The 2025–2026 school year was another outstanding year for Satchel Ford Elementary School, marked by exceptional academic achievement, innovative learning experiences, student success, and strong community support. Satchel Ford continued its tradition of excellence by earning the highest overall rating of "Excellent" on the 2025 South Carolina Annual School Report Card. This distinction reflects that the school's performance substantially exceeds the criteria established to ensure that all students meet the expectations outlined in the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate.
Student achievement on state assessments remained exceptionally strong. On the South Carolina READY assessments, 82.1% of students scored at the Met or Exemplary level in English Language Arts, 75.3% achieved Met or Exemplary status in Mathematics, and 87.6% reached those levels in Science. Demonstrating remarkable academic excellence, thirty-seven students earned perfect scores on one or more of the 2025 South Carolina READY assessments.
A hallmark of the school year was the continued emphasis on inquiry-based learning. Under the guidance of Dr. Heidi Mills, Language and Literacy Professor at the University of South Carolina, and with the support of Reading Coach Brooke Fonder, teachers and students engaged in meaningful research and literacy projects across grade levels. First-grade students conducted daily observations of the moon and documented their findings in journals. Third-grade students researched countries and created informational brochures to showcase their learning. Fourth-grade students used science standards to guide investigations of animals and then authored books about their chosen topics. Fifth-grade students explored the nation’s national parks and produced informational articles highlighting their discoveries. They also gained hands-on experience with magazine production by applying for editorial roles and collaborating to create their own magazines.
To further strengthen literacy instruction, all Satchel Ford teachers completed the South Carolina Department of Education's Language Essentials for Teachers of Reading and Spelling (LETRS) training. This comprehensive professional learning program equips educators with evidence-based practices for teaching reading, spelling, and language skills, ensuring continued academic success for students.
The school also focused on supporting students socially and emotionally through the relaunch of the Lunch Buddy Program in 2026. This mentoring initiative pairs community volunteers with individual students during lunchtime, providing encouragement, friendship, and support. Through these consistent interactions, students build confidence, strengthen social skills, and develop meaningful connections within the school community.
Satchel Ford students excelled in numerous academic, artistic, and extracurricular endeavors throughout the year. The school earned the prestigious Palmetto Gold Award for student achievement, recognizing exceptional academic performance. Several fourth- and fifth-grade students successfully competed in the District Science Fair, demonstrating their curiosity, creativity, and scientific knowledge.
In recognition of its commitment to student wellness and physical activity, Satchel Ford Elementary was named the inaugural Midlands Region winner of the Physical Adeptness and Literacy Model Institution (PALMI) Award. This honor celebrates schools that create environments where students thrive through movement, physical literacy, and healthy lifestyles.
The school hosted a variety of events that strengthened school spirit and family engagement, including Farm Fest, Art Fest, Family Fun Day, Walk for Life, and the Braves Benefit. These events brought students, families, staff, and community members together while creating memorable experiences for all involved.
Student accomplishments in the arts were equally impressive. Forty Satchel Ford students had artwork selected for display at the 2025–2026 District One Elementary Art Show. The Satchel Ford Honor Choir performed at the Richland One Concert Performance Assessment and earned a Superior Rating at the Carowinds Festival of Music. Students also participated in the City of Columbia's Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Dreamkeeper Scholarship Writing Contest, showcasing their writing skills and commitment to community values. In theatre, Satchel Ford students earned the Playwriting Award at the District Theatre Festival, highlighting the creativity and talent of the school's young performers and writers.
The school's commitment to inclusion and student engagement was demonstrated through the continued success of the Unified Braves Club. Club members participated in a variety of events throughout the year, including the Polar Plunge and the Bocce and Disc Golf Bash, fostering teamwork, friendship, and school pride.
Athletic achievements were another source of celebration. Satchel Ford students captured multiple district championships during the year, including the 2026 District AAA Fitness Bowl Championship, the 2026 District AAA Disc Golf Championship, and the 2026 District AAA Pickleball Championship. These accomplishments reflect the dedication, perseverance, and teamwork of student-athletes and coaches alike.
The success of the school was further enhanced by the extraordinary efforts of the Satchel Ford Elementary Parent-Teacher Organization (PTO). During the 2025–2026 school year, the PTO maintained 217 active memberships consisting of families, faculty, and staff members. Together, these dedicated volunteers contributed more than 1,000 hours of service to support students, teachers, and school programs.
Through the generosity of parents and community supporters, the PTO funded numerous events and initiatives throughout the year, including the newly introduced Farm Fest. The organization also sponsored teacher appreciation lunches, funded the school's science lab instructor position, and enhanced the school's environment through the installation of a vibrant hallway mural painted by local artist Lacey Hennessey of Lacey Does.
Additionally, the PTO awarded approximately $25,000 in teacher grants, providing classrooms with valuable resources, instructional materials, and opportunities that enriched student learning experiences. These investments helped ensure that teachers had the tools needed to engage students and support academic success across all grade levels.
The accomplishments of our students, staff, families, volunteers, and community partners continue to foster a culture where every child is valued, supported, included, and empowered to succeed. Satchel Ford remains a place where students learn, grow, and thrive, and the school community looks forward to building on this success in the years ahead.
Dr. Matthew Scandrol, Principal
