Pleasant Hill Elementary School is helping all students develop the world-class skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing opportunities for students to create and innovate, think critically and solve problems, collaborate, communicate and use technology, and know how to learn.
Student creativity was evident in the songs composed by our students and in the artwork they designed through a variety of media. With the addition of a 3D printer in our Learning Commons, students experienced the entire process of product development from design to final product. Makerspaces were also added in our Learning Commons, and students explored a variety of STEAM activities throughout the year.
By analyzing their personal data and determining ways to meet their goals, students engaged in critical thinking and problem-solving practices. Through many reading and writing opportunities, students researched and analyzed events, issues and topics from different perspectives. Students’ authentic writing took on advocacy, argument and persuasions at higher levels. By researching careers, students began to think critically about their future endeavors. In their efforts to solve real-life problems, students discovered how to reduce waste and protect our environment by implementing a composting initiative in our cafeteria.
Students strengthened collaboration skills as they worked in strategy groups, guided reading groups, participated in book clubs, conducted science experiments, recreated historical events and solved math problems together. In addition they worked in teams to plant, cultivate and harvest crops in the school’s gardens. Other opportunities that fostered collaboration include service on the Principal’s Cabinet, Safety Patrol, Recycling Team and various “Paws for a Cause” service-learning projects.
Students increased their communication and technology skills as they made presentations to their classmates, used the app Seesaw to share their learning with parents and participated in coding activities such as Google CS First. The addition of approximately 100 Chromebooks enabled students to use technology to access their learning. Students learned how to communicate in another language (Spanish) in our immersion and LOLA (Lexington One Language Acquisition) programs.
In all subject areas, students learned many strategies that they can use to enhance their learning. In addition, students used checklists to self-assess and provided feedback to their peers. We want our students to know how to learn, to take responsibility for their learning and to be self-directed learners.
PHES had a powerful 2017–2018 school year with the theme, “Paw Power.” Parents, staff and members of our community empowered our students to develop world-class skills. We are confident that we are “Preparing and Honoring Every Student,” and we look forward to our students exploding with creativity, critical thinking, collaboration and communication in the years ahead.
Margaret B. Mitchum, Principal
Missy Moore, SIC Chair