Kinard Elementary supports students in developing the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing experiences that embody the learner domains of world-class skills and life and career characteristics. These experiences nurture through a positive educational program that encourages academic success and personal growth. We strive to provide multiple opportunities for student growth through various instructional practices. Our students continue to make academic gains as our teachers guide them toward academic excellence through personalized learning, differentiation, and flexible grouping. Students also participate in a tiered instructional approach with small-group intervention math and reading supports. We provide enrichment opportunities for all students through the MTSS process with additional support for third-fifth grade students in our gifted and talented program. We embraced technology for student learning through the one-to-one device implementation for pre-kindergarten through fifth-grade students. Our innovation coach collaborates with teachers to increase student engagement in the general curriculum. This effort has provided many opportunities for students to excel and develop the technical skills needed today. As a Title-I school, students participate in educational standards-based field trips in grades K-5 to provide experiences for making connections beyond the classroom. Teachers remain current by leading and participating in professional development within the district, state, and nation. Our teachers have opportunities to plan and collaborate with our literacy coach to improve literacy instruction. These opportunities equip teachers to deliver creative and innovative strategies that enable our students to think critically and collaboratively.
Kinard Elementary also provides leadership opportunities through the Leader in Me framework built on the fundamental skills specified through the literary work of Dr. Stephan Covey; The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Using these skills, students take on leadership roles through various clubs and community opportunities within and after the school day. We provide parents opportunities to engage in the school setting through regularly scheduled events. Title-I events offer additional instructional strategies and resources to support our families. Additionally, Kinard engages the community by planning events to build community relationships and outreach, such as Fall Festival, Veteran's Day celebrations, Leadership Day, and our Fine Arts Festival. Our Parent Teacher Organization plays an integral part in our school-to-community relationships. Our partnerships with local businesses and civic organizations enhance our overall student experience.
To conclude, we believe that standardized assessments are simply one indicator of a healthy, thriving school. Kinard is committed to continuous improvement by involving all stakeholders in the educational process. Our teachers will continue to provide the highest quality instruction daily. Our coaches and interventionists will consistently support student learning. Our support staff upholds the mission and beliefs of our school. The administration will provide support and resources to support student learning and growth. Our families and community will continue to be vital assets to the instructional process. Our goal will remain to provide meaningful educational experiences that shape our students' vision for future success.
Trisha Startup, SIC Chair
George R. Smith, Principal
