Dear Parents, Guardians, Faculty, Administrators and Community Members,
We, the School Improvement Council (SIC) of HHIES, invite each one of you to join our circle of parents, teachers, administrators and volunteers. Our SIC, like all others in South Carolina, meets monthly to discuss the current events of our school and our district. We provide a voice for our International Baccalaureate school. We are very fortunate to be able to offer the IB program to our young learners. From initial authorization in 2001, Hilton Head Island Elementary has maintained this reputation in our community. This was further exemplified during our 2019 Primary Years Programme evaluation visit in which the school received multiple commendations for wonderful offerings for our students.
Students are challenged by a highly trained and dedicated faculty with stringent curriculum, they benefit from active parents and a strong supportive community. High expectations are the standard and the results have been impressive. Our student data reflects the impressive strides our students have made to reach or exceed grade level standards. The students continue to show a high attendance rate (greater than 96%) and have outperformed many of the district and state averages in state and local district testing. These results reveal the importance of shared responsibility between involved parents, talented teachers and an administration who believes that all children can learn. Examples of increased academic offerings:
- Dual-Language Immersion classes in Spanish and Chinese
- Second language learning for all students
- Co-teaching model
- Blended Learning opportunities
- STEM opportunities
- Sheltered practices to help support our English Learners
- After school clubs that align to the core curriculum
- Gifted and Talented Artistic and Academic Opportunities
- Positive Behavior Intervention Support behavior model
- Character Education Program aligned with the PYP/IB framework
- Intervention and enrichment support
- A variety of related arts offerings
- Inclusionary practices in the least restrictive environment
Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on the skills needed to be successful in today's world. Students will be creative and innovative through the inquiry-based and STEM infused curriculum and use critical thinking and problem solving through collaborative activities that fosters teamwork. Oral and written communication skills will showcased through various venues such as media and use of the latest technology. Lastly, students will be provided various opportunities to practice skills on knowing how to learn so that students can address every challenge they encounter.
Together, with the support of the school administration, parents, teaching staff and community leaders, we will continue to work to enhance the learning environment and opportunities for all HHIES students. The staff at HHIE recognizes that this past school year was challenging due to Covid-19. We understand the need to support any deficiencies in academics due to online instruction as well as understand the need to meet the social and emotional needs of students. We strive to ensure that all students are engaged in learning experiences that promote a love for learning and a thirst for knowledge.
I hope you will join us to help build a stronger foundation for their future!
Sincerely,
Dr. Sarah L. Owen
Principal
