Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by focusing on the whole child. During the 2021-2022 school year, Leadership was Out of This World at Pontiac Elementary School. This theme, voted on by our students, was the focal point of our school culture. After two years of having instruction interrupted by COVID, we enjoyed the entire year of face-to-face instruction.
In an effort to close the opportunity gap, Pontiac continued to practice the instructional strategies learned through AVID. We focused on a college and career mindset through site team meetings and College Colors Day. All students participated in a virtual career day. AVID’s ubiquitous approach to closing the opportunity gap for all students is thriving at Pontiac.
Since being recognized as a Leader in Me Lighthouse School in the Spring of 2019, Pontiac continues to empower student voice. We remained committed to creating joyful leaders and learners in our classrooms. We ensured that Habit Huddles, Covey Clubs, and student leadership roles provided equity and access among all of Pontiac’s students. Our Wildly Important Goal encouraged students to improve their math fluency. Action Teams continued to drive school wide initiatives. This year our parent/community action team celebrated parents with our Parent of the Month Award. Students were celebrated through receiving Leadership tickets for their outstanding character as they modeled the 7 habits. Leadership Day and Student Showcase proved to be a wonderful way to celebrate student efficacy!
Pontiac Elementary takes great pride in our nationally certified Demonstration magnet program. The Montessori Magnet at Pontiac, comprised of 13 classrooms, serving students ranging from 3 years old to 5th grade, values personalized learning through the implementation of the Montessori method.
This year, Pontiac’s School Improvement Council created a school garden. Our SIC Chair led this initiative with the help of a local Eagle Scout candidate and numerous businesses and volunteers. Working to beautify the campus and teach young people about gardening will yield blooms at Pontiac for years to come.
Community partnerships continue to be a priority for us. Local churches like Grace Presbyterian supported our families through stocking our food pantry to providing gifts for the holidays. They also began a mentoring program with some of our most vulnerable students. Our PDS partnership with UofSC and the APEC program with Columbia College welcomed student teacher candidates to our school campus, allowing us to come alongside these aspiring teachers. Our students raised over $1000 through a penny war for Heifer International and approximately $2500 for the American Heart Association. Our school staff generously supported the United Way of the Midlands and the Walk for Life.
As we approach the 2022-2023 school year, we will continue to cultivate collaboration and student leadership. Working together with our community, we know that we will develop joyful leaders and learners at Pontiac Elementary.
Andrea C. Peralta, Principal/Anna Cassatt, SIC Chairperson