B. D. Lee Elementary implemented our Positive Behavior Intervention Support/Character Education Program during the 2008-2009 school years. Our Character Education program is infused into the overall school environment and curriculum which is supported by the staff, students and parents. Our goals and lessons we teach are based on the "Six Pillars of Character" which include trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship and our "School-Wide Discipline Behavior Plan" which teaches our students to be respectful, responsible, reliable, and ready at all times. Our philosophy is based on the principle that we teach by example: Our students are exposed daily to adults treating each other and students with respect, and we model the character traits we are teaching to our students.

SCHOOL ORIGIN — In the fall of 1954, Gaffney's first junior high school opened on Overbrook Drive. It became a sixth grade school in 1968, serving most of the county. It was renamed B.D. Lee Elementary in honor of Bevin D. Lee, former Superintendent. In 1975, the school made its final transition as a fullfledged elementary school.

HONORS & ACCOMPLISHMENTS: State School of Character  National Winner in the Promising Practices Character Education Partnership Awards  SCIRA Exemplary Reading Honor School  Target Field Trip Grant Recipient  Accreditation with Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS) South Carolina Exemplary Writing Award Recipient  Red Carpet Award Recipient  SCIRA Teacher Grant Recipients Writer's Gala District Winner Three National Board Certified Teachers.

ACADEMICS: Spelling Bee  Teacher Cadets  WBEE News  Project Goal  Promethean Boards  Computer Labs  Science Labs  Literacy Room  Family Literacy  Principal's Book Club  Buddy Reading  Nestles' Very Best Volunteers  Student Newsletter  Beta Club  Student Council  Peer Tutoring Program  Bee Proud Assemblies  Black History Program  Dare Program  D.A.R Writing Contest  Veteran's Day Program All Star Readers

PARENTING: School Improvement Council  P.T.O  Family Literacy  Family Literacy Night  Fall Festival  Grandparents for Lunch  Parents in the Know meetings  Parent Volunteers  Report to the People  Nestle/Links Nutrition Program  Parent Responsive Writing  Parent Conferences  Alert Now  Science Fair Night  Annual Title I Meeting  Family Night  Back To School Night

STUDENT ACTIVITIES: Student Talent Show  Student Pledge  Principal's Advisory Committee  Spirit Day  Field Day  Yearbook Signing Day  Pass Fun Day  Writer's Gala  Good News Club  Boys & Girls Club  School Dances  Skate Night  Community Service Projects  Honors Choir  Art Academy  Morning Helper Program



Nestle Very Best Volunteers donates Health and Nutrition books to support the Bees of Character Educational Program.
Drawing from everyday experiences that make up their world, elementary students in every classroom at B.D. Lee Elementary wrote and illustrated a class book centered on character traits.
B.D. Lee Elementary students are “on board” with modeling the expectations of the School-Wide Positive Behavior Intervention Support Program. This program encourages our Creative Bees of Character to be RESPECTFUL, RESPONSIBLE, RELIABLE, and READY students at all times.

B.D. Lee Elementary receives recognition at the State House by Representative Dennis Moss and Steve Moss for receiving the State School of Character Award for its efforts to help students solve conflicts and develop good character in school. Most recently B. D. Lee has earned national recognition for receiving the “Promising Practices” award for student's efforts in expressing themselves, demonstrating knowledge of positive character skills, and writing their contribution to their character trait class books.