Greenville County Schools Fall 2012

Look for the 2012-13 School Calendar in Connected or Call INFOLine at 355-3100 to Request a Copy. You May Also Visit Our Website at www.greenville.k12.sc.us.

First Runner-up Sherryan Yarbrough Kindergarten • Blythe Academy of Languages

Second Runner-up Rex Smith • Science League Academy of Communication Arts

2012-13 Teacher of the Year Will Ragland Drama • Woodmont High School

Third Runner-up Abigail Cook Chemistry • Wade Hampton High School

“The impact we have cannot be measured.

We pass on the gifts we have received, influence the lives of thousands of young people, and in doing so, make our own eternal mark on the progress of humanity.”

– Will Ragland Greenville Federal Credit union Honors Two

Emerging

Teachers of the Year Elementary Level

Angie Lewis

Will Ragland

Third Grade • Skyland Elementary School

Drama • Woodmont High School

A Perfect Fit

Straight out of Davidson College with a degree in Studio Art, Will Ragland began performing in community theatre productions. His outstanding performance as Fagin in the production of Oliver! caught the eye of a school district employee, who encouraged him to apply for a related arts teaching position at an elementary school. “I became a teacher, almost by accident, and the job turned out to be a perfect fit,” said Will.

Since that time, this newly-named Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year has made great contributions to his school, community, and most importantly, to the drama students he teaches every day at Woodmont High School.

Ragland says his role as a teacher takes many forms, including coach, counselor, motivational speaker, therapist, entertainer, and second father.

“It is a role that is both scripted and improvised, depending on the response of the audience, and it’s ever-developing,” he explained. “We have our flops and our rave reviews, but the goal is always to improve and have a better performance tomorrow.”

One of Will’s most rewarding experiences was working with a student who had high-functioning autism, which caused him great pain growing up and made it difficult for him to connect with his peers socially. “I heard that he had some experience in plays in middle school and encouraged him to audition for one of our productions. That lit the spark for a transformation in him that was hard to believe,” said Will.

By his senior year, this student had been featured in every production and had become a self-confident, articulate leader who feared no theatrical challenge. He is now a student at Winthrop University

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and plans to major in theatre education and become a teacher. “He is the perfect example of the rewards I find in teaching,” Will said.

Ragland describes theatre as powerful, magical, collaborative, and fun. He uses these attributes to encourage students to stay in school and graduate. “When I see a student walk across the stage at graduation and I know that I have taken a part in making that a reality, I feel a great sense of fulfillment. When I see one of my students discover a talent they never knew they had or find something that they love so much that they pursue it in college, it’s one of the best feelings in the world,” he explained.

As Greenville County Schools Teacher of the Year, Will’s message is simple: Donate your time, talent, and money. He believes public schools need the full support of all members of the community, and schools need the physical presence of their communities. “I would encourage businesses and communities to get involved in their neighborhood schools and take a truly active part in public education,” said Will.

In addition to a bachelor’s degree in Studio Art, Will earned a master’s degree this year in Theatre Production from Central Washington University. He has had many opportunities to showcase his own talent with performances at local community theatres. He has played lead roles including Buddy Holly, Atticus Finch, Dr. Frank-n-Furter, Willy Wonka, Captain Hook, Sweeney Todd, and Scrooge. He was named a 2010 Greenville First’s Best and Brightest 35 and Under, and is active in the South Carolina Theatre Association.

His students have earned state and regional awards for their performances for the past three years.

Congratulations Will Ragland, 2012-13 Teacher of the Year!

While working as a kindergarten assistant, Angie Lewis felt the calling to return to school to earn a teaching degree. She began her teaching career as a second grade teacher, but when the school needed another third grade teacher last year, she made the transition seamlessly and strengthened both teams in the process. Mrs. Lewis makes a difference in the lives of students by gladly and consistently going the extra mile.

She extends her instruction to the home by educating parents in the use of Accelerated Reader and Compass Odyssey. She meets with students and parents during student-led conferences to set individualized goals. Mrs. Lewis participates in the SmART Arts Integration program, which allows her to bring guest artists into the classroom.

Secondary Level

Adrienne Johnston Spanish • Riverside Middle School

Described as a “natural teacher,” Adrienne Johnston is professional beyond her young years. Her enthusiasm for teaching Spanish creates a fun, supportive, and interesting learning environment for her students.

By using cultural items from her studies in Spain, she creates an authentic environment where subject matter becomes more relevant and helps bring the language to life. In fact, the requests to take Spanish have increased significantly since she began teaching.

Ms. Johnston serves as the Student Council Advisor, organizing the school dances and spirit weeks while supervising students, managing parent volunteers, hanging decorations, selling tickets, and creating excitement around the school. She also volunteers as a translator for IEPs and parent conferences.

“My role is not only to offer the best educational opportunities I can in the classroom, but also to offer families the skills and confidence to promote positive learning experiences in the home. Certainly there is a great need for young children and their families to discover, to be captivated by, and to experience success in the exciting world of learning. I have no doubt that this need is where I meet my greatest joy.”

- Sherryan Yarbrough

First Runner-Up

Second Runner-Up

Rex Smith

Science League Academy of Communication Arts

Sherryan Yarbrough Kindergarten Blythe Academy of Languages

Third Runner-Up

Abigail Cook

Chemistry Wade Hampton High School

“I empower my students with a sense of responsibility to self and community. I model responsibility by being an active, contributing, and respectful member of our society. I connect real-life issues and problems into their learning. I realize that the way my words and actions are internalized by my students is powerful. I have the ability to hinder or enhance the learning process. It is my knowledge and use of this power that has given me the ability to become an outstanding teacher.”

- Rex Smith

“When I cross paths with former students, the conversation rarely reflects on the chemistry content covered in class. These conversations are usually geared toward what my former students are doing and how I influenced their lives. These success stories are great reminders that my responsibility goes beyond the content and filters into every facet of their lives. Helping people become successful members of society is a reward that lasts much longer than any paycheck.”

-Abigail Cook

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Matt Critell Kindergarten • Fork Shoals School

Jessica Jackson Special Education • West Greenville School

Sara Newell 4

Fifth Grade • Sterling School

Jillian Grimsley Fifth Grade • Stone Academy of Communication Arts

Brian Morgan Art • Duncan Chapel Elementary School

Jennifer Valenti Eighth Grade Spanish • Northwood Middle School

2012-13 Teachers of the Year

Greenville County Schools

Amanda LeBlanc Media Specialist A.J. Whittenberg Elem.

Tamara Miller Fifth Grade Math Alexander Elementary

Lisa Payne Third Grade Armstrong Elementary

Meg Plexico Second Grade Augusta Circle Elementary

Christine Hughes Social Studies Beck Middle Academy

Chris Purkerson Second Grade Bell’s Crossing Elementary

Paula Prince First Grade Berea Elementary

Alisha Looper Biology Berea High

Rachel Rondon Math Berea Middle

Jennifer Murphy Fourth Grade Bethel Elementary

Tracy Jackson Special Education Blue Ridge High

Cyndi Brown Social Studies Blue Ridge Middle

La-Shella Belcher-Shell Counselor Brook Glenn Elementary

Joy Mitchell Special Education Brushy Creek Elementary

Ann Huggins Second Grade Bryson Elementary

Alicia Sloan Sixth Grade Bryson Middle

Katie Luttrell First Grade Buena Vista Elementary

Maureen McCuen Global Studies/US History Carolina High & Academy

Colleen Hinson Fifth Grade Chandler Creek Elementary

Ashleigh Sullivan First Grade Cherrydale Elementary

Linda Michaels Preschool Special Ed. Child Development Centers

Tracy Quinn Third Grade Crestview Elementary

Helen Register Career Development Donaldson Career Center

Brenda Norris English/Language Arts Donaldson MSAP

Dr. Valerie Gamble Fifth Grade Math East North Street Academy

Mary Kay Rose Counselor Eastside High

Rachael Bergstein Second Grade Ellen Woodside Elementary

Katie Ward Webpage Design Enoree Career Center

Dr. Jon Grier MusicTheory Fine Arts Center

LuAnn Bartell Second Grade Fountain Inn Elementary

Joanne Hogeboom Art Gateway Elementary

Lee Anne Ferguson Sports Medicine Golden Strip Career Center

Mollye Crowell Art Greenbrier Elementary

Kathleen Carey Media Specialist Greenville Middle Academy

Crystal Divers Social Studies Greenville Sr. High Acad.

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2012-13 Teachers of the Year

Greenville County Schools

Michael Parker Art Greer High

Gaelyn Jenkins Media Specialist Greer Middle

Patti Barker Fourth Grade Grove Elementary

Brittany Kingsbury Fourth Grade Heritage Elementary

Tim Coyle Nutrition Hillcrest High

Sharon Webb Math & Reading Assistance Hillcrest Middle

Jeffrey B. McCoy Technology Hughes Middle Academy

DeDe Heard Health Science J. Harley Bonds Career Ctr.

Cathy Duncan Peden English J.L. Mann High Academy

Margaret Bennett Second Grade Lake Forest Elementary

Edward Anderson Title I Lakeview Middle

Nancy Mankin Media Specialist Mauldin Elementary

Evelyn Ashmore Algebra Mauldin High

Gwen Hyer Counselor Mauldin Middle

Dr. Janet Brooks Special Education Mitchell Road Elementary

Amy Lewis Fourth Grade Monarch Elementary

Melissa Short Campbell Fourth Grade Monaview Elementary

Angel McCray Kindergarten Mountain View Elementary

Kathi Christy Computer Technology Northwest Middle

Kelly Curry Second Grade Oakview Elementary

Malinda Edmonston Media Specialist Pelham Road Elementary

Brian Luzadder Fifth Grade Plain Elementary

Shannon Goff Science Ralph Chandler Middle

Linda Kirkland English Riverside High

Maisie Hansen Language Arts Riverside Middle

Colleen Finley First Grade Robert E. Cashion Elem.

Catherine Osborne Kindergarten Rudolph G. Gordon Elem.

Jeremy Sauceman Fifth Grade Sara Collins Elementary

Ginger Barbare Science Sevier Middle

Sharon Clyborne First Grade Simpsonville Elementary

Mark Klein Third Grade Skyland Elementary

Glenn Roberts Fifth Grade Slater-Marietta Elementary

Raina Farrell English Southside High Academy

Beth Jennings First Grade Sue Cleveland Elementary

Scott Shea Physical Education Summit Drive Elementary

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2012-13 Teachers of the Year

School Teachers of the Year

The process of selecting the ten finalists began last fall when schools and centers selected their individual Teachers of the Year. Applications were first reviewed by a Screening Committee. Five judges then selected the Top Ten finalists and the District Teacher of the Year.

How Are the Finalists Chosen?

Each Top Ten candidate for Greenville County Teacher of the Year is judged on nine areas including those on his or her application form, a classroom visit, and an oral review.

In the classroom, judges observe the teacher’s command of subject matter, classroom environment, communication skills, enthusiasm, creativity, and classroom management skills. During the interview, candidates are judged on his or her use of effective communication skills, organization of response, knowledge and command of subject matter, and substance and relevance of response.

2012-13 judges were: Dr. Temi Bidjerano, Furman University; Mr. Herb Johnson, Michelin North America; Dr. Betty McConaghy, retired school administrator; Mrs. Fanya Paouris, former Greenville and South Carolina Teacher of the Year; and Mr. Tobin Wolverton, The Rotary Club of Greenville.

Avis Canty Special Education Tanglewood Middle

Jennifer Farr Second Grade Taylors Elementary

Alicia Keller Counselor Thomas E. Kerns Elem.

Jennifer Bartlett Speech Therapy Tigerville Elementary

Suzanne Lafaye Special Education Travelers Rest High

Sarah Ashworth Special Education Washington Center

Sara Awtrey Fourth Grade Welcome Elementary

Maxie Preshia Social Studies West Greenville MSAP

Libby Riddle Special Education Westcliffe Elementary

Corley Lollis First Grade RTI Woodland Elementary

Mary Alice Pinkley Media Specialist Woodmont Middle

Teachers of the Year Recognized by Local Businesses

The announcement naming Will Ragland the 2012-2013 Greenville County Teacher of the Year was made August 17 during a Teacher of the Year breakfast. Special awards and prizes were provided for the top Greenville County teacher and other honorees.

Greenville County Schools Board of Trustees Seated, left to right: Glenda Morrison-Fair, Lisa Wells, Tommie Reece, Lynda Leventis-Wells, Megan Hickerson. Standing, left to right: Danna Rohleder, Dr. Crystal Ball O’Connor, Pat Sudduth, Roger Meek, Chuck Saylors, Debi Bush, Leola Robinson-Simpson.

Roger D. Meek 2012 Board Chairman W. Burke Royster Superintendent The 2012-13 Teachers of the Year insert was produced by the Communications Department of Greenville County Schools.

301 E. Camperdown Way • P.O. Box 2848 • Greenville, SC 29602 INFOLine 864-355-3100 • www. greenville.k12.sc.us The School District of Greenville County does not discriminate on the basis of age, race, sex, color, handicap, religion, or national origin in its dealings with employees, students, the general public, applicants for employment, educational programs, activities, or access to its facilities. For concerns, call the General Counsel at 355-8866.

Emerging Teacher of the Year • Greenville Federal Credit Union - $500 for Teachers’ Schools, $500 for Teachers All Teachers of the Year • Plaque (Awarded in August) • Bank of Travelers Rest – Embroidered Tote Bag (Awarded in May) Top Ten Finalists • Cowart Awards - Engraved Acrylics • Eplee & Associates – Book Store Gift Certificates • Expressions Unlimited – Flowers • Herff Jones Company – Teacher of the Year Paperweights • Sam’s Club - Goody Bag of School Supplies

Runners Up • Greenville Rotary Club – Cash Awards Teacher of the Year • Cowart Awards – Engraved Acrylic • Expressions Unlimited – Bouquet • Greenville Journal - Dinner Gift Certificate • Greenville News – One-Year Subscription • Greenville Rotary Club – Cash Award • Herff Jones Company – Special Teacher of the Year Pin or Ring • Michelin North America – Set of 4 Michelin Tires • Pepsi-Cola Bottling Company - $500 • Sam’s Club - $1,000 Grant and a Banner • Soby’s – Dinner for Two

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