New Providence Elementary School is helping all students develop the World Class Skills identified in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate by creating a safe, nurturing, high-performance learning culture of excellence. Our students acquire 21st century learning experiences in the arts, academics, leadership and global citizenship. Through the efforts of our highly qualified, dedicated teaching and support staff, our 12-year history of academic excellence is well established. NPE was, once again, named a Palmetto Silver award winner for student academic performance in the 2018-2019 school year.
World Class Knowledge in language arts is taught to all students through the continued implementation of Lucy Calkins’ Units of Study — reading and writing in Kindergarten through fifth grade along with phonics in Kindergarten through second grade. These units of study ensure vertical alignment and increased rigor as teachers work together to examine student work, reflect on teaching practices and analyze assessment data in order to adjust instructional priorities in their classrooms. Teachers work collaboratively with our reading coach and interventionists to develop personalized instructional strategies and interventions to address individual learning needs. Professional development for the Units of Study was provided throughout the year in the form of lab-site experiences and ongoing planning sessions with our literacy coach. All Kindergarten through fifth grade teacherscompleted Student Learning Objectives in the area of writing to look closely at student data and set student growth targets.
Life and career characteristics are exemplified at NPE through a focus on the Lexington County School District One Power Skillsand integration of a focus on Lifelong Guidelines and LIFESKILLS. Our staff fosters discussions, models and celebrates character traits such as humor, common sense, perseverance and organization through this leadership model. We have also implemented a weekly Character Compass challenge giving classes opportunities to earn badges for demonstrating good character. Life and career characteristics are also taught through guidance lessons and are highlighted during periodic Lion Leadership rallies.
Each year, students at NPE have many opportunities to be leaders in our school and local community. Students continue to develop their leadership abilities through various programs such as Project Unify, the New Providence News Network and our Safety Patrol. We partner with organizations including: Harvest Hope Food Bank, the American Cancer Society (Relay for Life), Happy Wheels and Mission Lexington to give back to the community, and teach students work ethic, perseverance and leadership through service.
Beyond building a strong academic foundation and developing student leaders, we provide students with advanced technology instruction. NPE is designated as a computer science immersion school where students have the opportunity to learn and apply the fundamentals of computer coding as part of their daily curriculum. Through coding programs, students develop critical thinking, creativity, communication and collaboration skills. Students have a unique avenue to apply problem-solving, team-building and presentation skills as they collaborate and share their thinking process with peers.
At NPE, we are committed to providing students with a variety of opportunities that develop the whole child. Students enhance their global perspective through their participation in our language and related arts classes. These classes allow students to grow their proficiency in Spanish and develop an appreciation for art and music. Our fourth and fifth grade students have the opportunity to participate in our NPE Chorus. Schoolwide LEAD times, Lions Exploring All Directions, also give students the opportunity to explore areas of interest such as the stock market, photography, dance, computer design, gardening, sewing or engineering. Students are allowed to choose an area of interest and participate in cross-grade-level learning experiences several times during the school year.
Through the generous support of our PTA, School Improvement Council, parents and community, NPE continues to develop students who will be successful future leaders through a continuous focus on collaboration, communication, creativity and critical thinking. We are proud of what we have accomplished and are excited about what the future holds for our students!
Robert Candillo, Principal
Lisa Catalanotto, SIC Chair