During the 2025–2026 school year, Jesse S. Bobo Elementary School (JSBES) remained committed to supporting all students in developing World Class Skills aligned with the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. Our efforts focused on increasing student achievement, strengthening character development, and addressing the social and emotional needs of every child through intentional, continuous improvement practices.
We began the school year by prioritizing strong partnerships with our families, recognizing that a positive home-to-school connection is essential to student success. Building and maintaining these relationships remains a cornerstone of our work. Throughout the year, we implemented creative and effective strategies to communicate and collaborate with families. JSBES hosted numerous in-person family engagement opportunities, including awards programs, performances, arts events, academic nights, parenting workshops and conferences. These experiences strengthened both home-to-school and school-to-home connections. We look forward to expanding these opportunities in the coming year to further increase family involvement.
Instructionally, our teachers remained dedicated to fostering World Class Skills through differentiated instruction, integration of content areas, inquiry-based learning, and the delivery of rigorous, standards-based lessons. Teachers engaged in ongoing collaboration within grade levels, across grade levels, and with administrators, instructional coaches, and district staff to ensure high-quality learning experiences for all students. Professional growth remained a priority, with teachers participating in both school-based and district-led professional development focused on best practices and effective pedagogy.
Additionally, teachers participated in weekly Professional Learning Communities (PLCs), where they analyzed student data, refined instructional strategies, and engaged in deep unit internalization for both reading and mathematics. These collaborative efforts strengthened instructional consistency and improved student outcomes.
Character development continued to be a key focus at JSBES. Through the implementation of Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS), the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program, and comprehensive Social Emotional Learning (SEL) practices, students were equipped with the skills necessary for both academic and personal success. Our school counselor, behavior interventionist, school psychologist, mental health counselor, and teachers played a vital role in supporting students’ social-emotional growth. Through our Multi-Tiered System of Supports (MTSS), we implemented targeted SEL small groups, which demonstrated measurable growth and success among participating students.
This year, JSBES strengthened its use of data-driven instruction within the MTSS framework. Our MTSS team led efforts in student goal setting, data conferences, intervention planning, and celebration of student growth. The continued implementation of our school-wide data walks allowed staff to monitor student progress closely and respond to individual student needs effectively. All staff members were accountable for and had access to this data, ensuring a collective responsibility for student success. These practices enabled us to develop targeted goals and strategic pathways to support student growth.
To extend learning beyond the traditional school year, JSBES hosted a four-week summer reading program at no cost to families. This program provided identified students with continued literacy instruction during the month of June, helping to prevent summer learning loss. Participation was strong, and families expressed appreciation for the opportunity to support their children’s continued academic growth.
In partnership with our School Improvement Council (SIC), the following goals remained a focus throughout the year:
Goal 1: Increase Parent Involvement, Communication, and Engagement
We made intentional efforts to strengthen family engagement by offering a wide range of opportunities for families to connect with the school community. Families participated in organizations such as the School Improvement Council (SIC) and Parent Teacher Organization (PTO), as well as events including Math Night, Planetarium STEM Night, Books & Breakfast, Triple P Preschool Parenting Sessions, Sneaker Ball, Trunk or Treat, Pancakes and Pajamas, and Disney Jr. Moana. Families were also encouraged to volunteer and provide feedback through surveys.
To ensure clear and consistent communication, we utilized multiple platforms, including parent-teacher conferences, newsletters, Friday Folders, the school website, the parent/student handbook and calendar, PowerSchool, ClassDojo, the Principal’s “Weekly for the Week,” QR codes with instructional videos, social media, interim reports, and report cards. We remain committed to enhancing communication by expanding multilingual resources and translation services to better serve our diverse school community.
Goal 2: Increase Academic Achievement and Outcomes for All Students
To promote high levels of academic achievement, we focused on strengthening instructional practices and building staff capacity. Key strategies included hiring and retaining highly qualified teachers, ensuring all K–3 teachers were trained in LETRS, providing OGAP math training for all second-grade teachers, and offering summer curriculum planning for literacy and mathematics across grade levels. Efforts were also made to reduce class sizes where possible.
Ongoing professional development for teachers and paraprofessionals supported strong instructional delivery. Tier I instruction in reading and mathematics was strengthened through small group differentiation and the implementation of What I Need (WIN) Time. This dedicated daily block allowed students to receive targeted, data-driven instruction tailored to their individual academic needs.
Instruction remained aligned to the South Carolina College and Career Standards, with a focus on coherence between teaching, learning, and assessment. Reading and math coaches worked closely with teachers to support instructional strategies, data analysis, and lesson planning. Additionally, continuous improvement tools were used to monitor progress and inform decision-making.
In response to our State Report Card rating, JSBES prioritized the implementation of an Academic Turnaround Plan. Our work is also aligned with the district’s 5-Year Strategic Plan to ensure consistency across school, district, and state goals for student success.
Goal 3: Maintain a Safe and Healthy School Environment
The safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. To support this, the school employs both a security guard and a School Resource Officer. An Evolve metal detection system is utilized at all school entrances to enhance security. Regular safety drills—including fire, tornado, earthquake, and intruder drills—are conducted to ensure preparedness.
To promote a healthy environment, JSBES provides nutritious breakfast, lunch, and dinner options daily, all aligned with established health standards. Students participate in weekly physical education classes, receiving 60 minutes of structured health and fitness instruction, along with a minimum of 30 minutes of daily recess. These opportunities support the development of lifelong healthy habits.
Families are kept informed about health and safety practices through the “Weekly for the Week” newsletter, family engagement events, and direct communication from teachers. We remain committed to fostering a safe, supportive, and nurturing environment where all students can thrive.
Collectively, these efforts represent our unwavering commitment to partnering with our community to meet the needs of every child as we engage, inspire, and educate.
Amanda Justice, Chairperson
Catherine Pogue, Principal
