Do you ever get chills when you hear a patriotic song? I got that same feeling yesterday when I visited Keowee Elementary. I was scheduled to meet with their School Improvement Council (SIC) at 8 AM, but I arrived a little early.
Arriving early gave me an opportunity to see the “before school starts” activities. Students had smiles (and a few crumbs on their faces) as they moved from breakfast to their classroom. Given the inquisitive nature of primary students, a few had stopped off to visit with the school fish on their way to the classroom.
Many others were in the media center prior to school to take an Accelerated Reader test or to check out the latest skill building software. The school even has computer stations in the cafeteria so that students can work quietly when they finish breakfast.
As you stroll down the halls before school you’ll hear activity, too. Upper grade students were in the gymnasium engaged in structured activities related to exercise and conditioning.
There’s one thing I saw in common as I walked the halls before school: Kids, parents, and staff were smiling. There was great pride in what goes on in the school building.
The SIC meeting I attended was a great example of parents, community members, and school staff focusing on what can be done to improve learning opportunities for students.
After the meeting, I was able to visit in three classrooms to see teachers in action. Second graders were working on vocabulary and identifying adjectives during a lesson on the Smartboard. Kindergarteners were working in centers and were so proud of their “snowmen stories” they were completing and reading to the teacher. Fourth graders were in transition from a guidance session on homework to a language arts lesson. Again, there were smiles on the faces of everyone.
I want to say thanks to the Keowee community for creating such a supportive learning environment for students.
Arriving early gave me an opportunity to see the “before school starts” activities. Students had smiles (and a few crumbs on their faces) as they moved from breakfast to their classroom. Given the inquisitive nature of primary students, a few had stopped off to visit with the school fish on their way to the classroom.
Many others were in the media center prior to school to take an Accelerated Reader test or to check out the latest skill building software. The school even has computer stations in the cafeteria so that students can work quietly when they finish breakfast.
As you stroll down the halls before school you’ll hear activity, too. Upper grade students were in the gymnasium engaged in structured activities related to exercise and conditioning.
There’s one thing I saw in common as I walked the halls before school: Kids, parents, and staff were smiling. There was great pride in what goes on in the school building.
The SIC meeting I attended was a great example of parents, community members, and school staff focusing on what can be done to improve learning opportunities for students.
After the meeting, I was able to visit in three classrooms to see teachers in action. Second graders were working on vocabulary and identifying adjectives during a lesson on the Smartboard. Kindergarteners were working in centers and were so proud of their “snowmen stories” they were completing and reading to the teacher. Fourth graders were in transition from a guidance session on homework to a language arts lesson. Again, there were smiles on the faces of everyone.
I want to say thanks to the Keowee community for creating such a supportive learning environment for students.
