Welcome to Joanna-Woodson Elementary!

Joanna-Woodson Elementary (JWE) is a rural school located in Laurens County. It is one of three elementary schools in Laurens School District 56. The students who attend the school come from five different communities: Joanna, Mountville, Cross Hill, Clinton and Kinards. JWE has approximately 300 students in five-year-old kindergarten through fifth grade. The school population is composed of 67% Caucasian, 27% African-American, 3% Hispanic, and 3% Other. The free or reduced lunch rate for the 2014/2015 school year was 83%. JWE is a Title I school. Everyone at JWE is a STAR. We strive for Excellence One Star at a Time.

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General Information

Vision:

Where students become ethical and productive citizens -- achieving excellence, embracing innovation, and forging new traditions.

Mission:

Laurens County School District 56 and Joanna-Woodson Elementary will provide a world class education driven by integrity, teamwork, and perseverance through a culture of continuous improvement.

School Motto:

Excellence...One Star At A Time

Miscellaneous Information

    School Improvement Plan

    Key Points of the School Improvement Council:

    • The School Improvement Council (SIC) serves as an advisory committee to a school's principal and faculty.
    • Unlike the PTO and other voluntary school organizations, councils are mandated by law to exist in every public school in South Carolina.
    • SICs play a key role in the education of our state's children, bringing together parents, educators, and community stakeholders to work collectively to improve their local schools.
    • SICs do not have any of the powers and duties reserved by the local school board.
    • More than 16,000 people serve on SICs in South Carolina.
    Key Functions of the School Improvement Council:
    • SICs work with the schools to develop and implement a five-year school improvement plan (also known as the school renewal plan).
    • SICs monitor and evaluate success in reaching the plan's goals and objectives.
    • SICs write an annual report to parents about the progress of the plan.
    • SICs assist the principal in writing the narrative for the School Report Card.
    • SICs advise on the use of school incentive awards and provide assistance as requested by the principal.
    Goals for the School Improvement Council:

    • Strive to improve student achievement in all areas.

    • Encourage respect and positive character.

    • Work to increase student attendance to include tardies and early dismissals.

    If you have any questions, or would like to know more about JWES's School Improvement Council, please contact Arneice Renwick.

    How to find us

    Joanna-Woodson Elementary School, Laurens District 56, Directions:Directions from Greenville, SC:Take I-385 South until it becomes I-26 at Exit 52 in Clinton, SC. Continue on I-26 and take Exit 60 at Joanna. After exiting, take a right at the top of the ramp. You will proceed to the traffic light in downtown Joanna. Proceed straight at the traffic light. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left at the first intersection. This will be South Ellis Street. Proceed approximately one mile and you should see Joanna-Woodson Elementary School.Directions from Spartanburg, SC:Take I-26E to Exit 60 at Joanna. After exiting take a right at the top of the ramp. You will proceed to the traffic light in downtown Joanna. Proceed straight at the traffic light. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left at the first intersection. This will be South Ellis Street. Proceed approximately one mile and you should see Joanna-Woodson Elementary School.Directions from Columbia, SC:Take I-26 W to Exit 60 at Joanna. At the top of the ramp, turn left onto SC-66. You will proceed to the traffic light in downtown Joanna. Proceed straight at the traffic light. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left at the first intersection. This will be South Ellis Street. Proceed approximately one mile and you should see Joanna-Woodson Elementary School.Directions from Greenwood, SC:Take SC-72 toward Clinton approximately 25 miles. Turn right at second traffic light, which is Springdale Road. Proceed on Springdale to second traffic light. Take a right onto US-76. After crossing the railroad tracks coming into Joanna, take a right at the traffic light in the center of town. After crossing the railroad tracks, turn left at the first intersection. This will be South Ellis Street. Proceed approximately one mile and you should see Joanna-Woodson Elementary School.