South Carolina Department of Education Superintendent Weaver Visits  Waterloo Elementary School

As first reported on the Buzz, South Carolina Superintendent Ellen Weaver recently visited Laurens County to speak to a joint meeting of the Laurens and Clinton Rotary Clubs and then Waterloo Elementary School.  Here is more about her visit to Waterloo Elementary School as provided by LCSD 55.

The students and staff members of Waterloo Elementary School (WES) in Laurens County School District 55 (LCSD 55) are ecstatic about the recent visit of South Carolina Department of Education (SCDE) Superintendent Ellen Weaver. The SCDE Superintendent has taken notice of the student growth at WES based on state test scores in English Language Arts (ELA) and Mathematics. Derek Phillips, SCDE Director of Public Information, said, “In looking at the report card data, they’re one of the top in the state in growth.”

SCDE Superintendent Ellen Weaver was warmly welcomed by WES Principal Kimberly Penland, WES Instructional Coach Dr. Kristi Tucker, WES Administrative Assistant & Coach Suzanne Fay, and the WES students and staff. LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Ameca C. Thomas, District Math and Science Coordinator Lea Severin, District ELA and Social Studies Coordinator Laurie Counterman, Coordinator of Communications Faye Colley, Human Resources Staff Member Fikisha Patterson, Laurens District 55 High School (LDHS) Raiders mascot, LDHS NJROTC Instructor Senior Chief and Head Boys’ Basketball Coach Armond Flood Sr., LDHS Assistant Football Coach Jawon Stephens, LDHS Student Council Senior Class President Julia Kennedy, Navy Junior Reserve Officers Training Corps (NJROTC), Raiders Cheerleading Team, and Raiders athletic trainer and teams (baseball, basketball, and football) all made Superintendent Weaver’s visit more memorable. Superintendent Weaver was amazed at the hospitality LCSD 55 extended.

Superintendent Weaver took the time to speak with the WES staff. Weaver congratulated them for their great work and invited them to share the “secret sauce” for student growth. WES staff members shared that among the many ingredients are a positive climate, genuine support from administration and colleagues, everyone doing their part (including the support staff), the implementation of SCDE-endorsed HMH ELA and Math Curriculum, SCDE LETRS implementation, and the application of best teaching practices as expected by the SCDE 4.0 Teaching Standards Rubric. One teacher said, “Everyone is on the same page.”

Superintendent Weaver also encouraged WES staff to share their requests and concerns. Multiple educators shared that continued funding for interventionists in third through fifth grade is necessary to continue with their trajectory of success.

After hearing WES’s concerns, Weaver shared her vision for supporting teachers. She promises to send consistent communication directly to educators and encourages them to bring their concerns to her attention. She also hopes to lessen the burden on the district level with required reports and plans. She will work towards implementing a “One Plan” requirement. Weaver hopes that less paperwork will allow school districts to support principals and educators better.

LCSD 55 Superintendent Dr. Ameca Thomas shared her delight with Superintendent Weaver’s visit and the opportunity to share about LCSD 55 and WES. She also applauded the work of the champion administrators, staff, and teachers.

Dr. Thomas said, “We are incredibly proud of the significant growth and student achievement happening at Waterloo Elementary School. The hard work and dedication of our students, teachers, staff, and administrators have truly paid off. It is an honor to have Superintendent Weaver from the South Carolina Department of Education visit our school to witness firsthand the outstanding progress we have made. This visit not only highlights our success but also serves as a testament to the power of collaboration and a supportive learning environment. We are committed to continuing to provide our students with the highest quality education and ensuring their future success.”

Principal Kimberly Penland also expressed her gratitude for Superintendent Weaver’s initiative to motivate and give positive feedback on her staff members’ hard work.

Kimberly Penland stated, “The Waterloo Elementary family was very honored and appreciative that State Superintendent Ellen Weaver and the SCDE took notice of the academic growth of our students and the hard work of our staff. The personal visit by Superintendent Weaver meant so much to us all. We are so proud of everyone at WES! The growth in academics is a result of everyone, students and staff, working hard to create a positive learning environment each and every day! We will continue on this same path as we work to nurture, support, and educate our Waterloo Wrens!”

Click on the images in the gallery to see more about her visit.