Sometimes, one of the most powerful things an educator can give a student is the confidence that comes from knowing someone believes in them.
At Southside-Ashpole Elementary School, that belief is helping shape a culture where students are encouraged to recognize their potential, embrace challenges and understand that they are capable of achieving great things.
“Students remember relationships. They believe in the people who believe in them,” Principal Tawanna Curry said.
For Curry, those words reflect an important part of the work taking place throughout Southside-Ashpole. Student achievement remains the school’s highest priority, but helping students achieve begins with ensuring they know they are valued, supported and capable.
That belief is reinforced each day by educators who set high expectations while building meaningful relationships with the children they serve. Through rigorous, high-quality instruction, encouragement and consistent support, teachers challenge students to grow academically while helping them develop the confidence to keep trying when learning becomes difficult.
“At Southside-Ashpole, believing in students means reinforcing high expectations while giving children the support and encouragement they need to reach them,” Curry said.
Students are also encouraged to take ownership of their success by developing strong study habits, practicing active listening, attending school regularly and approaching each day determined to do their best. With teachers, staff and families working alongside them, students are reminded that they do not pursue success alone.
That shared commitment creates an environment where achievement becomes more than a goal. It becomes something students can begin to envision for themselves.
Southside- Ashpole saw significant gains during the 25-26 school year, they were able to exceed growth and move their student achievement to the highest level since 2010-2011.
For Curry and the Southside-Ashpole team, the hope is that every child who walks through the school’s doors knows there are people in their corner — people who see their potential, expect their best and will continue encouraging them along the way.
“The belief we place in students today can become the confidence that carries them toward a brighter tomorrow,” Curry said.