Saxe Gotha Elementary School is helping all students develop the world-class knowledge, world-class skills, and life and career characteristics of the 21st century learner. We embrace the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by providing a safe, caring, learning environment where staff, parents and the community collaborate and learn. At SGE we follow our school vision which reads: “Empower Everyone to be Leaders, Thinkers, & Creators of Tomorrow.”
Students receive world-class knowledge from dedicated teachers who provide a rich curriculum based on the South Carolina state standards. Teachers continue to implement the workshop model in reading, writing and mathematics. Teachers and staff continually analyze data in areas such as academics, behavior and attendance to improve instruction for each student based on his/her individual needs. Data meetings are held on a regular basis to analyze and discuss the data, and make sure that individual student plans are up to date and are being followed. Academic coaches assist in providing professional learning, modeling lessons and gathering additional resources when needed to successfully implement the curriculum.
Life and career characteristics are taught through implementation of the Leader in Me program which follows FranklinCovey’s 7 Habits of Highly Effective People. Staff members are trained in the 7 Habits through FranklinCovey; the 7 Habits are taught to students and integrated into lessons. Students continue to set and track academic and personal goals. Students apply for leadership roles such as Safety Patrol, Snack Pack Helpers, Reading Buddies and Flag Team. Staff and students took part in service projects with Relay For Life and the American Heart Association.
SGE continues to foster positive relationships with our students, staff, parents, and our multiple business and community partnerships. Our Little Stars program provides an early opportunity to reach parents by sharing early learning activities during a bimonthly program. During each session the parent liaison and academic coaches support parents in engaging their preschool-age children in activities to support children growing as learners. Family events such as Showcase Night, STEAM Night, Poetry Café, Fashion Show and music concerts were held to allow students to share their skills and talent as well as increase parent involvement. Our school benefits greatly from the support of community partnerships with businesses such as Michelin, Marco’s Pizza and Lowe’s. SGE also works with local faith-based organizations to provide students with a weekly snack pack food program and a variety of school supplies needed to begin the school year.
SGE is committed to keeping students at the center of everything we do. Students are challenged to achieve their maximum potential, become self-directed 21st century learners and leaders, and become highly effective global citizens. Working together, we are able to enhance our students’ educational experiences and guide them toward a bright future where they can follow our motto: “Through learning and leading, I WILL change our world.”
Elizabeth Houck, Principal
Bryan Carder, SIC Chair