Spann 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 incorporating our WORLD (Wisdom, Organization, Responsibility, Leadership, Discovery) class theme into everything we do. Our beliefs of characteristics that our students should possess are exemplified in WORLD class. Students are expected to display MOVE behaviors (Mutual respect, On task, Value safety, Expect excellence) based on our PBIS matrix at all times. Our theme, “On our way, on the MOVE every day, to be WORLD class,” is integrated throughout our school. With this, we are preparing our students with the world class skills and characteristics they will need in an ever-changing global environment.
We at Spann believe in students gaining knowledge and wisdom with a growth mindset and through personalized learning. Our students benefit from rigorous math and literacy district models of instruction, as well as lessons taught by teachers using explicit direct instruction with a focus on differentiated learning. Daily scheduled personalized learning time gives students the opportunity to have voice and choice in how they learn and demonstrate mastery of content. Cadres of teachers have been trained by the SC State Department of Education Office of Personalized Learning. They create specialized learning pathways to personalize learning for students. We also partner with Modern Teacher for staff development training and resources for personalized learning. We provide interventions in literacy and math for students who need extra support, as well as gifted and talented classes. Teachers create STEAM and literacy nights for parents and students to attend and expand their knowledge. Our school is equipped with a STEAM lab where students and teachers work collaboratively with hands-on science and engineering projects using Project Lead the Way modules. In the area of technology, all students have daily opportunities with computer-based instruction in the classroom with student-issued iPads and laptops. Students can receive virtual instruction from their teachers on emergency eLearning days using Microsoft Teams. Students utilize programs such as Seesaw and Study Island to choose how they want to learn and show mastery of skills. Students learn about perseverance and accomplishing academic and behavioral goals they set for themselves through the use of student data notebooks. Teachers also create student learner profiles to find out more about their students and how they can tailor lesson plans to best meet their interests and needs.
Students and staff are given multiple opportunities to develop and hone world class skills. The availability of these opportunities were limited due to COVID-19 and other health/safety protocols in 2021-22. Student creativity is encouraged through half-day clubs such as photography, dance, Young Astronauts, cooking, computer coding, and student performances on PTA nights. Students are also able to choose their optimum learning environment in many classrooms that provide flexible seating. Teamwork and the opportunity for students to offer opinions on how to improve their school occur through Student Council, Princi-Pal advisory groups, Reading Buddies, and Safety Patrol. Staff members join WORLD committees that create mission statements on how they will work to make Spann a better and more connected school. We communicate as a school through a variety of methods such as student-led morning shows, Blackboard parent phone messages, Facebook, school website, newsletters, parent conferences, virtual meetings, PTA and SIC meetings, parent events, and community events such as the Chamber of Commerce Breakfast. Community partnerships have increased through events such as Real Men Read and Career Fair.
Students learn life and career characteristics such as integrity, work ethic, and interpersonal skills through MOVE, WORLD class, and class creation of standard operating procedures. Our PBIS program explicitly teaches students expected behaviors and focuses on positive praise and rewards for displaying these characteristics. Guidance lessons that include classroom, small group, and individual lessons further teach behavioral skills, study skills, and career information. Students learn the value of reading by participating in the Reading Counts program, which ties into participation in our annual Reading Carnival. Male volunteers come monthly to mentor boys who are reluctant readers in our Real Men Read program. Our WORLD class school connects to the world around them on a local and global stage. Locally, our Veterans Day program connects community members who are veterans and our local high schools to Spann students, who experience the service and sacrifice of veterans firsthand. Our annual Cultural Arts Fair provides art, music, and movement projects/activities that are based on cultures around the world.
By bringing our WORLD class theme to Spann Elementary, our students and school community are reaping the benefits of this focus on global connections. Students will leave Spann believing that they are WORLD class students with WORLD class skills needed to be successful in the global environment. We teach students knowledge through rigorous standards and academic programs that are enhanced by the innovative use of technology skills and personalized learning practices. Spann Elementary is committed to giving our students a WORLD class education!
