Principal's Message

Welcome to Palmetto Bays! Whether you're a returning family or joining us for the first time, we are thrilled to have you as part of the Timberwolf family.

I'm Dawn McKinney, and I'm proud to serve as the principal here at PBE. I have been the principal at PBE for the past 12 years; I have a degree in Early Childhood Education from the University of South Carolina and a Master’s degree in School Administration from Grand Canyon University. This is my 50th year in Horry County Schools. I started Kindergarten 50 years ago at the Old Conway Primary, I love HCS, there is no better place to be!

Palmetto Bays is a  CD-5 Elementary school focused on our students, our staff and our community. Our mission is Service to Students Above all Else. We believe in high expectations, child focused learning, community partnerships, and we strive to reach 95% of our students reading on grade level by the end of 3rd grade. So, if you see a teacher with a shirt that says PBE 95 on it, you know why- 95% of our students will be reading on grade level by 2030.

This year, our focus is “Together We’re Unlimited!” We’re committed to providing rigorous academics,  working together to achieve our goals and celebrating student growth. Our faculty and staff are committed to our Timberwolves and excited for the new year and new opportunities!

We know that student success is best achieved through strong partnerships between home, school, and the community. We invite you to join your teacher’s class talking points page, read our monthly newsletter, stay up to date on our schools FaceBook page and best of all just talk to your students about what is going on at school. Your voice matters, and we’re here to work together to ensure every student thrives.

Thank you for your trust and support. At PBE, Together we’re Unlimited, committed to excellence,  and we look forward to a rewarding and successful school year. Please don’t hesitate to reach out — our doors are always open.

Thank you for your support, 

Dawn McKinney

Principal- Palmetto Bays Elementary