilize critical thinking skills to delve deeper into the coursework. Collaboration and communication have been integral components of understanding the importance of critical thinking. All teachers received training on Kagan Structures. Kagan Structures are scientifically research based as well as backed by classroom evidence to improve student achievement. Our teachers gained effective teaching and learning tools to improve cooperative learning. Teachers have worked in departments to share ideas, lessons, assessments, and strategies that will promote critical thinking. Utilizing cross curricular data meetings to discuss student achievement has provided teachers with an opportunity to dissect individual and school data. The collaborative nature of the data meetings prompts our teachers to critically think about the impact classroom instruction has on the achievement of the student. Our theme for this year was: Making the Vision Clear, One Griffin at a Time. Engaging students in the learning process and exposing them to real-world experiences, helped to clear their pathway to future goals.
Although the pandemic ended our ability to physically report to the school, one cannot deny the pure raw talent of our students! Creativity is a hallmark in the actions and success of our students at Fairfield Central High School. Our creativity is often recognized and displayed through athletics and the fine arts. Academically, our students continue to reach new heights and create avenues to display their creative academic talents. At the culmination of the 2019-2020 school year, Fairfield Central High School had its third group of students graduate with an Associates’ Degree from Midlands Technical College, prior to receiving their high school diplomas. The creativity, innovation, communication, and collaboration required to complete college courses while in high school, are skills that epitomize the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. The success of these students has motivated other students to request unique, innovative scheduling options that will allow them to pursue and reap the benefits of the course offerings at Fairfield Central High School, Fairfield Career and Technology Center, and Midlands Technical College. The number of students enrolled in dual credit classes has increased significantly within the past three years and we anticipate the demand to meet their creative academic needs.
Listed below are some of the accomplishments from the Class of 2020:
- 28 students graduated from Midlands Technical College prior to High School Graduation
- Over 1700 College Hours Earned
- 109 students of the class of 2020 were accepted to a 2 or 4-year college or university to include but not limited to: Presbyterian College, Furman University, Clemson University, University of South Carolina, Coastal Carolina, Clark Atlanta University, College of Charleston, Benedict College, Kentucky State University, Francis Marion University, Midlands Technical College, North Carolina A & T, Newberry College, Wofford College, Columbia College, South Carolina State University, Winston-Salem State University, and Claflin University.
- 13 students committed to play collegiate level sports.
- Over $7 million dollars in scholarships and financial assistance.
- 3 graduates enlisted in the Armed Forces.
- 4 Palmetto Fellows recipients
As members of our National Beta Club, National Honor Society and Academic Challenge Teams, students continued to have the opportunity to collaborate with students from around the state, nation, and even other countries. The National Beta Club competed at the 2020 South Carolina State Convention and placed in the following categories: 1st Place in Social Studies, 1st, 2nd, and 3rd Place in Spanish, 3rd Place in Marketing and Communication, 3rd Place in Onsite Drawing Division 1, 2nd Place in Woodworking Division 2, 2nd Place in Jewelry Division 2, 2nd Place in Mixed Media Division 2, 2nd Place in Sculpture Division 1, 1st Place in Fiber Arts Division 2, 3rd Place in Robotics, and 1st Place in Show Choir. Our students continued to excel in athletics, clubs, and organizations, with our clubs and organizations increasing membership exponentially. Varsity football, volleyball, cross-country, tennis, wrestling, boys and girls basketball all qualified for playoff participation. The pandemic caused spring sports and other activities planned for the remainder of the year to be cancelled but our Griffins preserved and finished strong. Fairfield Central High School strives to equip all students with world-class knowledge and skills while ensuring they leave high school college and/or career ready.
Dr. Tracie Swilley, Principal Mrs. LaToya Workman, SIC Chair
