West Columbia, SC - Shortly after school started this past fall, we posted our school goals on our website and sent them out in our school newsletter, the Congaree Chronicle (available at https://sites.google.com/a/lex2.org/schools-congaree/congaree-chronicle).
Here is a brief review on the progress we’re making toward meeting our goals.
1. We will provide focused instruction based on the needs of our students and AVID Elementary strategies. Last fall, teachers spent time learning the needs and learning styles of their students in order to maximize their instruction. Have you seen the 2 or 3 column notes in your child’s notebook? Have you noticed how your child keeps track of homework in his or her agenda? Has your child created a 1-pager? These are some of the AVID strategies teachers use regularly in class. In addition, teachers meet with students regularly to discuss reading, writing, and math progress.
AVID stands for Advancement Via Individual Determination. AVID is a college readiness system for elementary students designed to prepare students for advanced learning. AVID’s mission is to “close the achievement gap by preparing all students for college readiness and success in a global society.” Find out more about AVID Elementary at www.AVID.org.
2. Student performance in Mathematics will increase. Many of our students struggle with problem solving (word problems), especially if there is more than 1 step. Teachers concentrate on strategies for solving math problems one might face in everyday life. To do this, students need to know 2 things: what strategy to use and how to do the math. When students are not fluent with their basic math facts, it prevents them from doing the math correctly on the word problems. This is one area you can help with at home: help your child learn his/her math facts.
3. 100% of students at Congaree Elementary School will have an adult advocate who supports that student’s educational experience. Our desire is for every student to feel comfortable at school. This most often takes place where there is an adult who cares about each child. This typically results in better attendance and higher grades. Ask your child about Care Groups. They meet 5 times a year (usually on the Friday following a Wednesday early release) and give students time to connect with an adult other than their teacher.
We look to partner with you to provide the best education we can for every child. Our desire is to help each one become a proficient reader and mathematician, and to grow into a responsible citizen. If there is a way we can help, please contact your child’s teacher.
