During the 2021-2022 school year, McCormick Elementary School assisted students in developing the World Class Skills of Creativity, Critical Thinking, Collaboration, and Communication. Our instructional focus centered on implementing the Fountas & Pinnell Classroom for literacy with an emphasis on writing, introducing the IntoMath curriculum, and expanding our technological skills for improved communication. We continued with supporting Social Emotional Learning with Suite 360 to enable students to reflect on their feelings and attitudes.
We extended the STEP (Supporting Teacher Effectiveness Project) process from previous years by meeting twice weekly by subject area and once weekly by grade level to collaborate by reviewing data to design, implement, and adjust instruction as needed based on student achievement.
Our ILT (Instructional Leadership Team) grew more proficient in identifying our specific instructional problem based on data and staff feedback. In the weekly meetings, we developed shared responsibility by taking ownership of areas of concern and utilizing resources to improve student performance. We are very pleased with our preliminary test scores, as we anticipate an improved rating from "unsatisfactory" to "average" based on student achievement.
Our SIC (School Improvement Council) chose to focus on improving the STEM knowledge of our fourth and fifth graders for the 21-22 school year. The SIC continued to sponsor a community lab that assisted parents and students with technological disadvantages. This helped strengthen our partnership with parents, while supporting academics. We also continued our partnership with SCDHEC (South Carolina Department of Health/Environmental Control) to provide nutritional information for our students. This information encouraged good decision making and healthy eating habits.
We worked diligently to build a stronger school culture by having a Walk to School Day to celebrate student/teacher relationships with our community law enforcement and firefighters. We recommitted to our PBIS (Positive Behavior Intervention Supports) initiatives. The PBIS team used discipline data to provide events that celebrate good decision-making skills. Weekly celebrations were held for students to purchase items with Mustang Bucks received for exhibiting these positive behaviors. These efforts are centered around TEAM (Treat others respectfully, Exemplify positivity, Act responsible, and Maintain safety.
At McCormick Elementary School, we are TEAMing with pride! Go Mustangs!
Thomas M. Drew, Principal
Tiffany Olival, SIC Chairperson
