Joanna-Woodson Elementary School is helping all students develop world class skills to meet the standards outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing high quality educational opportunities that meet the needs of each individual child. Our district mission guides us in our efforts to advocate for all students and prepare all students for future learning in a culture that is driven by creativity, critical thinking, collaboration, and communication.
Local stakeholders, including businesses and industries, indicate that critical thinking and problem solving skills in students are pivotal to the employability of our graduates. In classrooms throughout our building, students increase their critical thinking and problem-solving skills by applying the skills that have been taught and not just answering surface level questions. We allow students to think for themselves when solving problems and work together to apply their knowledge. This has been accomplished through classroom assignments and in both individual and group projects.
Our students are encouraged to be creative and innovative. Our Balanced Literacy and Guided Math activities set the stage for students to be creative and innovative. We welcomed author Mike Artell to Joanna-Woodson this past year and students were able to witness how a creative mind can generate beautiful words on a page. Students gained the knowledge of using their imagination to create excellent pieces of writing and use their artistic abilities to create beautiful works of art. These are just a few of the ways our students have been able to increase their creativity and innovation.
Collaboration and teamwork are at the forefront of everything that we do. We know that in order to work together, many skills are required. Our school theme for the 2021-2022 school year has been “The Power of Yet is Magical.” We read the book, The Magical Yet and The Power of Yet and emphasized the importance of working together and not giving up. Everyone feels that he/she has something to offer as a whole. It is imperative that our school community and our students collaborate and work together to succeed in the world today. Our Joanna-Woodson family is working every day to make sure that all students receive the best education possible.
Through the use of technology, our students have been able to excel this school year. We are 1:1 school wide. Our teachers and students have all increased their technology knowledge throughout this year. Our parents have done a phenomenal job of helping with the technology as well.
Joanna-Woodson Elementary is completing its fifth year as an AVID Elementary School, using AVID components in our 3rd - 5th grade classrooms. AVID instructional practices support all areas of the world class skills South Carolina students need to succeed: creativity and innovation, critical thinking and problem solving, collaboration and teamwork, communication, information, media and technology, and knowing how to learn.
In keeping with the vision of Laurens County School District 56, we strive to provide a learning environment where students become ethical and productive citizens by achieving excellence, embracing innovation, and forging new traditions. Joanna-Woodson Elementary is “Setting the Foundation for Graduation!”
Arneice Renwick, Principal
Audrey Sanford, SIC Chairperson