Shelley looks for opportunities to share lessons with his students outside the classroom too.
“CCES does an excellent job fostering opportunities during our advisory program, community outreach, and field trips that transcend the typical academic relationship between student and teacher,” Shelley said.
In the school’s advisory program, Cavalier Way, Shelley and other teachers discuss mindfulness, gratitude, substance abuse, and other topics. Shelley also serves as a good example for his students by helping those in need in the community.
One of the school’s chief outreach programs is with the Washington Center, a school for children with special needs in Greenville County.
“Our students read to students at the Washington Center,” Shelley says, “and we attend the center’s Halloween and spring events.”
Students also volunteer at Ronald McDonald house, the Soup Kitchen, Loaves and Fishes, Hope for Harvest, and others. Field trips to Disney World, the Whitewater Center and to see plays are more ways for Shelley to interact with his students outside the classroom.
Every opportunity students have participating in the advisory program, helping others in the community, and going on field trips is another opportunity for them to find their own fulfillment. And, of course, these opportunities provide material for students to write about, as well as a chance for Shelley to use his famous red pen.