Gordo Elementary School
The Writer’s Cafe
Pickens County Schools
Principal: Mr. Byron Fair
Superintendent: Mr. Shawn McDaniel
Gordo Elementary School’s (GES) Writer’s Cafe was established in spring 2024 to enhance students’ writing proficiency in text-dependent writing. Gordo Elementary School recognized the need for improvement after ACAP Summative Practice assessment results showed only 21% proficiency in 2nd grade and 33% in 3rd grade. With guidance from the Pickens County Elementary Curriculum Specialist, Local Reading Specialist, administration, and school personnel, a structured writing system was introduced. A school-wide writing graphic organizer, text stems, and an explicit writing process were embedded into daily instruction. These efforts led to the transformation of the school library into a cafe-style writing experience. Students engaged in writing through interactive stations: the entree table for topic sentences, the main course table for supporting details, the dessert table for conclusions, and the ticket table for publishing. Staff and community members dressed as chefs and facilitated learning at each step. Teachers provided additional support for students needing targeted instruction. The Writer’s Cafe became more than a writing exercise – it was an experience which fostered growth, confidence, and engagement. Students showcased their published work to administrators, reinforcing the importance of writing. By April 2024, ACAP results reflected the impact, with 94% of 2nd graders and 97% of 3rd graders on track or prepared. Writing at Gordo Elementary School became a source of pride, purpose, and achievement.
