Bryson Elementary School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills of the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a challenging and safe environment, while integrating rigorous learning opportunities that create synergy and increased engagement in our classrooms. We are also providing a digital platform, so our students will be equipped with 21st century skills. In doing so, we honor our school motto, Building for Tomorrow Today! At BES, we want all of our students to Believe, Excel, and Succeed in every aspect of their lives. Every day is an opportunity for our children to reach their fullest potential. We are proud of the strong support received by all of our stakeholders, who also share in this vision.
At Bryson Elementary School, we believe our students will continue to make educational gains in student achievement. In order to attain this goal, it is essential for our teachers and staff to grow professionally and provide engaging, student-centered instruction. Our school’s academic focus this year has included the following:
- Personalized Learning Initiative: We have completed our second year of the Personalized Learning Initiative. All third through fifth grade classrooms were supported with the use of 1:1 Chromebook devices to enhance educational experiences for our students. Teachers used the SAMR Model to integrate technology across the curriculum. Our Discovery Education partnership and digital leadership team have played an integral role in staff professional development by hosting learning labs. This has helped to infuse critical thinking, creativity, and collaboration among students during classroom lessons.
- Professional Learning Communities: Teachers implemented common formative and common summative assessments and then analyzed benchmark data to make instructional decisions to meet the needs of their students. Teachers also collaborated during grade level team planning and vertical team planning by using the Google Classroom platform.
- Balanced Literacy: Teachers and staff continued to build foundational reading skills by focusing on Interactive Read Aloud, Shared Reading, Workshop Model, and Guided Reading. Several collaborative school-wide professional developments were provided, along with multiple coaching cycles. New Fountas and Pinnell guided reading books were purchased for teachers and students in kindergarten through third grade. Classroom libraries were also an investment that positively impacted teachers and students.
- Guided Math: To continuously improve student-centered learning and differentiated instruction, teachers have engaged in a small group guided math approach. Students benefited socially and academically from the interdependence of this model. Several teacher leaders hosted learning labs, and coaching cycles were also provided to support growth in this area. Materials and manipulatives were purchased for our professional library for teachers to integrate into classroom stations and instruction.
At Bryson Elementary School, we also believe it is vital to provide programs and opportunities for students to develop into responsible global citizens. Students participate in clubs and events, while also collaborating with our community.
Student Clubs and Events: BETV student-led morning news show, Battle of the Books Club, Hour of Code, Honors Choir, Chorus Club, Steel Drums Club, Piano Club, Art Club, Lego Club, Safety Patrol, Student Council, SCOIS Career Assessments, Jump Rope for Heart, Peer Tutoring, School-Wide Fifth Grade Career Gallery Walk, Fifth Grade Immigration Day, Read Across America Day, Run Hard Club, Covey’s Seven Habits of Happy Kids Classroom Guidance Lessons, Small Group Counseling Lessons, Field Trips, School-Wide Career Fair, PBIS Quarterly Team Incentives, After School Program
Community and Parent Events: Special Olympics, Family STEAM Night, Family Math Night, Family Literacy Night, Terrific Kids, Good News Club, PTA, SIC, Volunteer Appreciation Breakfast, Veterans Day Luncheon, Muffins with Moms, Donuts with Dads, Thanksgiving Luncheon, Grandparents’ Day Luncheon, Reading with Rams Scholar Athlete Partnership with Hillcrest High School, Teacher Cadet Partnership with Hillcrest High School, Bryson Middle School Baseball Team Partnership for Read Across America Day, Semi-Annual Bear Breakfast learning labs for parents and community members, Rick Floyd Internet Safety Presentations for parents and students, Piedmont Mental Health partnership, Girl Scouts of America, Boy Scouts of America, PTA Bear Fair, PTA Father/Daughter Dance, PTA Mother/Son Night, BES Chorus tour to assisted living centers, BES Chorus performance at the Fountain Inn Tree Lighting Ceremony, Greenville County Spring Sing Performance, Greenville Drive Reading All Stars Game, United Way Campaign, Quarterly Awards Ceremonies, Boosterthon Fun Run
Bryson Elementary School is an exceptional place for children, families, and community partners to collaborate and grow together. We look forward to our continued partnerships and the efforts put forth in helping to prepare our students to successfully lead the way in building bright futures.
Andreya C. Boggs, Principal
Jennifer Winney, SIC Chair