Gateway Elementary School is helping all students develop the world-class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring and academically challenging learning environment. We provide such an environment through the implementation of our school vision: "Success Begins Here!" We remain true to our vision by directly aligning the professional development of our teachers to exemplary research-based practices. The result is a full menu of academic programs and practices that challenge each student and create a solid foundation for continued success.
Our staff is committed to assuring that we stay abreast of the most current and effective delivery models to ensure the continued academic success of our students. As a result, all staff members are immersed in extensive professional development sessions throughout the school year and well into the summer months. This includes collaborating in grade level teams to examine student progress data from elementary schools throughout our state and beyond. "School visits" are then scheduled to allow our teachers to see these practices first hand. Additionally, our teachers are trained in the Fountas and Pinnell Balanced Literacy delivery method for English Language Arts. This data based delivery model allows us to instruct our students at their specific academic level, which results in each student reaching and exceeding their academic goals for the school year. Gateway Elementary School uses a "learning lab" approach to provide professional development for our staff which positively impacts our students. Our teaching staff includes a number of in-house "experts" whose classrooms are used to showcase current innovative delivery models for our staff. Two teachers have completed extensive Literacy Mentor training in the Fountas and Pinnell model and serve as inhouse mentors for the primary and intermediate grades, while others showcase the math "workshop" model, instructional technology delivery techniques, interactive STEAM (science, technology, engineering, arts and mathematics) experiences, and core content curriculum lesson designs that are specifically written to engage our students in the learning process.
As mentioned above, in keeping with our commitment to provide a rigorous academic environment to our young learners, we have integrated a STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, the Arts and Mathematics) curriculum into classrooms at every grade level. Students attend two weekly STEAM Labs on a rotating basis, and are immersed in collaborating, experimenting and problem solving with peers. This delivery method encourages students to think deeply and make cross-curricular connections through hands-on exploration, inquiry, dialogue, and critical thinking. The result is students who fully embrace experiential learning, persevere in problem-solving, embrace true collaboration, and work through the creative process. Additionally, our teachers use effective math strategies such as Digital Calendar Math, First in Math, Math For Today, Number Talks and IXL in the classroom.
Our instructional coach provides student-centered coaching sessions throughout the school year. These sessions focus on goals for student learning and assure that every student is challenged in the classroom in order to meet his or her maximum potential. Our Response to Intervention (RTI) services are prescriptive and targeted to the unique needs of the learner. This vast menu of services is offered at each grade level and utilizes state of the art delivery methods such as Leveled Literacy Intervention (LLI), Comprehension Tool Kit, and co-teaching practices to assure the success of students who need additional math and reading instruction. Enrichment opportunities are purposefully integrated into the lesson design at each grade level.
As a team, our teachers develop common formative assessments that measure the strengths and weaknesses of each student. During data team meetings with teachers and leadership staff, crucial conversations and in-depth discussions occur that inform daily classroom instruction. This practice is followed by our bi-weekly “On Track” meetings in which our team examines any potential issue that may prevent a student from graduating from high school. Strategies are developed and monitored on an individual basis to address concerns with academic progress, attendance and behavior obstacles. We are committed to strengthening each student's academic level through ongoing, rigorous classroom instruction.
At Gateway Elementary School, we believe the success of our students should be measured by more than academic excellence. Our students are fully immersed in learning soft skills through a Ron Clark House System model. Every adult and child at Gateway are members of a house that includes the Orange House of Leadership, The Purple House of Perseverance, The Green House of Peace and the Yellow House of Integrity. Our staff believes that the hearts and minds of our students are equally important. To ensure that our students are well balanced and thrive academically and emotionally, beginning in August 2021, all students will receive weekly lessons that focus primarily on maintaining social and emotional health. Our students actively participate in community outreach projects such as Junior Beta Club Fundraisers, Jump Rope for Heart, Reading All Stars, Box Tops for Education, and the St. Jude Math-a-Thon. In fact, Gateway was awarded the “National Beta Club School of Distinction” award for 2020-2021.
Gateway Elementary School is committed to providing our students with a high quality, student-centered educational program. We understand that a strong educational foundation is essential in order to cement our students' continued success as they become future South Carolina graduates and world leaders.
