E. P. Todd School is dedicated to helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate through rigorous instruction, the use of technology to enhance learning, active student engagement, and support for social and emotional needs. As a unique and culturally diverse school in Spartanburg District 7, our enrollment hovers around 600 students. We offer both traditional and Montessori programs for students from 3K to 5th grade, including special education classes for 3K and 4K students in our district. At E. P. Todd, we strive to be the school of choice for families in our community, and we believe that our students, families, faculty, and staff all "belong at Todd."
We prioritize the well-being of the whole child at E. P. Todd, recognizing that readiness to learn is crucial for academic success. We provide free lunch and breakfast for all students and our faculty is trained in Responsive Classroom practices to support student well-being. Our teachers hold daily class meetings to address social and emotional needs. Additionally, we have two full-time counselors, a Behavior Interventionist, and an on-site Mental Health Counselor to provide support and intervention before behavior issues arise. Our ultimate goal is to ensure that students are present in the classroom for instruction.
In the 2021-2022 SC State Report Card, EP Todd earned its highest rating of "GOOD." We demonstrated significant growth, climbing three categories and achieving the greatest improvement among all schools in Spartanburg School District 7. This achievement marked an excellent start to our year. Academic growth and student achievement will always remain our top priority at E. P. Todd School. We establish rigorous academic goals and track them using the iReady Diagnostic Assessments. In the 2022-2023 academic year, we surpassed all four of our goals for the second year in a row:
iReady Reading Goals for 2022 – 2023
- Increase the percentage of students scoring in Tier 1 from 20% to 55% (actual: 59%)
- Decrease the percentage of students scoring in Tier 3 from 30% to 15% (actual: 14%)
iReady Math Goals for 2022 – 2023
- Increase the percentage of students scoring in Tier 1 from 10% to 45% (actual: 51%)
- Decrease the percentage of students scoring in Tier 3 from 35% to 14% (actual: 11%)
We are extremely pleased with our progress and are confident that we will continue to meet or exceed our annual academic goals.
We consistently analyze our data and focus on areas that require improvement. This year, we prioritized reading intervention support for students, while recognizing the need to strengthen math growth. Through a focus on Continuous Improvement, we will redesign our intervention plan to incorporate mathematics support alongside reading. Our instructional coaches regularly meet with teachers to provide support in data analysis, planning, and implementing effective and rigorous instruction. They also conduct coaching cycles to model highly effective teaching methods. Teachers will engage students in the learning process by setting goals and implementing PDSA cycles (Plan-Do-Study-Act). We are fortunate to have a 1:1 technology ratio, as all students from K5 to 5th grade have access to technology. Our Instructional Technology Coach collaborates with teachers to implement best practices in instruction that support technology use.
While maintaining a strong academic focus, we are excited to incorporate engaging family nights and performance opportunities for students throughout the school year. We initiated the First Annual French Toast for Families on Valentine's Day, which was a beautiful way to celebrate the diverse family structures within our school community. We also organized the 3rd Annual March Madness fundraiser, where families participated in math and literacy games. These events create lasting memories for our students and families.
We continue to work closely with community partners such as Neighborhood Walmart, Wilkes Law Firm, and other organizations. Additionally, we have reestablished mentorship programs in collaboration with Forward and Beyond for the 2022-2023 school year. We greatly appreciate the contributions made by these organizations to E. P. Todd School. Strengthening these relationships, reinstating mentorship programs, and cultivating new partnerships with community organizations remain important goals for us.
Other highlights of the 2022-2023 school year include:
- Mrs. Vanessa Briggs, our Continuous Improvement Coach, was awarded the Continuous Improvement Pioneer of the Year Award from Spartanburg Academic Movement.
- Mrs. Ashleen Teal received the Jessie William Little "Leading the Way" award from Winthrop University, recognizing her as a mentor teacher providing crucial support and guidance to new and future educators.
- Our Instructional Coaches dedicate their time to target academic and instructional goals, working closely with teachers in coaching cycles.
- We engage with our community through school-wide events, including Grandparent Breakfast, Montessori Potluck, Family Thanksgiving, and French Toast for Families.
- We organize various programs such as Veteran's Day, Black History, Awards, and Productions, including Roger & Hammerstein's Cinderella, Band, Strings, and Chorus Concerts.
- Our active PTO increases parent involvement, supports students and teachers, and conducts manageable fundraising efforts and fun events.
- Students at all grade levels enjoy educational field trips.
Sincerely,
Victoria Bradley, Principal
Megan Jackson, SIC Chairperson