SC Report Card Summary: Bethel Elementary
Bethel Elementary School has 340 students, grades Prek to 5th, two administrators, 36 teachers, and 33 staff members. The mission of Bethel Elementary, in partnership with the parents and community, is to prepare students to become productive, confident, and responsible citizens by creating a safe, friendly, child-centered environment that effectively addresses the social, emotional, and intellectual needs of each child.
School Celebrations
A review of our most recent school achievement data/extracurricular opportunities has given us a reason to celebrate. Those achievements and opportunities include:
1.) Bethel Elementary implemented the use of RISE/RISE-UP Interventions groups this year. The iReady data showed that 72.7% of the students who participated in the intervention groups met or exceeded their growth goals. 2.) We also implemented iReady pathways and diagnostic testing this year. Our Spring iReady Data shows that 71.6% of our 3rd-5th grade 68.3% are performing on grade level in reading and are performing on grade level in math. 3.) Our school has opportunities to grow the whole child outside of the classroom: Student-run television news show (WBET), Student Council, and PBIS team. 4.) Our school's Fine Arts Department represented us well at District and School Art Show, Music Programs, and Talent Show.
Primary Goals
To accomplish our mission, Bethel Elementary has the following primary goals:
- Improve the academic achievement of all students by increasing the total percentage of students reaching Meets and Exceeds on the SC Ready ELA assessment from 64.5% to 70% by 2026.
- Improve the academic achievement of all students by increasing the total percentage of students reaching Meets and Exceeds on the SC Ready Math assessment from 64.5% to 70% by 2026.
- Provide a physically, socially, and academically nurturing environment for all students, staff, and stakeholders by increasing the percentage of parents satisfied with home-school relations from 82.3% to 87.3% by 2026.
- Strengthen the school's professional knowledge and leadership capacity by increasing the percentage of certified personnel holding advanced degrees from 66.7% in 2021 to 71.7% in 2026.
- Increase the academic achievement of students with disabilities by increasing the total percentage of students who meets or exceeds expectations on SC READY Math from 11.8% to 15% in 2026.
Key Strategies:
Our school is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through strategies that integrate critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity:
Academic Excellence
Personalized Learning
Implement an educational framework that supports all students by fostering student ownership of learning, developing learner profiles and learning pathways, and adopting flexible learning environments. Each student's educational experience is tailored to meet their unique strengths, needs, and goals.
Workshop Approach
Implement the Workshop Model for reading, writing, and math instruction. Students will be actively engaged while practicing what they are learning through real-life exercises and inquiry-based activities.
Project-Based Learning
Implement Project-Based Learning to help students build 21st-century skills needed to succeed and develop students' capacity for critical thinking, communication, collaboration, and creativity.
MTSS/RTI
Implement a multi-tiered framework promoting school improvement through engaging, evidence-based academic and behavioral practices. Meet monthly to review student progress and utilize data-driven problem solving to maximize growth for all.
RISE/RISE UP Groups
Develop RISE/RISE UP time within the master schedule to target reading instruction in grades 1st-5th. Students will engage in remediation or enrichment instruction in reading from a specialized reading teacher.
Community Feeling
TEAM Time
Provide "Together Everyone Achieves More" time within the master schedule to allow for flexible grouping of students across the grade level. Students will be engaged in data-driven remediation or enrichment instruction during this time.
PLC Meeting
Provide time within the Master Schedule for teachers to meet as a Professional Learning Team to collaborate, reflect on data for flex grouping opportunities, data-driven instruction, and create engaging lessons for students.
Webpage/Canvas
Staff will update their webpage with the current grade level and teaching assignment. Our teachers will include a link to their Canvas page. The Canvas page should be updated regularly for students and parents to access.
Embracing Change/Taking Risks
Growth Mindset
Encourage the students to develop a Growth Mindset where they are open to their potential for growth. Provide students with attainable challenges and give them opportunities to face obstacles.
Productive Citizens
SOAR Behavior Matrix
Implement a PBIS Matrix of expectations to encourage good behavior. Communicated the contents of the behavior matrix to students and parents early in the school year through assemblies and guided practice with the classroom teacher and the use of colorful posters, consistent feedback, and reteaching.
Student Agenda
Implement student agendas to empower students to become accountable for their learning. Students will utilize the agendas to keep track of assignments, test dates, notable events, and word lists.
Classroom Dojo
Implement the use of Classroom Dojo as a PBIS incentive program. Teachers will work with students to create classroom rules/expectations that align with the school-wide expectations and develop a list of incentives that the students would like to earn. Parents will receive daily notifications of students' behavior.
Professional Development
Professional development efforts focused on building an understanding of Personalized Learning. Teachers participated in five half-day training and planning sessions. Teachers built pathways for students, created data walls and developed online learning portfolios. Additionally, eight staff members attended RCA Experience in Atlanta.
Parent and Community Engagement
Our school PTO and parent volunteers have given their time, ideas, and energy to make this year memorable for all our students. They have assisted with the following events and activities: PTO Grants to teachers, Step It Up Kids Fundraiser, Book Fair, 5th Grade Fun Day, and Cultural Literacy Night. Our Student Council was active in helping build community connections by holding the "Pennies for Payton" fundraiser for the family of a local girl fighting cancer and the Great Strides fundraiser for Cystic Fibrosis. We are excited to continue to have such active community engagement, paired with high parent involvement.
