Congaree Elementary continues to develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. We continue implementing the college and career readiness system of AVID by using the WICOR framework as well as the growth mindset, SMART goal setting, and sharing student success skills. Each month our teachers introduce and practice with students a different high yield strategy. Using these strategies and other activities highlighting college and career paths helps build a strong foundation for our students to compete in a global 21st century society.
We continued our focus on increasing student attendance and reducing the chronic absenteeism rate. Our Attendance Intervention Team met weekly and worked with parents to ensure that students were in school every day, on time, all day. We believe strongly that when students are in school and their needs are met socially and emotionally in a safe environment, learning opportunities will be taken every day. We also made adjustments to our PBIS matrix to help complement AVID and explicitly teach the behaviors that we expect of our students.
We were able to provide our summer enrichment program to several of our students and continued the same level of academic support with the Lex 2.5 after-school program throughout the school year. Camp Leopold overnight field studies allowed many of our 4th- and 5th-graders to experience an outdoor classroom, observing and studying wildlife in an engaging environment making connections for learning to the South Carolina Science standards.
Congaree was awarded to participate in the School Garden and Education Assistance program that emphasizes agriculture, nutrition and making healthier food choices. Families participated in the set up and planting of vegetables in the garden. Our families supported our two Broadway Junior productions by our talented students under the supervision of the Baillie Players, Pat Conroy Family Literacy Night and Creative Writing Contest in partnership with our Lexington County Public Library Pine Ridge South Congaree branch, PTO Family Fun Night, and so many more opportunities. Through service learning, the Jr. Beta Club partnered with Eagles for a Cause to lead a school wide toiletries supplies and canned food drives for families affected by relocation. Additionally, the students at Congaree raised over one thousand dollars with the Kids Heart Challenge campaign. Our chorus performed at the Town of South Congaree Christmas Tree Lighting program as well as led the annual Christmas parade.
From academic, to attendance, to behavior to strengthening and expanding partnerships with families and community organizations, we will continue striving to develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Christopher K. Dickey
Principal
Jessica Gleaton
SIC Chair
