Our School
Welcome
Welcome
Theodore Lester Elementary School: Grades 3-5
Theodore Lester Elementary School was established in 1981.
Mission Statement
Theodore Lester Elementary School faculty and staff are dedicated to inspiring a desire to learn and succeed in all its students. We believe all individuals can learn and experience success. Each day we strive to create a safe learning community while nurturing and growing students into independent, positive individuals who make wise contributions and safe choices. Our faculty and staff are committed to academic excellence and acceptance of cultural diversity as we prepare our students to be responsible, contributing citizens of the 21st century.
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SCHOOL HOURS
School hours are from 7:45 AM until 2:15 PM each day. Adult supervision will be provided from 7:00 AM until 2:30. Please be sure your child arrives no earlier than 7:00 AM and has a ride home by 2:30 PM. Students are tardy for school at 7:45 AM. If your student is tardy, you must park, walk them in and sign in on the computer in the main office. Lester must follow the F1S Board Policy for students that are tardy. Please see the F1S website for a copy of this policy.
Administration
Principal
Phone: 843-664-8457
Email: tiffany.matthews@fsd1.org
Mrs. Tiffany Matthews
It is an honor and privilege to serve as the principal of Lester Elementary School. Throughout my time as a classroom teacher and administrator I have served a multitude of students with a variety of learning styles while identifying paths to academic achievement. It is my desire to create an environment in which Lester educators work in tandem with parents to cultivate student character, curiosity and competency while establishing a lifelong love of learning. I will strive to ensure that each child is provided a safe and stimulating learning environment in which to thrive. As a Montessori school, we will work diligently to nurture the natural inquisitiveness of our students and encourage self-motivated growth and development for an excellent foundation of enriched creative learning. Through partnership with our parents and common expectations, I am confident Lester students will soar beyond our wildest dreams!
I maintain an open door policy and encourage you to reach out to me. Each child is a part of our story and their success is of the utmost importance to me. The goal is that each student feels loved, empowered and emboldened to pursue their best self!
I look forward to our partnership and future together.
Literacy Coach
Phone: 843-664-8459
Email: adawkins@fsd1.org
Ashley Dawkins
I am Ashley Dawkins, the Literacy Coach at Lester Elementary. I began my twenty-one year career in public education as an 8th grade English Language Arts (ELA) teacher in Columbia, South Carolina. After relocating to Florence, I began teaching 6th grade ELA. I later transitioned into a Literacy Coach for South Carolina’s Read to Succeed initiative. After serving in that capacity for 7 years at Briggs Elementary, I became a librarian at Southside Middle School for 3 years. I realized I missed the interactive role of being a Literacy Coach and decided to make a change. I became the Literacy Coach at Lester Elementary in 2023. Go Scotties!
I received my BA in English, MAT in Elementary Education, and Master’s in Library Science from the University of South Carolina. Go Gamecocks! I believe that by building relationships and a strong school community, all educators have the ability to nurture students and grow them into empowered contributors of our ever-changing global community. Through reading and writing, whether it be in school content areas, library books, creating, or online outlets, we are offered a bridge from ourselves to understanding others and the world around us. Literacy, in all formats, allows us the opportunity to acknowledge and promote humanity. Whether being an ELA teacher in the classroom, an instructional literacy coach, or a school librarian, my focus has always been on leading and coaching students and colleagues through literacy and empowering their personal growth.
When I am not at work, I am spending time with my husband and our three children. I enjoy family time, reading, and cooking! I am honored to be a part of the Lester family and community. I am looking forward to another amazing school year!
Bookkeeper
Profile
Theodore Lester Elementary Profile
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Contact Us
Title I
Lester Title I Information
Our Title I Funds Provide the Following Support:
- One full-time teacher to reduce class size in grade 5
- Four part-time interventionists to provide additional ELA and math instruction in small groups in grades 1-6
- School supply bundles for students
- Happiness 360 Social Emotional Learning Curriculum
- 1 year site license for IXL (ELA/math)
- 1 year site license Project Lead the Way
- Launch Participation (STEM)
- iPads and other STEM materials
- Professional development in classroom management
- Parent workshops throughout the year
Additional Title I Information
Reading Plan
Lester Reading Plan
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