Riverbank Elementary School is helping all students develop the world class skills and career characteristics of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by creating a learning community that is safe, caring, and academically challenging. We are dedicated to our mission to grow lifelong readers, writers and problem solvers who will be college and career ready. Throughout the school year, our students receive rigorous instruction in all content areas using research based best practices. Critical thinking, problem solving, creativity, collaboration, and perseverance are promoted and developed using real world problem based learning.
The community plays an active and supportive role in our students’ success. Our strong School Improvement Council (SIC), Parent Teacher Organization (PTO) and business supporters are focused on the needs of our learning community and continuous improvement in student achievement. Local churches and businesses have continued to support our children with school supplies, clothing, and weekend food ministry programs. The Midlands Reading Consortium provided volunteers as reading buddies for students. Local businesses provided time and resources to discuss multiple careers and job opportunities in our area.
Every student is learning to explore and discover solutions to problems using iPads. Students use media and technology to research, communicate, and create original products for learning. With this technology, global information is at our students’ fingertips. Collaboration with partners and groups occurred frequently to develop our students’ interpersonal skills and teach the importance of working together to solve problems and create innovative solutions.
During the unprecedented event of COVID-19, our students and staff continued with daily instruction via a hybrid model without missing a step. Prior preparation helped our teachers to quickly design lesson plans and teaching strategies to fit the needs of all of our students. Platforms such as Google Classroom, Google Meets, Class DoJo, Remind, and Zoom became a part of daily instruction prior to returning to full time face to face instruction. Teachers also continued to collaborate virtually on a weekly basis with colleagues to ensure the essential standards were addressed consistently throughout the grade levels.
Historically at Riverbank Elementary, we offer programs outside of the academic world to promote the development of the whole child. We started the River House System and Sea Turtle Essentials, which focuses on students displaying positive behaviors, good character and excellent work ethic. Students can earn points for their House through a specified Points System. Celebrations of House Points and high student earners are recognized regularly at our House Meetings and Spirit Day. Our mentoring program provided opportunities to develop and extend life skills, promote socialization, provide support, enhance soft skill development, and provide career exploration. Off campus service projects included a student sponsored blanket drive and sock drive for the homeless, collecting canned goods for the Cayce Cares Holiday Project and the Souper Bowl of Caring, raising funds for the Make a Wish Foundation, collecting and assembling hygiene supply boxes for family shelters, and writing letters of appreciation and support for our Veterans. We look forward to resuming these activities as Covid-19 restrictions allow.
Our teachers are learners too. Throughout the school year our students received rigorous instruction in all content areas using research based practices. Our attention was focused on the South Carolina College and Career Readiness Standards (SCCCR). Teachers increased the use of small group instruction in literacy and math, providing differentiation and individualized learning for our students. Problem based learning using STEAM activities created more opportunities for student engagement, communication, and collaboration. Our teachers also planned and hosted two successful virtual academic nights for our Riverbank students and families.Teachers at Riverbank Elementary continually seek new ways to improve learning and participate in professional development.
We attribute our many accomplishments to our hardworking learners as well as a dedicated and exceptional staff. In addition, our active PTO, SIC, and strong parent and community support have led to many great successes. We will continue working towards our mission to grow lifelong readers, writers and problem solvers who will be college and career ready. We are thankful for the continued growth as we look forward to another great year at Riverbank Elementary.
David Sims, Principal
Mrs. Jennifer Brooks, SIC Chairperson
