Sumter School District Welcome Guide 2019-2020

2019-2020

Sumter School District

Welcome Guide

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Welcome Sumter School District is pleased to partner with The Sumter Item to provide the 20192020 Welcome Guide. This magazine features a variety of insightful information about our schools and the community at large for our Sumter parents, students, school district employees and stakeholders. It is truly an honor and privilege to serve the students of Sumter as your new superintendent.

I am eager and excited to begin the 2019-2020 school year as we focus on the accomplishments from previous years and continue build on those successes during the upcoming year.

We work diligently to help all students to develop the worldclass skills, life and career characteristics of the Profile of the SC Graduate by equipping them to be responsible, successful and productive citizens in a global society. We focus on student achievement by ensuring challenging curricula and high expectations. Gaining reaccreditation by AdvancEd, the organization that conducts rigorous, on-site external reviews of schools and school systems to ensure all learners realize their full potential, is evidence of our academic success and continuous improvement.

Our academic programs address rigorous standards in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies.

Research-based best practices focus on problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Data is used to plan and implement instruction to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress and set appropriate goals. A MultiTiered System of Support (MTSS) uses data-based problem solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and intervention.

The district infuses 21st Century teaching by emphasizing

from the superintendent

Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the use of digital libraries and the implementation of cutting edge technology. Our students have access to world languages, fine arts, Advanced Placement courses, college-level dual enrollment, the International Baccalaureate program and the Gifted and Talented program. Through our expansive Career and Technology Education (CATE) courses and numerous offerings at the Sumter Career and Technology Center, our students are developing career-ready skills. Sumter School District also produces well rounded students through robust athletic programs and award winning extracurricular clubs and organizations.

Our students develop life and career characteristics and soft skills through career exploration, including exposure to employers via career fairs, shadowing, work cooperatives and partnerships; efforts and events sponsored by the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and workforce readiness partners; and mentoring programs. Character development is encouraged and taught through character education, classroom guidance, small groups and intervention programs.

Sumter School District works diligently to ensure every student graduates on time and is prepared for post-secondary education, is career-ready and has the foundation to become a productive citizen.

Sumter School District remains dedicated to its mission of equipping our students to be responsible, successful and productive citizens in a global society. A strong partnership between our families, the community and school personnel greatly enhances academic progress, and we are extremely grateful for your continued support. Our theme this year, “Together Sumter: Every School, Every Student, Every Day,� communicates our commitment to providing every student with a world-class education, which will serve as a foundation for their future success.

On behalf of our Board of Trustees and the Sumter School District staff, welcome to the 2019-2020 school year.

Penelope E. Martin-Knox, Ed.D. Superintendent

2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 3

Pennsylvania

Ohio

Indiana

Illinois

West Virginia

Kansas

Missouri

Virginia

Kentucky

Ahoskie

Owensboro Oklahoma

Charlotte

Tennessee

Memphis

Athens

Greenville South

North Carolina

Wilmington Sumter

Carolina

Arkansas

Columbus

Shreveport

Richmond

Covington

Louisville

Mississippi

Decatur Augusta Alabama

Georgia

Georgetown Charleston

Louisiana

Texas

Valdosta St. Gabriel

Jacksonville

Houston Florida

Corpus Christi

Since 1986, Thompson has grown from a modest industrial service business into one of South Carolina’s largest construction and service related companies. After 31 years in business, we now serve the entire southeastern and central United States with more than 2,000 employees and four companies, covering nearly every facet of the construction and industrial service sectors. We have come a long way, but Sumter will always be our home, and we are committed to taking care of Sumter as much as we are committed to taking care of our customers.

www.thompsonsoutheast.com 100 North Main Street, Sumter, SC 29150

4 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Welcome On behalf of The Thompson Family of Companies, I am honored to welcome you to the Sumter School District. Our schools are going through a great evolution: tremendous enrichment with its educators, improved test scores with its students and a strong partnership with the community. My focus has been and will continue to be the partnership with the community.

Your children are the future of our community, not just

from Greg Thompson

intellectually but socially and economically, as well. They are the ones who will be responsible for carrying on the work we are doing now: economic development, improving the school system, creating a community others want to come to and live in. It is my goal for our public schools to be ranked in the top 10 in the state of South Carolina for educational performance. When we achieve this, then the school system will be a key economic driver for our community. I want to help create a place people want to move to and live in, to make it home. Furthermore, I want your children to choose to make it their home.

Great things are happening all over Sumter. Again, welcome and thank you for choosing to make my hometown your home!

Greg Thompson, President/CEO of Thompson Construction Group Inc. Chairman of Thompson Industrial Services LLC

Teachers listen during a workshop for E3, a professional development conference hosted by the district and sponsors such as Thompson.

For more information on E3, find a video produced by The Sumter Item's Studio Sumter at the school district's and The Item's website.

2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 5

Welcome from

The Sumter Item On behalf on The Sumter Item, I’d like to welcome you to the 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide. As the Sumter region’s leader in media for 125 years, we are glad you are here.

Inside these pages and throughout this school year, you will see complete and vibrant coverage of each of our local schools through The Sumter Item. From features on exceptional student achievement to explanations of complex budget issues to videos on unique programs in our schools, our mission as Sumter’s premier media company is to keep you informed and entertained.

The Sumter Item of today is more than just a newspaper. Studio Sumter, the video wing of our media operation, produces shows such as Sumter Today. Sumter Today, posted Monday through Friday at TheItem.com and Facebook.com/theitem, highlights some of the great things happening throughout our community, including much of the progress being made inside our schools.

Our popular local sports coverage is also on display daily inside our newspaper, as well as on our website and social media. Follow The Item Sports across our social pages for exciting, expanding coverage of our local teams throughout this 2019-2020 school year.

If you have not already, please consider subscribing to our local print and digital coverage at The Sumter Item.

You can do so by calling our office at (803) 774-1200, visiting theitem.com/subscribe or finding a rip-out insert inside these pages.

I’d also like to thank our incredible local business partners. Throughout these pages, you will see many of the people and businesses committed to helping build our school system and a better Sumter.

It is an exciting time to be in Sumter. I hope you enjoy this magazine.

Vince Johnson Publisher, The Sumter Item 6 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

What's inside About Sumter School District.....................................8 District Administration Contacts................................9 First Day of School Information................................ 12 Food and Nutrition.................................................... 14 Inclement Weather Procedures................................ 16 Fire Safety.................................................................. 17 School Directory and Principals............................... 18 Sumter School District Board of Trustees............... 20 School Board Districts..............................................24 Sumter Education Foundation................................. 26 Career Readiness......................................................28 Partners in Education............................................... 30 School Safety............................................................. 31 Points of Pride...........................................................32 Teacher of the Year Finalists.................................... 34 Campus Teachers of the Year....................................35 School Calendar....................................................... 42

Stay Connected Mail: 1345 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 469-6900 Fax: (803) 469-3769 Website: www.sumterschools.net Follow us: Facebook.com/ SumterSCSchools Twitter.com/SumterSCSchools

About this publication The 2019-20 Sumter School District Welcome Guide is a partnership between The Sumter Item, the school district's Public Information Office and Thompson Family of Companies. Copyright 2019, The Sumter Item, Sumter School District

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Who we are Mission The mission of Sumter School District is to equip students to be responsible, successful and productive citizens in a global society.

Vision Sumter School District will educate all students to embrace diversity, act responsibly and contribute positively in a competitive, global society.

Motto To Educate, Empower and Enrich!

Values and Beliefs • Commitment to Excellence: Educational excellence

requires that all stakeholders strive for continual growth and improvement.

• Unyielding Ethical Standards: Build and maintain an abiding sense of honor and integrity that is characterized by high

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standards.

• Accountability: All stakeholders are accountable for their actions and will be responsive to the needs of others.

• Educating the Whole Child: All students are granted the opportunity to succeed based on individual needs.

• Providing a Safe Learning Environment: Students have the right to learn in an environment conducive to learning.

• Collaboration and Support among Stakeholders: Pervasive and valuable collaborative efforts create meaningful strategies and solutions.

Sumter School District does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, or age in admission to, treatment in, or employment in its programs and activities.

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Who to call SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900 Sumterschools.net

Dr. Penelope Martin-Knox, Superintendent Ext. 100 Penelope.martinknox@sumterschools.net

Amy Hansen, Administrative Manager to Superintendent and Board of Trustees Ext. 100 Amy.hansen@sumterschools.net

Dr. Brenda Hafner, Assistant Superintendent for Leadership and School Excellence Ext. 103 Brenda.hafner@sumterschools.net

Jennifer Miller, Chief Finance Officer Ext. 312 Jennifer.miller@sumterschools.net

Dr. John Koumas, Chief Human Resources Officer Ext. 208 John.koumas@sumterschools.net

Shelly Galloway, Executive Director of Communication and Community Engagement Ext. 105 Shelly.galloway@sumterschools.net

Dr. Jadé McLeod, Executive Director of Instruction Ext. 516 Jade.mcleod@sumterschools.net

Arthena Woods, Director of Title I Ext. 509 Arthena.woods@sumterschools.net

Arpad Jonas, Executive Director of Information Systems and Technology Ext. 132 Arpad.jonas@sumterschools.net

MAINTENANCE/WAREHOUSE Clyde Chan, Director of Maintenance 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, 29150 Phone: (803) 469-6900, ext. 602 Clyde.chan@sumterschools.net

FOOD SERVICES Leon Williams, Director of Food Services 4255 Peach Orchard Road Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: (803) 499-5950, ext. 109 Leon.williams@sumterscshools.net

TRANSPORTATION SERVICES Leonard Brailsford, Area 1 Hillcrest Transportation Office (Crestwood High Feeder Schools) 4305 Peach Orchard Road Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: (803) 499-3422 Leonard.brailsford@sumterschools.net

Joshua Johnson, Area 2 Sumter High Transportation Office (Sumter High Feeder Schools) 2580 McCray’s Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 481-4480, ext. 6235 Joshua.johnson@sumterschools.net

Brian Jones, Area 3 Furman Transportation Office (Lakewood High Feeder Schools) 3400 Bethel Church Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: (803) 481-3168 or 481.3169 Brian.jones@sumterschools.net 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 9

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Attendance

is important on the 1st and all days of school

It is imperative that students attend school regularly. While some absences for illness are unavoidable, nothing can replace the educational, cultural and social contacts students experience through regular participation in class. Students with good attendance achieve more than students who are often absent. Attendance is also a major criterion in preparing students for the world of work.

According to state law, students must attend a minimum of 180 days of school a year. New state attendance requirements identify a student as absent if a student is not in attendance for at least 50% of the instructional day. Additionally, students designated as absent (regardless of the reason) for 10% or more days of instruction will be reported to the State Department of Education as chronically absent.

Written notes from the parent, guardian or attending physician must be submitted within three days after returning to school or the absence will be considered unlawful. An absence is considered lawful when it is the result of illness, death in the immediate family, emergencies and recognized religious holidays. A limited number of parent notes may be accepted at the discretion of the principal.

South Carolina law states that a student is deemed truant after three consecutive unlawful absences or a total of five unlawful absences. School attendance personnel will contact the parent/guardian regarding unlawful absences and will schedule a conference to develop cooperatively a Student Attendance Intervention Plan, as required by law.

High school students who have more than five unlawful absences in a one-unit course or three unlawful absences in a halfunit course may lose credit for the course. Absences are counted in high school and middle school by class, so students are encouraged to report promptly to every class.

If a school closes due to inclement weather, the school year may extend to allow students to make up the missed days to meet the 180 day requirement. In the event of inclement weather, school closings will be announced in The Sumter Item, on local television and radio stations and posted on the website and district Facebook page, and phone calls will be made by the Edulink system.

For further information on attendance laws, contact Coordinator of Attendance Services Maria Thomas at (803) 469-6900, extension 414.

New Student Registration Information Parents who plan to enroll their child in Sumter School District for the first time are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to avoid last minute crowds. Parents may register their child in the school zoned for their residence during regular school hours.

Persons unsure of their school zone may contact the districtâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s attendance office at (803) 469-6900, ext. 414.

Children must be 4 or 5 on or before Sept. 1 to enroll in pre-kindergarten or kindergarten, respectively. State law mandates that children ages five to 17 must be in school.

Upon registration, parents are required to provide school personnel with the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s official birth certificate or other proof of name and age, proof of residence, and the SC Immunization Form (DHEC 2740).

The district recommends parents of children transferring from another school district also bring the childâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s latest report card.

Children transferring from out of state must have their health certificate information on a South Carolina form. Parents must take out-of-state certificates to a doctor or clinic in South Carolina to have the information transferred to the correct form.

12 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

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Mondays @ 7 pm

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& Food Nutrition All schools in Sumter School District offer well-balanced and nutritious breakfasts and lunches in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. A standard breakfast will include a protein such as sausage, cheese, or egg, low-fat milk, fruit or fruit juice and a variety of whole wheat grains (bread). The standard lunch includes a choice of meat or other protein, at least two vegetables, fruit or fruit juice, whole wheat grains (bread) and milk. Middle and high school students also have a la carte options.

All lunch and breakfast meals in Sumter School District are free of charge to all students. No meal applications are required or will be accepted. Lunches are available for purchase for those who do not want to accept a free meal. Students use a personal ID number to account for their meals and allow their individual account balances to be maintained for a la carte meals. Parents may put money on their studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s account by the quarter or through the entire school year.

For questions regarding the school food service program, contact Leon Williams, director of food and nutrition services, at (803) 499-5950, ext. 109.

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Inclement

Weather Procedures During periods of unsafe weather conditions when it may be questionable to hold school, the school district has several options including closing school, opening schools one hour late or opening schools two hours late.

Decisions for any of these options will be announced to the public no later than 5 a.m. on the day in question on the following local radio and television stations: WIBZ 95.5 FM, WKHT 93.7 FM, WICI 94.7 FM and WDXY 1240 AM. The television stations used are WIS TV 10, WOLO TV 25, WBTW 13, WACH 6, and WLTX TV 19. Information will also be announced on the Sumter School District website, Facebook page and Twitter page and through The Sumter Item at TheItem.com.

Parents will also be notified by telephone through Edulink. Please make sure your child's school has your correct contact information.

Announcements are only made if there is a delay or closing.

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Fire Safety

Sumter School District works with the Sumter Fire adult. Fire drills are a good opportunity to identify who Department to run fire drills in schools and make sure among the student population requires extra assistance. students and staff know safe exits and procedures in the While it's important to make sure students leave the case of an emergency. building as quickly as possible, order is more important than speed when it comes to conducting a safe fire drill.

Safety tips from the Sumter Fire Department Once everyone has safely exited the building, they should On the day of a drill, the emergency drill alarm should be remain outside at a predetermined location until the "all sounded on the school fire alarm system. Make sure that clear" has been given to re-enter the school. everyone can recognize the sound of the alarm and knows Use rosters to ensure every student is accounted for. what to do when it sounds.

Fire drills should be held both at expected and at Teachers, officials and staff should be familiar with the unexpected times and under varying conditions to simulate school's fire protection system, including the location of the conditions that can occur in an actual emergency. fire alarm pull stations and sprinklers.

School fire drills are a model for students to use in their On the day of the fire drill, everyone in the school should homes. Encourage students to practice their escape plans participate. at home — just as they do at school.

Students with specific needs should be assigned an

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School Directory Alice Drive Elementary

Lemira Elementary

Suzanna Foley, Principal 251 Alice Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0857 Fax: 775-7580 http://ade.sumterschools.net

Dr. Vanessa Canty, Principal 952 Fulton St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0658 Fax: 778-2730 http://lme.sumterschools.net

Cherryvale Elementary

Manchester Elementary

Dr. Henrietta Green, Principal 1420 Furman Drive Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 494-8200 Fax: 494-8233 http://ces.sumterschools.net

Dr. Joan Tye, Principal 200 E. Clark St. Pinewood, SC 29125 Phone: 452-5454 Fax: 452-5423 http://mes.sumterschools.net

Crosswell Drive Elementary

Millwood Elementary

Dr. Shawn Hagerty, Principal 301 Crosswell Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0679 Fax: 778-2857 http://cde.sumterschools.net

Dr. Cornelius Leach, Principal 24 Pinewood Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0648 Fax: 436-2987 http://mwe.sumterschools.net

High Hills Elementary

Oakland Primary

Dr. Mary Kay Norton, Principal 1705 Frierson Road Shaw AFB, SC 29152 Phone: 499-3327 Fax: 499-9553 http://hhes.sumterschools.net

Josh Campbell, Principal 5415 Oakland Drive Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 499-3366 Fax: 499-3361 http://ops.sumterschools.net

Kingsbury Elementary

Pocalla Springs Elementary

Phillip Jackson, Principal 825 Kingsbury Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 775-6244 Fax: 775-7021 http://kbe.sumterschools.net

Michelle Curry-McBride, Principal 2060 Bethel Church Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-5800 Fax: 481-5813 http://pses.sumterschools.net

18 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy Anita Hunter, Principal 345 Eastern School Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 495-3247 Fax: 495-3211 http://redcpa.sumterschools.net

Rafting Creek Elementary Jennifer Howard, Principal 4100 Hwy. 261 North Rembert, SC 29128 Phone: 432-2994 Fax: 425-7386 http://rces.sumterschools.net

Shaw Heights Elementary Dr. Melissa Morris, Principal 1495 Frierson Road Shaw AFB, SC 29152 Phone: 666-2335 Fax: 666-3719 http://shes.sumterschools.net

Wilder Elementary David Wright, Principal 975 S. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 773-5723 Fax: 778-2918 http://wld.sumterschools.net

Willow Drive Elementary Preston Spratt, Principal 26 Willow Drive Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 773-5796 Fax: 778-2847 http://wde.sumterschools.net

Alice Drive Middle

Crestwood High School

Jeannie Pressley, Principal 40 Miller Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0821 Fax: 778-2929 http://adm.sumterschools.net

Dr. Shirley Gamble, Principal 2000 Oswego Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 469-6200 Fax: 469-7678 http://chs.sumterschools.net

Bates Middle

Lakewood High School

Dr. Ayesha Hunter, Principal 715 Estate St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 775-0711 Fax: 775-0715 http://bms.sumterschools.net

Cedric McKnight, Principal 350 Old Manning Road Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 506-2700 Fax: 506-2712 http://lhs.sumterschools.net

Chestnut Oaks Middle

Sumter High School

Dr. Maggie Wright, Principal 1200 Oswego Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 775-7272 Fax: 775-7601 http://coms.sumterschools.net

Nicholas Pearson, Principal 2580 McCrays Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-4480 Fax: 481-4021 http://shs.sumterschools.net

Ebenezer Middle

Brewington Academy

Marlene De Wit, Principal 3440 Ebenezer Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 469-8571 Fax: 469-8575 http://ems.sumterschools.net

Robert Barth, Principal 4300 E. Brewington Road Sumter, SC 29153 Phone: 495-8069 Fax: 495-8068 http://ba.sumterschools.net

Furman Middle

Sumter Career and Technology Center

Michael Riggins, Principal 3400 Bethel Church Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-8519 Fax: 481-8923 http://fms.sumterschools.net

Hillcrest Middle Tarsha Staggers, Principal 4355 Peach Orchard Road Dalzell, SC 29040 Phone: 499-3341 Fax: 499-3353 http://hms.sumterschools.net

Dr. Shirrie Miller, Principal 2612 McCray's Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154 Phone: 481-8575 Fax: 481-4232 http://sctc.sumterschools.net

Sumter Adult Education Sharon Teigue, Director 905 N. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: 778-6432 Fax: 775-4665 *All phone and fax numbers are area code 803.

2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 19

Board of Trustees

Contact Info

Rev. Daryl F. McGhaney, Clerk

Ralph W. Canty Sr., D.Min., Chairman

J. Frank Baker, Ed.D., Vice-Chairman

Area 6 312 S. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 775-2263/Home (803) 773-3323/Office ralph.canty@sumterschools.net

Member At-Large Seat 8 8670 Black River Road Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 968-5901/Cell Jfrankbaker49@gmail.com frank.baker@sumterschools.net

Area 5 9770 Lynches River Road Lynchburg, SC 29080 (803) 437-2797/Home (803) 436-2343/Office vivian1@ftc-i.net daryl.mcghaney@sumterschools.net

Brian L. Alston

Sherril P. Ray

Area 1 3385 N. Kings Hwy. 261 Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 572-1938/Cell alston4sc@gmail.com brian.alston@sumterschools.net

Area 2 528 Mimosa Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 491-7628/Cell sherril.ray@sumterschools.net

Matthew “Mac” McLeod

John B. Hilton Jr., Ph.D. (Johnny)

Barbara R. Jackson Doctor of Pedagogy

Area 4 2691 Wedgefield Road Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 468-4054/Cell johnny.hilton@sumterschools.net

Robin D. Mills, USAF

Deputy Director for Installation Support Shaw AFB Representative 504 Shaw Drive, Suite 2091 Shaw AFB, SC 29152 (803) 895-1397/Office Robin.Mills@us.af.mil

20 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Area 7 1510 Reedroman Road Sumter, SC 29153 (803) 316-5879/Cell barbarar.jackson@sumterschools.net

Amy Hansen Administrative Manager to the Superintendent and Board 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900, ext. 100 amy.hansen@sumterschools.net

Area 3 2985 Bruce Circle Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 938-2701/Cell mac.mcleod@sumterschools.net

Shawn T. Ragin Member At-Large Seat 9 3835 Quiet Court Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 464-6859/Cell Shawnragin89@gmail.com shawn.ragin@sumterschools.net

Penelope Martin-Knox, Ed.D., Superintendent 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900, ext. 100 penelope.martinknox@sumterschools.net

About the board Sumter School District is governed by nine elected members of the Board of Trustees. Seven members represent single member districts throughout Sumter, and two are members at-large. The board members are an important aspect of the district leadership. The board sets policy, approves the budget, works with the Sumter County Legislative Delegation and Sumter County Council on issues of importance to the schools and oversees the efficient operation of the District.

The board is committed to the education of students to the best of their individual abilities; to a constant awareness of the concerns and desires of the community regarding the quality and performance of the school system, with the board assuming an educational leadership role; to the employment of a superintendent who will see that the district maintains a position as an outstanding school system and under whose leadership the school personnel will carry out the policies of the board; and to the continued improvement of the district schools for the benefit of its students and their improved academic achievement.

Additionally, the board’s goals are as follows: • Communicate the educational expectations and aspirations of the community through the formulation of policies that stimulate the learner and the learning process; • Manage the school system in accordance with board policy; • Provide leadership that will help ensure the goals and objectives of the school system can be effectively carried out; • Maintain two-way communication with various publics served by the schools in order to interpret public attitudes, to identify policies and procedures of the schools and encourage public involvement with and understanding of the schools; • Evaluate the data appropriate for the management functions of planning, evaluating, organizing and implementing the goals and objectives of the district; and • Demonstrate fiscal responsibility and align district resources with raising student achievement.

The Board of Trustees meets publicly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. unless otherwise announced.

Special meetings are scheduled as needed.

Our board is a member of the South Carolina School Boards Association, and 100% of our members have completed the state’s orientation program.

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2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 21

2

Associate’s Degrees & Bachelor’s Degrees

13

offered through

Palmetto College

Average

class size

8

17

105+ USC Sumter

Scholarship Opportunities OVER

$

91%

of our students receive some form of financial aid

NJCAA Athletics Teams Men’s & Women’s Tennis,

Baseball, Softball, Men’s & Women's Golf and Men’s & Women's Soccer

22 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

We enroll

Students from over

100 high schools in

South Carolina

20+

Apply Online @

uscsumter.edu and get started on your future today!

Serving the communities of our region since 1966

DARLINGTON KERSHAW

LEE FLORENCE

SUMTER

student clubs

& activities

CLARENDON

WILLIAMSBURG

University of South Carolina Sumter 200 Miller Road • Sumter, SC 29150

CALL or TEXT 803-408-7811 • USCSUMTER.EDU 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 23

Board of Trustees

Districts

*This map also represents Sumter County Council district lines.

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www.BrownsofSumter.com 24 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

Comfort Keepers love our Sumter teachers and military! ®

We offer a discount to current and retired teachers and active duty and retired military!

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1575 Airport Road Sumter, SC 29153 803-469-8010 www.bd.com 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 25

Sumter Education

Foundation

Established in 2012, the Sumter Education Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm for Sumter School District.

They operate independently from the school district under a separate Board of Directors. The Foundation is a chartered corporation in South Carolina and is tax-exempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Any gift to the Foundation provides a corresponding tax liability deduction from State and Federal income taxes (Taxpayer Identification # 57-0963633). All donations received are for the exclusive use of Sumter School District based on priorities established by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. This commitment includes teacher innovation and recognition, student recognition, special programs/projects and grants for teachers. The Board of Directors acts as a fiscal agent for donors who wish to sponsor projects for schools, teachers and students. They also serve as a review committee for program ideas, gifts and grants available to schools and to individual departments, teachers, students and student groups to further the educational purposes of the Sumter Education Foundation and Sumter School District. Recognizing that the quality of education is important to the well-being of the community it serves, the Foundation Board will build upon the strong school system to ensure all students will be prepared to live, work and compete in tomorrow’s challenging workplace.

The Sumter Education Foundation embarked on a fundraising initiative to help our public schools integrate reading

Epps Orthodontics K9-5K Benefiting Sumter’s SPCA All proceeds go directly to the Sumter SPCA

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across the curriculum. Their goal is to raise $500,000 to purchase sets of 500 books for each classroom library and other resources to support literacy in our classrooms as required in the Read to Succeed Act that was recently signed into law.

A classroom library is the heartbeat of a teacherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s environment. It is the window into an educatorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s own personality, and it communicates the importance of literacy in the classroom. A large, varied and oftenrefreshed collection of books in the classroom improves reading performance in all subject areas.

In addition, the more time children spend reading, the better readers they become.

Help us build a community of readers one book at a time. Thank you for your support!

For more information, visit www.sefoundation.sumterschools.net.

2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 27

Career Readiness Sumter School District exposes students in grades K-12 to college and career readiness information. At the elementary level, students participate in career awareness activities; middle school students participate in career exploration activities, such as interest and values assessments and the 8th grade Individual Graduation Plan conference; and in high school, students receive career guidance services to include interest skills and values assessments, job shadowing opportunities, internships, youth apprenticeships and cooperative learning opportunities that support choosing a cluster and major within the curriculum frameworks as part of their annual Individual Graduation Plan Conference. At all levels, CATE/Career Specialists sponsor field studies, which are different from field trips in that the field study is intended to expose students to career-related information relevant to their age group. These activities are all in accordance with the Education and Economic Development Actâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s (EEDA) initiative of Personal Pathways to Success. Some of the programs used are the Microburst Employability Skills program and South Carolina Information System. Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a coordinated, sponsored, coherent sequence of workplace experiences that are related to studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; career goals and/or interests, are based on instructional preparation and are performed in partnership with local businesses, industries or other organizations in the community. WBL enables students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world business or service-oriented work environment.

Every step along the Pathway is crucial to making each student's future a success.

Employment: Career Advancement

Continuing education and lifelong learning

Post-secondary: Career Preparation

Achieving credentials: college, certification, apprenticeships, military

9-12: Career Preparation

Academics and techincal courses, intensive guidance, individual graduation plans

8: Transition

Choosing a cluster of study and major (can change easily at any time)

6-8: Career Exploration Discovering interest areas

K-5: Career Awareness

Introduction to the world of careers

28 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

P ROVIDING THE S ERVICES YOU N EED.

McLeod Health Clarendon is here to provide you and your family with the highest-quality healthcare available. Our highly-skilled physicians and medical staff provide a wide range of medical services designed to meet the unique needs of the communities we serve.

• Cardiology • Cardiopulmonary Care • Emergency Department & EMS • Health & Fitness Center & Spa • Home Health • Hospice • Imaging - Mammography - CT & MRI • Infusion Services • Intensive Care Unit (ICU) • Laboratory

• McLeod Safe Kids • Occupational Health • Orthopedics • Paramedic Program • Pediatrics • Plastic & Reconstructive Surgery • Podiatry • Rehabilitation: - Cardiac - Physical - Occupational & Speech Therapy

• Sleep Lab • Surgical Services • Swing Bed Program • Urology • Women’s Services - Maternity Care - Midwifery - Pelvic Health • Wound Care

McLeod Health Clarendon Most major insurance and Medicaid and Medicare are accepted.

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2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 29

Partners in

Education

The Sumter Partners In Education program is a joint venture between the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce and Sumter’s public and private schools. By establishing and maintaining creative, quality partnerships to support Sumter’s schools, our community is making a positive difference for Sumter’s children. Individuals, businesses and groups are all instrumental in the success of our partnership efforts.

No business or organization is too large or small to serve as a partner. Each can contribute in a variety of ways, all of which are integral in ensuring each student receives the best education possible. Partner activities include financial contributions, in-kind donations and services, sponsorship of events and awards, attendance and academic incentives, internships, volunteering and mentoring. In turn, schools offer the partners what they can in order to make the partnership truly beneficial for all involved.

Partnerships not only benefit students and schools, they also strengthen and provide advantages to the community.

Today’s students will be the workforce of tomorrow. By investing in students’ education, the local community is essentially investing in itself to ensure its success for tomorrow.

If you are interested in becoming a community partner or adopting a school, please contact Shelly Galloway, executive director of communication and community engagement, at (803) 469-6900, ext. 105. Become a Sumter Partner In Education, and help make students’ dreams come true.

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School Safety

The first and most important priority of Sumter School District is the safety of our students and staff. Certainly in this day and age, we can never be absolutely protected against all circumstances, but we do educate our students and staff throughout the year and rely on our parents to help us ensure we reinforce our own safety procedures.

Our joint emergency action plans were developed in accordance with state and federal best practices and in partnership with local public safety professionals. Law enforcement is a partner in the annual review of the plans, and they evaluate our implementation of emergency drills and provide training for school staff as requested. The review of our plans reveal strengths and weaknesses, and, in some cases, procedures are revised or enhanced.

Each joint emergency action plan at the school level helps prepare school sites on lockdown drills, evacuation procedures, natural disaster precautions and communication with families, students, parents and communities during a crisis. School safety procedures also address the access of our buildings by the public. A variety of drills are conducted on a regular basis. Training in school safety for school staff takes place throughout the year, and the school district also provides immediate crisis response training for the Disturbance Intervention Response teams and the Mental Health Support teams.

Again, the safety and security of our students and staff is a top priority at all times in Sumter School District. Working together, we can ensure that the educational process is allowed to continue in the safe, uninterrupted environment that our children deserve.

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2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 31

Points of • Accredited by the AdvancED Accreditation Commission

Pride • STEAM schools

• 11 AVID Schools

• More than 80 National Board Certified teachers

• Five Leader in Me Schools

• Palmetto Gold and Silver Award recipients

• 11 STEM Cohort Schools

• More than $19.1 million awarded in merit-based scholarships to 2019 high school seniors

• Six NMSI Schools

• Drop-out rate below the state average • Advanced Placement scores above the national average • International Baccalaureate (IB) Diploma Programme at Sumter High School • Alice Drive Middle School, nationally accredited STEM school • Lakewood High School, Grammy Signature School

• Four ABC Sites • National and state recognition for academic, fine arts and athletic programs • More than $200,000 in classroom library books donated to schools through Sumter Education Foundation • Ben Carson Reading Rooms at R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy, Shaw Heights Elementary and Manchester Elementary

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1011 Broad St.

773-6011

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775-4712

SINCE

R FOREVE

• State Teacher of the Year Finalist • P artners in Education initiative for mentors and community partners • Principal for the Day • One-to-Global Technology Initiative • Universal free breakfast and lunch • Full day pre-kindergarten program • Multi Tiered System of Support (MTSS) program • Open Enrollment program • Air Force Junior ROTC at all high schools

• Career and Technology Education (CATE) in middle and high schools in addition to programs offered at the Sumter Career and Technology Center • Environmental centers located at all three high schools • Talented and Gifted Program in all district schools • Advanced Placement courses in English language composition, calculus, studio art, U.S. History and chemistry • Dual Credit Courses with USC Sumter and Central Carolina Technical College

• Extensive offerings for extracurricular, athletic and fine arts programs

• Early College Program through USC Sumter

• Special programs: Mild Intellectual Disabilities, Moderate Intellectual Disabilities, Specific Learning Disability, Emotional and Behavioral Disorder, Blind/Low Vision, Orthopedically Disabled, Deaf/Hard of Hearing, Communication Disorder

• Comprehensive guidance

• Adult Education Program • School psychologists and social workers • Alternative programs for at-risk youth • Service learning

SUMTER FAMILY YMCA WHERE KIDS CAN BE KIDS

Out of school time: Afterschool: elementary and middle Kids’ Day Out Holiday Care

Additional youth programming: Church League Basketball Year - Round Swim Lessons Gymnastics - Recreation and Team Spring Soccer Spring Volleyball Birthday Parties Swim Team Prince and Princess Ball Teen Fitness and Lifting Program Kids’ Night Out Summer Camps Find us at 510 Miller Rd in Sumter or at www.ymcasumter.org Contact us at 803-773-1404 or www.facebook/ymcasumter

Friday Night Open Gym - Gymnastics

2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 33

Teacher of the Year

Finalists Mary Ann Scott is a reading interventionist and has 30 years of service to education. She has taught at Millwood Elementary for the past 29 years. Being a teacher has afforded her the opportunity to build countless relationships with students, families and colleagues that span the globe. These friendships and relationships are treasures that she holds very dear. Mary Annâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s 30 years in teaching have provided her with a life of fulfillment. Teaching has been a vital part of her life that has been blessed beyond measure.

Tanya Peckham is a first-grade teacher and as 19 years of service to education. She has taught at Wilder Elementary for the past three years. The most rewarding part of her career in education comes from the more than 350 young children who she has helped to become great readers and excited learners. She strives to create memorable teaching experiences that her students will not only be able to apply to the lesson at hand but will also take with them throughout their lives.

It is so rewarding to spark a studentâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s love for learning and cultivate a sense of wonder and awareness of the world around them. Receiving notes of gratitude from previous students and their parents makes her realize the profound impact she has had on young studentsâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; lives.

Tanya is confident that she chose the right profession and that she has truly made a difference.

Casey Barth, an eighth-grade ELA teacher, has worked in education for eight years. She has taught at Chestnut Oaks Middle School for the past five years. The most rewarding part of her career is knowing that she is making a difference in the 34 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

lives of our students. Casey knows that she is arming them with the education they need to be successful not only in education but in our society. Therefore, Casey knows that she is creating a better world for everyone.

Alice Miller has worked in education for the past 15 years and has taught at Ebenezer Middle for five years.

Alice believes her commitment to her students makes her an outstanding teacher. Even though teaching can sometimes be stressful, her love for her students career, and her desire to make a difference keeps her striving to give her students the best possible education. Each day that she is in the classroom is a learning experience for students as well as for Alice.

Matthew Wilt, an IB social studies teacher, has taught at Sumter High School for the past 10 years. His most rewarding part of teaching is seeing the success of his students, either in the classroom with him, in other areas of their curriculum and, most importantly, in their future lives. Teaching is that rare profession where we get to pour parts of ourselves into others hoping that they will go on to reach their full potential. If Matthew sees his students succeeding in either furthering their education, entering the workforce, starting a family or simply becoming good, productive people for our society, he knows that his time here inside a classroom has been both well-spent and paid off.

2019-2020 Campus

Teachers of the Year McKenzee Parrott

Lacey Thompson

Corelle Fair

Alice Drive Elementary

RE Davis CPA (Elementary)

Furman Middle

Renee Terrell

Thomas Langford

Misty Roberson

Cherryvale Elementary

RE Davis CPA (Middle)

Hillcrest Middle

Tabitha Haskins-Merkel

Lesley Casey

Melissa Wiley-Thompson

Crosswell Drive Elementary

Rafting Creek Elementary

Crestwood High School

Ryan Prescott

Jodi Lucas

Sara Byrd

High Hills Elementary

Shaw Heights Elementary

Lakewood High School

Emily Hatfield

Tanya Peckham

Matthew Wilt

Kingsbury Elementary

Wilder Elementary

Sumter High School

Jhmal Howard-Cole

Jessica Bettinger

Kia Smith

Lemira Elementary

Willow Drive Elementary

Sumter Career and Technology Center

Tara Lyles

Michael Baier

Manchester Elementary

Alice Drive Middle

Kelley King Brewington Academy

Mary Ann Scott

Tiffany Syntrell Green

Millwood Elementary

Bates Middle

Katara Stafford

Casey Barth

Oakland Primary

Chestnut Oaks Middle

Jill Bryant

Alice Miller

Pocalla Elementary

Ebenezer Middle School 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 35

You live in Sumter.

Your news should, too.

The Sumter Item brings readers online and into schools with Sumter Today.

Studio Sumter, The Sumter Itemâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s video production department, launched Sumter Today in February 2018, bringing a daily news show that features all the exciting things happening in Sumter. We often visit schools throughout Sumter School District to tell the stories of students and teachers.

We know the Sumter community because we are part of it, as are you. Help us tell Sumterâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s story.

Watch new episodes Monday - Friday.

theitem.com/studiosumter 36 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

THE 2020 CENSUS MEANS MONEY FOR OUR SCHOOLS. Sumter receives nearly $1,500 in federal funding each year per person that we can use to improve the learning opportunities for our children.

For more information about how you can incorporate the history and importance of the census into your classroom this school year, visit SumterCensus.com.

2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 37

Do You Always Want Same Day Service?

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We’ve got it!

Don’t forget to ask about our Preventive Maintenance Club!

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370 South Pike West 38 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

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Thank you for supporting Sumter’s

nationally acclaimed local news outlet It’s been a year for the books – and award plaques – at The Sumter Item.

From the content and design of the 125-year-old newspaper to video to our annual Best Of Sumter contest, our small, dedicated staff at The Item has been honored to receive a handful of different awards, both statewide and nationally.

Editor and Publisher magazine, the nation’s premier magazine for the newspaper industry, placed The Sumter Item on its 2019 list of “10 Newspapers That Do It Right” mainly for the team’s work on Studio Sumter, the paper’s video production department.

“Studio Sumter was impressive to us especially because of the size of the paper and to be able to do video with that small of a staff and at that quality,” said Nu Yang, managing editor of the magazine.

The premier video series of Studio Sumter, Sumter Today, posts a new episode every weekday to TheItem.com and was viewed more than 500,000 times in its first year. The week before that list was announced, Second Street Media, the media

industry’s leader in contests and promotions, named Best of Sumter, the paper's annual reader's choice contest, the Best Citywide Ballot in the nation in 2018.

Studio Sumter also won Best Innovation for 2018 in the S.C. Press Association’s annual PALMY Advertising Contest.

The Sumter Item’s newsroom won 13 awards from the press association for work done in 2018, ranging in honors for writing, photography, video and page design at the organization’s annual news contest.

The six first-place awards the staff took home included two episodes of Sumter Today, one feature article and three photos, one of which was named Best of the Best in its category. The four second-place awards included two for front-page design, one photo and one episode of Sumter Today. The three third-place awards included one for front-page design, one photo and one episode of Sumter Today.

We are here every day for you, our community. To improve it and to hold it accountable. Thank you for your support and trust because it takes you to make all of this possible.

Interested in subscribing?

Get $50 Off an annual print and digital subscription to The Sumter Item when you mention the Sumter School District Welcome Guide. Call (803) 774-1200 to setup your subscription. * New subscribers only. Must live in The Sumter Item delivery area. Annual subscription rate of $149 represents $50 off The Sumter Item’s regular annual subscription rate of $199.

2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide 39

#TEACHSUMTER

40 2019-2020 Sumter School District Welcome Guide

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Lakeside is an award-winning bi-monthly lifestyle magazine that features people, events and trends that are near or appeal to those who live at or around the lakes of the Midlands. From Wateree to Santee, we cover Clarendon, Sumter and Lee counties as well as Berkeley, Kershaw and Orangeburg. From hunting and fishing to hiking and everything in between that involves life outdoors, we want to tell the stories of you and your neighbors’ lives.

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We always want to hear from you.

Please email us with your story ideas or to submit photos of your time outdoors at kayla@theitem.com.

LAKESIDE L I F E O U T D O O R S F R O M WAT E R E E T O S A N T E E

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The Festival issue Everything you need to know about upcoming events in the area: ArtFields Downtown Sumter Microbrew Festival Iris Festival Mary McLeod Bethune Legacy Festival Festival on the Avenue Derby Day

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Come Explore Our Award Come Explore Come Explore Winning Private Our Award Our Award Preschool and Winning Private Winning Private Afterschoool Preschool andand Preschool Programs!

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Open 6:30am - 6:30pm • www.archway.academy