Baron DeKalb Elementary named an Exemplary Writing Program School | News

Baron DeKalb Elementary School has earned the prestigious Exemplary Writing Program Award.

The school underwent a comprehensive five-month evaluation that included site visits.  The judges were very complimentary of Baron DeKalb’s writing program.  They said, “From faculty and staff to parents and students, the community of writers at Baron DeKalb is a strong one.  It is very evident that your faculty embraces the idea that all students can become writers and your entire faculty is on board with this idea.” 

“I commend Baron DeKalb for undertaking this rigorous process,” said Kershaw County School District Superintendent Frank Morgan.  “The school will benefit from the focus and the professional development opportunities that it provides.” 

The Exemplary Writing Program is sponsored by the South Carolina Department of Education and governed by the Writing Improvement Coordinating Council.  The award is based on an extensive evaluation of the school’s instructional programs, with a particular emphasis on the teaching of writing. 

Baron DeKalb Elementary was recognized for many aspects of its literacy program including writing conferences with students, read alouds and student, parent and staff writing.  The school was also commended for its displays of student writing throughout the school and providing each student with 150 minutes of English language arts instruction every day. 

Established in 1987, the Exemplary Writing program is monitored to reflect the latest in research and theory of teaching students to be writers.  Baron DeKalb now will serve as a resource for other schools across the state who want to improve their writing programs. 

Baron DeKalb Elementary will be formally recognized at the SC Council of Teachers of English meeting in January.  BDK is the second Kershaw County to receive this award in as many years; Doby’s Mill Elementary received the honor last school year.