Tessie Bridges

Grassy Pond Elementary School
Gaffney, South Carolina
tessie.bridges@cherokee1.org

Best Practices

1) Assistant Principal as Instructional Leader: One of the most successful practices at our school has been the implementation of the AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination) Elementary program, which has transformed our approach to teaching and learning across all grades, Pre-K through 5th. This program has created a college and career-readiness culture, cultivated essential academic skills, and fostered a consistent and positive school climate. Over the past two years, as we incorporated AVID strategies across all grade levels, we’ve seen a significant impact on our students’ academic performance. For example, 60.8% of our students scored at the meets or exceeds level in SC Ready ELA, compared to the district average of 39.6% and the state average of 54.1%. In Math, our students achieved a 49.5% meets or exceeds rate, outperforming both the district average of 26.2% and the state average of 42.7%. These results underscore how AVID’s emphasis on critical thinking, organization, and a growth mindset has prepared our students to excel in standardized testing and beyond. AVID’s success at our school is also evident in the consistency it has fostered within our school culture. By utilizing common language, hand signals, and school-wide call-backs to gain students’ attention, we have created a uniform approach that enhances communication and strengthens our school community. This consistency helps students understand expectations, engage fully in the learning process, and experience smooth transitions between classrooms. Teachers and students alike use AVID strategies that reinforce routines, keeping everyone focused on the goal of student growth. This cohesive environment has made our school a safer and more supportive place for students to learn, helping them feel confident and motivated. Through professional development, our teachers have embraced AVID strategies that scaffold instruction and encourage inquiry-based learning. Key tools like AVID binders and note-taking techniques, such as two-column notes, provide students with a structured framework for organizing information, retaining knowledge, and building essential skills. As a result, our students are not only prepared for elementary assessments but also for the academic demands of middle school, high school, and beyond. Our designation as an AVID Elementary Showcase School underscores our leadership in promoting these principles, validating our commitment to academic excellence and continuous improvement. We are proud of the positive changes AVID has brought to our school culture and climate, and we look forward to inspiring other schools to adopt similar strategies that support lifelong learning and student success across South Carolina.

2) Whole Child Initiatives:The Girls on the Run (GOTR) program has been a highly successful initiative at our school, promoting the physical, emotional, and social development of our 3rd, 4th, and 5th-grade girls. More than just a running program, GOTR uses running to teach essential life skills, foster healthy habits, and build confidence and leadership. The structured curriculum integrates physical activity with lessons on self-worth, goal-setting, and teamwork, helping girls build resilience, navigate peer relationships, and understand kindness and empathy. This holistic approach enhances emotional regulation and cultivates skills that lead to better academic performance and personal success, contributing to a positive school climate and reducing behavioral issues. Girls set personal goals and work collaboratively toward a culminating 5K event, which symbolizes perseverance and reinforces discipline, effort, and self-belief, boosting their confidence and leadership skills. Additionally, GOTR strengthens relationships with parents and the community by actively involving families. Parents volunteer as coaches, while teachers dedicate time weekly to support the girls, creating a robust support network. The 5K event serves as a community celebration, fostering unity among families, teachers, and students and encouraging greater parental engagement in school activities. Overall, this initiative exemplifies a comprehensive approach to student development, combining physical fitness with leadership, emotional well-being, and community engagement. It has led to increased confidence, healthier relationships, and stronger leadership skills among our female students while reinforcing positive behaviors that contribute to a positive school climate. Overall, this program has had a lasting impact on our school culture.