Stewart Heights Elementary School, located at 1001 West Calhoun Street in Dillon, is celebrating 50 years of educating students in the community.
The land for Stewart Heights was purchased from Mr. C.E. Stewart.
Stewart Heights Elementary School opened its doors in November of 1962. Initially, it served students in grades one through six.
District reorganization necessitated changes in grade level locations and Stewart Heights began kindergarten through third grade.
Mr. J.V. Martin was the superintendent when Stewart Heights opened. The school has had four principals in its fifty year history; Mr. A.W. Parker, Mr. Frank Lee, Mrs. Jayne Lee, and Dr. Wendy C. Pace.
The first addition to the building was opened the fall of 1986. It houses the media center, three classrooms and Title I computer lab. Four year old kindergarten was added in the fall of 1996. All five year old kindergarten classes became full day the fall of 1998.
The second addition to the building opened the fall of 1998. It houses three kindergarten classes, three first grade classes and Title I office.
New playground equipment was installed during the 2004-05 school year. The Rhett Jackson Story Tree, an outside reading area, opened during the fall of 2006. Four year old kindergarten classes became full day the fall of 2006.
Presently, Stewart Heights offers a curriculum for students in pre-kindergarten through third grade. Enrollment runs 400 to 420 students. Approximately 60 faculty and staff members work together to provide the best educational experiences for the students. Stewart Heights Elementary School maintains full accreditation from the South Carolina Department of Education and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools.
The school plans to celebrate with birthday banners and the food service manager has arranged for our cafeteria staff to prepare the big chocolate chip cookies for all the staff members and the students.
Principal, Dr. Wendy C. Pace, is pleased to be heading Stewart Heights during this milestone year.
“I feel fortunate to be in such a productive learning and working environment. Throughout the decades, Dillon District Four and the Stewart Heights’ family have been dedicated and successful in creating a school of academic excellence. Stewart Heights is not about an individual, but a community of staff, parents, and pupils learning together, working together and growing together,” said Dr. Pace.
“As a former student of Stewart Heights, it gives me great pleasure to be, once again, a part of a gracious learning community with a quest for excellence. The goal at Stewart Heights is to challenge our students intellectually, grow them socially, and guide them toward independent thinking and problem solving. As we strive to promote healthy development in all aspects of each student’s life, we will also strive to develop an educational community that will instill in our student body, colleagues, and community members a sense of personal and collective pride in our school,” she said.
“The 50th anniversary is a milestone to be celebrated and a testament to Dillon District Four’s dedication to the Stewart Heights’ staff, students and community members,” she said.
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NOTE: The Herald invited former principal Jayne Lee to share her thoughts.
By Jayne C. Lee
Principal, 1985-2012
Thank you for asking me to share some of my thoughts and feelings about Stewart Heights Elementary on its fiftieth anniversary. As I sat down to pen this tribute, a multitude of happy memories came to mind. It is true that one’s most vivid memories are tied to emotions.
I began my career at Stewart Heights in the fall of 1985. Before coming to Dillon, I was teaching first grade in Bennettsville. Being interviewed and hired as principal at Stewart Heights was a pivotal time in my educational career. I came to Dillon full of big ideas and wonderful dreams. While teaching, I knew I was making a positive impact on my students, but I wanted to touch more.
Over the twenty-seven years I served as principal at Stewart Heights, I was able to achieve many things. Early on, my father-in-law told me to surround myself with smart, capable professionals that could help me achieve my goals and vision for the future. Over time, faculty and staff members came and went until everyone on campus shared my vision and true love for children.
During my tenure, I learned many things from those around me. I learned how to be a better teacher by observing the great teachers at Stewart Heights. I learned how to identify effective teaching skills by watching the students as they learned. As I refined my teaching and observation skills, I became a better coach for the new teachers I hired. I learned how to become a better leader by listening to staff members and showing appreciation for their hard work. I also learned to be a better leader by listening to the students and their parents. Above all, I learned from experience.
From my experience, I found that people no matter how big or small, work harder and put forth more effort when treated with respect and courtesy. As strides towards achieving excellence were made, we celebrated our successes and learned from our mistakes. I found that teachers followed as long as they felt that decisions were made based on what was best for children. I tried on a daily basis to lead by example and guide with a firm but loving hand. Over the course of time, I found that children excel in an environment where they feel safe and cared for. They perform better when there is a set schedule to follow and firm routines in place. I also found that children like to be recognized for their efforts and that they appreciate little things.
As the years went by, students came and went. Many grew up and moved away, but many stayed in Dillon to live and work. Before the teachers and I knew it, we were enrolling children of our previous students. We had the pleasure of working with alumni as parents and with their parents, as grandparents.
Stewart Heights, the little school tucked behind the football stadium, is truly a gem. I have referred to it many times as Shangri-La. I spent half my life working in a place that I loved. The memories I have of the faculty, staff, student, parents, grandparents and community members bring me great joy. We were one big, happy family. We shared our joys and sorrows. We lent a helping hand when needed and we propped each other up when we fell.
The children were our just reward and we all knew we were there for one reason and one reason only- the children.
Before closing, I wanted to share the school motto that was penned by Phyllis Richardson in 1986 and the school mission. Both were recited daily in every classroom. I would dare say every alumnus that reads this tribute could still close their eyes and recite both.
MOTTO
I’m proud to be a student at Stewart Heights School
I’ll do my best to obey all the rules
I’ll listen to my teachers and do my part
To learn each day and become very smart
MISSION
Here, Happy, Safe, and Smart
Two book titles by Nicholas Sparks come to mind as I finish this heartfelt tribute to Stewart Heights. My time there was more than a job, it was my life. Stewart Heights brought out The Best of Me and I know without question, I was The Lucky One.
