Mrs. Tonya K. Watson
Principal
Batesburg-Leesville Primary
Dear Students and Parents,
Welcome to Batesburg-Leesville Primary School and the 2009 -2010 school year! Four years ago we earned the School of Promise Award which recognizes schools in the state who are viewed as having potential to meet its goals and to honor its school mission. Last year we were honored with an "Excellent" on our State School Report Card. As I look ahead I feel as if our school is on the brink of greatness. We launched a new reading approach last year, balanced literacy, which meets the needs of every child by differentiating instruction in reading. This year our faculty is delving into doing the same thing in math while adopting a new textbook which focuses on manipulatives and the meaning of math. We will be involved in a year long staff development, partnered with the elementary school, to seek out ways of reaching all children through the exciting world of mathematics.
We are proud at BLPS that our children are not only taught to be life long learners, they are also involved in supporting their community through donations to worthy causes. Last year K5 students raised by participating in the St. Jude's Trike a Thon. First grade worked hard on their challenging math skills to help raise for the St. Jude's Math a Thon. The 20th Anniversary of the Jump Rope for Heart was held once again and the 2nd graders raised .
At BLPS we work hard every day because we know "Every Child is a Promise". Two years ago BLPS faculty and staff adopted a motto, "Whatever It Takes", and last year we surged into the school year with the motivation to work on "Building Relationships". This year we will continue to do whatever it takes to make sure every child is reaching his/her potential, and we will continue to work on building relationships with students, parents, the community, and each other to be the best school we can be.
We sustained a few budget cuts this past year and anticipate there may be more. I want to thank you ahead of time for any support you may lend to us during this unsettling time in the area of supplies, volunteers, and parent involvement with your child. With parents, the community and the faculty and staff of BLPS, we know we will maintain our excellence and reach new heights in our levels of achievement.
Sincerely,
Tonya K. Watson
Principal
