At Forts Pond Elementary School, we are helping all students develop the World-Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing opportunities for academics, leadership, agency, and social and emotional wellness. The South Carolina Profile of the Graduate as a guide helps our school facilitate a self-directed learner and citizen.

We believe that FPE students should be empowered as leaders. Through applying for leadership roles in the school, they have “owned” the school and take pride in continuous improvement in the way we work and learn together. Students have participated in color guard, safety patrol, as school mascot, on the plant care team, as birthday singers, breakfast helpers, lost-and-found organizers, and news show anchors. They applied for roles the school established, but suggested and implemented more leadership roles than adults had previously organized.

Students, faculty, staff and parents were involved in creating a new vision statement to demonstrate what we each hope the school to be for every person who learns or enters our building. Through a collaborative process, the vision became a reality.

At FPE,

We trust each other.

We care.

We work together to do our best.

We celebrate every person.

We are the Mighty Mallards.

This mission was put into action and resulted in cooperative learning teams based on students’ individual learning needs and styles, increased engagement and self-reflection in both academics and behaviors, and sharing successes and challenges through morning meetings and closing circles. Students were enthusiastic about positive office referrals and leadership celebrations.

Teachers participated in professional learning of The Science of Reading through LETRS (Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling), and the implementation was noticeable in the students as they decoded words and applied these skills to their reading and writing strategies. Additionally, teachers delved into student performance data and planned learning for students based on need. Differentiated learning activities were offered in a workshop model of learning to engage students in hands-on, collaborative learning stations.

Students at FPE receive instruction for their individual needs. This includes special education services, Response to Intervention services, and gifted and talented services. Students have the opportunity to shine in the areas of music, visual arts, physical education and world language. They learn to be skilled performers and an appreciative, respectful audience.

Early action steps were taken in enhancing our culture of caring by providing a 1:1 mentor for students who need extra support. This work will be extended into the coming year as positive results have been noted.

FPE has been supported by and collaborated with the community at large. As partners in learning with Lexington Soil & Water Conservation, Pelion Police Department, the Pelion Branch of the Lexington County Public Library and local churches, we have been able to provide students with opportunities for field studies, hands-on learning experiences, weekend snack packs and family support.

Through Lexington County Mental Health, services are provided at the school for students needing support for mental wellness. This partnership allows students to receive counseling in a familiar setting with a system of support surrounding them.

At FPE, we continue to strive to create a safe and welcoming place where children can learn more than they imagined, make friends they never knew they could have, be responsible in new and important ways, and know that they are cared for and supported all along the journey.

Marie Watson, Principal

James Baxley, SIC Chair