Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by aligning our school’s mission, "Learning to lead, leading to learn betters myself, home, school, and world” with our instructional practices. At the heart of our commitment to student leadership lies our integration of AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) which has provided our students with the tools and skills necessary to become confident, self-directed learners and leaders in their own right. Through AVID, our students engage in critical thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and effective communication. They learn how to set goals, manage their time, and take ownership of their learning. Witnessing our students take charge of their education and embrace challenges with determination has been a source of immense pride for our entire school community. Trained teachers connect critical thinking and organizational skills with core- content to prepare our students for success. Schoolwide, our students are actively engaged in WICOR (Writing, Inquiry, Collaboration, Organization, and Reading) strategies to promote life-long learning and leadership skills. Integrating AVID with our core content has not only equipped our students with academic skills but has also nurtured leadership potential and empowered our leaders to make a positive impact within the school and beyond.
Creating a harmonious and supportive school environment is essential for the development of the whole child. To achieve this, we implemented the 4 BEES approach, which comprises four core values: Be Respectful, Be Responsible, Be Safe, and Be a Leader. These values serve as guiding principles for our students, instilling in them a sense of integrity, empathy, and accountability. Throughout the academic year, we have witnessed countless instances where our students have exemplified these values, both in and out of the classroom. Assemblies, classroom discussions, and recognition programs have further reinforced the importance of positive behavior, fostering a community where mutual respect, responsibility, and kindness are not just words, but actions that shape our daily interactions. The collective commitment of our students to embody the 4 BEES has not only created a conducive learning environment but has also contributed to the development of compassionate and responsible individuals.
Additionally, our school develops the needs of the whole child by promoting creativity and collaboration with our students. Through a growth mindset and powerful instructional strategies, we continue to deepen the foundation of learning for ALL students to experience success. To cultivate this belief, we work closely with parents and families to build Lonnie B. leaders and learners who are ready and willing to give back to the community. We have a strong mentoring program with our community, as well as our Career Day, where our students are able to see first-hand the results of living their passion through hard work and perseverance.
At Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary, we believe that education should extend beyond the classroom walls and enable students to make a tangible difference in their communities. Service learning has played a pivotal role in connecting our students with real-world issues and nurturing their sense of civic engagement. We are delighted to announce that in 2023; our Academy for Civic Engagement (school within a school magnet) has received the highest recognition as a demonstration school by the Magnet Schools of America. This prestigious designation acknowledges our commitment to providing a comprehensive and immersive learning experience, centered around civic engagement, government, economics, and community involvement. Through service learning projects, our students have had the opportunity to collaborate with local organizations, participate in community service initiatives, and develop a deep understanding of their roles as active citizens. Their experiences have ignited a passion for social responsibility, as they recognize the power they hold to positively impact their communities and effect lasting change.
Lonnie B. Nelson Elementary will continue to set high goals for improved student achievement and focus our attention on a safe and healthy environment by hiring and retaining a high-quality teaching staff while building our leaders. We look forward to many successes as we continue to educate ALL students to the highest levels of academic achievement and empower them to build their emotional, social, and physical well-being.
