We are full STEAM ahead at Rudolph G. Gordon School! RGS is a STEAM school with a PBL (Project Based Learning) focus for students in Kindergarten through Eighth Grade. Our students develop the world class skills and life and career characteristics of the Profile of the Graduate by providing meaningful learning experiences in a safe, nurturing, and academically challenging environment. Our goal is to raise the academic performance of each student by utilizing data to make instructional decisions. Students are engaged in rigorous classroom activities that encourage problem solving, utilize research-based learning strategies, enhance teamwork, and incorporate technology. Exposure to multi-cultural opportunities encourages students to develop a global awareness and an appreciation of other cultures. Our state-of-the-art facility promotes a collaborative platform for inquiry-based learning through the application of engineering principles. Additionally, our school offers two STEAM labs designed for student exploration, design and learning.
Our literacy foundation begins with the Fountas and Pinnell balanced literacy model used for language arts instruction, hands-on math strategies are incorporated into lessons, and writing is emphasized in all subject areas. Our middle school program offers exploration in the fine arts, communication, Gateway to Technology to Medical Detective classes. Professional Learning Communities are utilized to increase dialogue among faculty members in order to enhance student learning through vertical alignment. Teachers participated in professional learning opportunities to better implement integrated lessons and activities with an emphasis on STEAM education and project-based learning.
Our school counseling program is designed on the ASCA Model with six school counselors. Our counselors lead whole group instruction, facilitate small groups and provide individual services based on student need. It is a data driven program to meet the needs of the whole child. We are a proud partner with Greenville County Mental Health and house a full time certified Mental Health Counselor for students based on family referrals.
ReThink Ed is our platform to provide a social emotional curriculum based on the CASEL model (Collaborative for Academic and Social Emotional Learning). Classroom teachers build relationships and provide a safe space for the support and implementation of social emotional learning.
RGS is a proud member of the Fountain Inn community. We believe community partnerships serve our students and our school, in turn, serves our community. Our PTA works with the faculty and staff to enhance the home-school relationship to positively affect the education of all students. The School Improvement Council, an advisory committee, assists in the preparation of the school’s strategic plan and the annual report to the community.
Our students exceeded state and district averages on SCReady and SCPASS this year. RGS offers a wide array of extra curricular experiences from a thriving middle school sports program, fine arts, robotics, drama, fishing club and earned Beta Club of Distinction.
Our commitment is to continue to engage students in classroom activities that encourage problem solving, utilize cooperative learning, and enhance teamwork as we prepare them to become world class leaders. Lots of excitement at RGS...check out our Gator Greatness!
Rhonda R. Rhodes, National Distinguished Principal
Tricia Surles, SIC Chair
