POINTS PRIDE
2020-2021 SCHOOL YEAR
of
As a class impacted by a global pandemic, Richland One commends our Class of 2021 graduates, their families, teachers, principals and support staff for their resiliency, determination and achievements during these unprecedented times.
THE CLASS OF 2021 EARNED
$65.4 million+
In scholarships and other financial aid!
82.9%
RICHLAND ONE’S 2020 HIGH SCHOOL GRADUATION RATE WAS NOT ONLY THE HIGHEST IN THE DISTRICT’S HISTORY, IT ALSO EXCEEDED THE STATEWIDE AVERAGE FOR THE SECOND CONSECUTIVE YEAR.
195 SENIORS WERE NAMED
DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM in partnership with Midlands Technical College, more than any other district.
ALL 46 RICHLAND ONE SCHOOLS WERE NAMED TO THE 2020 NATIONAL LIST OF AMERICA’S HEALTHIEST SCHOOLS. RICHLAND ONE ESTABLISHED SC’S
RICHLAND ONE ACADEMIC ALL-STARS, AN HONOR RECOGNIZING THEIR OUTSTANDING ACADEMIC ACHIEVEMENTS. RICHLAND ONE WAS DESIGNATED AS A
PURPLE STAR SCHOOL DISTRICT BY THE SC DEPARTMENT OF EDUCATION FOR ITS COMMITMENT TO SUPPORTING MILITARY FAMILIES.
RICHLAND ONE STUDENT-ATHLETES WON 26 TEAM AND INDIVIDUAL STATE CHAMPIONSHIPS IN EIGHT SPORTS. WWW www.richlandone.org
35 Richland One students earned certificates and associate degrees through its
@RichlandOne
FIRST CERTIFIED PRE-APPRENTICESHIP PROGRAM IN PARTNERSHIP WITH APPRENTICESHIP CAROLINA.
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STUDENTS COMPLETED CAREER AND TECHNICAL EDUCATION (CTE) PROGRAMS OF STUDY. U.S. NEWS & WORLD REPORT “BEST HIGH SCHOOLS” RECOGNITION PROGRAM RANKED DREHER AND A.C. FLORA AMONG THE TOP 10 HIGH SCHOOLS IN SC. /RichlandOne
@RICHLAND.ONE
A Message from the Superintendent Dear Richland One Families, The start of a new school year is always a special time, and we are excited to have our students back in school. I have visited several schools since the 2021-2022 school year began on August 18, and our staff and students are enthusiastic and fully engaged in teaching and learning. This is the third school year that we have been impacted by the COVID-19 pandemic. Our priority has been and will continue to be protecting the health and safety of our students. As such, we are continuing to follow our COVID-19 mitigation strategies and safety protocols, including requiring students and staff to wear masks, practicing social distancing, and having plexiglass desk shields and hand sanitization stations in our classrooms. To keep you informed, we have COVID-19 updates and resources, including our COVID-19 dashboard, posted at www.richlandone.org/RestartStrong. Despite the ongoing challenges of the pandemic, we are proud of the many achievements that have been made throughout the district. Our 2021 graduation rate is 85.8 percent, which is nearly three full percentage points higher than last year’s graduation rate, the highestever graduation rate for Richland One and higher than the state average for the third consecutive year. That accomplishment represents a team effort of our students and staff. In the 2020-2021 school year, we celebrated an 82.9 percent graduation rate; $65.4 million in scholarships and other financial aid earned by the Class of 2021; the first certified pre-apprenticeship program in South Carolina; 26 state sports championships won by Richland One teams and individual student-athletes; and national recognition for all of our schools as Healthy Schools Award winners. “Going for the Goal” was the theme of our 2021 Back-toSchool Convocation. Our goal this year is for our students to regain any learning loss due to the pandemic. At the elementary level, we will have an even more intensive focus on literacy and numeracy. At the secondary level, we will accelerate our efforts to ensure that all students are college and career ready.
Spotlight ONE is published by the Richland One Office of Communications. It is mailed to parents and posted online at www.richlandone.org. Copies also are available at district schools and administrative buildings and at the Office of Communications, 1616 Richland Street, Columbia, SC 29201. For more information, call (803) 231-7504. Contributors: Karen York, Executive Director of Communications; Edith Caudle, Retired Public Information Manager; Mitch Wyatt, Web Administrator; Angela Crosland, Public Information Manager; and Gwen Etheredge, Executive Assistant
Graphic Design: Tommy Flowers, Project Design Specialist – Richland One Printing Services Photography: Mitch Wyatt (Additional Photography by Mauricio Richardson and A.C. Jackson)
We can be proud of how our students, staff and parents have made the necessary adjustments during the pandemic to ensure that teaching and learning continued despite the unprecedented and changing circumstances. Together, by remaining Richland One Strong, I know we can accomplish even greater things this year. Sincerely,
Craig Witherspoon, Ed.D. Superintendent
THE RICHLAND ONE BOARD OF SCHOOL COMMISSIONERS The seven-member Board of School Commissioners is the governing body of Richland County School District One. The Board is comprised of three at-large members and four members who represent geographic election districts. Board members are elected to serve four-year terms. Non-partisan elections are held in November of even-numbered years on a staggered basis. (NOTE: A special election will be held October 26 to fill the vacant at-large seat.) Regularly scheduled meetings of the Board are held on the second and fourth Tuesdays of each month; only one meeting is held in December and in July. Open session begins at 7:00 p.m. Board meetings are livestreamed on the district’s website (richlandone.org). They also are recorded for broadcast on R1TV (Spectrum Cable channel 1303) and posted on R1TV On Demand at richlandone.org. The Board sets aside time during each meeting for public comments. Persons who wish to address the Board may sign up to speak at the meeting. Each speaker is given three minutes.* Speakers receive a written response from the Board within five to 10 business days. The board meeting schedule, meeting agendas and minutes, and board policies are posted under the School Board tab on the district’s website. * As of September 2021, Board meetings are not open to in-person attendance by the public due to COVID-19 safety precautions. Persons who wish to address the Board may submit their comments by using the online public participation form in the drop-down menu under School Board at richlandone.org.
COMMISSIONER AARON BISHOP Chairman
Election District 1 Term expires in 2022 Voicemail: (803) 231-6984 Email: aaron.bishop@richlandone.org
COMMISSIONER CHERYL HARRIS Vice Chairwoman
Election District 4 Term expires in 2024 Voicemail: (803) 231-6981 Email: cheryl.harris@richlandone.org
ANGELA CLYBURN Secretary-Treasurer
Elected At-Large Term expires in 2024 Voicemail: (803) 231-7562 Email: angela.clyburn@richlandone.org
JAMIE L. DEVINE Parliamentarian
Election District 2 Term expires in 2024 Voicemail: (803) 231-6985 Email: jamie.devine@richlandone.org
COMMISSIONER BEATRICE KING Election District 3 Term expires in 2022 Voicemail: (803) 231-6986 Email: beatrice.king@richlandone.org
School Board Office Stevenson Administration Building 1616 Richland Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201 Hours: 8:30 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. Monday-Friday Contact: Eva Wilson Special Assistant to the Board Phone: (803) 231-7556 Fax: (803) 231-7560 Email: eva.wilson@richlandone.org
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COMMISSIONER TAMIKA MYERS Elected At-Large Term expires in 2024 Voicemail: (803) 231-7561 Email: tamika.myers@richlandone.org
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
Richland County School District One
2019-2024
STRATEGIC
PLAN OUR MISSION
We are Richland One, a leader in transforming lives through education, empowering all students to achieve their potential and dreams.
CORE VALUES COLLABORATION 1
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We believe everyone has a role to play in promoting student success, so we will embrace the diversity of our stakeholders by building an inclusive community to accomplish our goals.
EQUITY
We are fair and just in providing opportunities for success for all.
EXCELLENCE
We provide excellent educational experiences that ensure expanded opportunities for learners and prosperity for our community.
SAFETY
We provide a culture and environment of emotional, intellectual, cyber and physical safety.
COURAGE
We make bold decisions and take informed and thoughtful actions to meet present and future challenges.
COMPASSION
We respect all people by offering care and compassion with integrity.
CORE PRIORITIES Ensure equitable experiences that support educational excellence for all learners. Employ a quality professional in all positions to ensure every student receives personalized opportunities for success. Offer varied opportunities for families, stakeholders and community partners to be meaningfully engaged in supporting student success. Provide a safe, secure, supportive learning environment for all students and employees. Develop a long-range facility and technology plan to accommodate enrollment shifts as well as modernization of buildings to support learning and working efficiencies and innovation.
ACTIONS FOR IMPROVEMENT Deliver and implement a tiered system of interventions to provide students specific academic and behavioral supports to increase opportunities for success. Ensure students are reading on grade level when promoted to third grade. Develop and implement rigorous recruitment and retention processes. Increase kindergarten readiness for potential students of Richland One. Provide opportunities for all graduates of Richland One to be considered college and career ready as defined by the Profile of a South Carolina Graduate. Develop and execute organizational efficiencies by developing and implementing systems and processes to support the work of the district.
DIRECTORY OF SCHOOLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOLS Arden Elementary 1300 Ashley Street Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 735-3400 Principal: Dr. Timothy Blackwell Enrollment: 237 Grades: PreK-5
Gadsden Elementary 1660 South Goodwin Circle Gadsden, SC 29052 Telephone: 353-2231 Principal: David Thorpe Enrollment: 144 Grades: PreK-5
Pine Grove Elementary 111 Huffstetler Drive Columbia, SC 29210 Telephone: 214-2380 Principal: Dr. Tracy Pickett Enrollment: 540 Grades: PreK-5
Bradley Elementary 3032 Pine Belt Road Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone 738-7200 Principal: Kezia Myers Enrollment: 376 Grades: PreK-5
Hopkins Elementary 6120 Cabin Creek Road Hopkins, SC 29061 Telephone: 783-5541 Principal: Audrey White-Garner Enrollment: 251 Grades: PreK-5
H.B. Rhame Elementary 1300 Arrowwood Road Columbia, SC 29210 Telephone: 731-8900 Principal: Dr. Monica Owens Carter Enrollment: 487 Grades: PreK-5
Brennen Elementary 4438 Devereaux Road Columbia, SC 29205 Telephone: 738-7204 Principal: Mark D. Shea Enrollment: 754 Grades: PreK-5 Brockman Elementary 2245 Montclair Drive Columbia, SC 29206 Telephone: 790-6743 Principal: Sharonda Giles Enrollment: 275 Grades: PreK-5 Burnside Elementary 7300 Patterson Road Columbia, SC 29209 Telephone: 783-5530 Principal: Janet Campbell Enrollment: 344 Grades: PreK-5 Burton-Pack Elementary 111 Garden Drive Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 691-5550 Principal: Dr. Sarah Smith Enrollment: 409 Grades: PreK-5 Carver-Lyon Elementary 2100 Waverly Street Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 343-2900 Principal: Dr. Monica Adams Enrollment: 377 Grades: PreK-5 Caughman Road Elementary 7725 Caughman Road Columbia, SC 29209 Telephone: 783-5534 Principal: Shawn Hall Enrollment: 627 Grades: PreK-5 Forest Heights Elementary 2500 Blue Ridge Terrace Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 691-3780 Principal: Jason Koepke Enrollment: 390 Grades: PreK-5
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Horrell Hill Elementary 517 Horrell Hill Road Hopkins, SC 29061 Telephone: 783-5545 Principal: Parthenia Satterwhite Enrollment: 516 Grades: PreK-5 Hyatt Park Elementary 4200 Main Street Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 735-3421 Principal: Dr. Dell Brabham Enrollment: 390 Grades: PreK-5 Lewis Greenview Elementary 726 Easter Street Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 735-3417 Principal: Dr. LaShaunda Evans Enrollment: 326 Grades: PreK-5 Logan Elementary 815 Elmwood Avenue Columbia, SC 29201 Telephone: 343-2915 Principal: David Copeland Enrollment: 249 Grades: PreK-5 Meadowfield Elementary 525 Galway Lane Columbia, SC 29209 Telephone: 783-5549 Principal: Lisa Davis Enrollment: 609 Grades: PreK-5 Mill Creek Elementary 925 Universal Drive Columbia, SC 29209 Telephone: 783-5553 Principal: Eddie Whack Enrollment: 309 Grades: PreK-5 A.C. Moore Elementary 333 Etiwan Avenue Columbia, SC 29205 Telephone: 343-2910 Principal: LaQuana Aldridge Enrollment: 187 Grades: PreK-5
Rosewood Elementary 3300 Rosewood Drive Columbia, SC 29205 Telephone: 343-2930 Principal: Elizabeth Williams Enrollment: 325 Grades: K-5 W.S. Sandel Elementary 2700 Seminole Road Columbia, SC 29210 Telephone: 731-8906 Principal: Claudia Brooks-McCallum Enrollment: 473 Grades: PreK-5 Satchel Ford Elementary 5901 Satchel Ford Road Columbia, SC 29206 Telephone: 738-7209 Principal: Dr. Matthew Scandrol Enrollment: 628 Grades: K-5 South Kilbourne Elementary 1400 South Kilbourne Road Columbia, SC 29205 Telephone: 738-7215 Principal: Derrick Theirse Enrollment: 296 Grades: PreK-5 Edward E. Taylor Elementary 200 McRae Street Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 343-2924 Principal: Debbie R. Hunter Enrollment: 219 Grades: PreK-5 J.P. Thomas Elementary 6001 Weston Avenue Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 735-3430 Principal: Selina Latimore Enrollment: 367 Grades: PreK-5 Watkins-Nance Elementary 2525 Barhamville Road Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 733-4321 Principal: Dr. Linda Norton Enrollment: 336 Grades: PreK-5 Webber Elementary 140 Webber School Road Eastover, SC 29044 Telephone: 353-8771 Principal: Dr. Sommer Jones Enrollment: 196 Grades: PreK-5
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
MIDDLE SCHOOLS Alcorn Middle 5125 Fairfield Road Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 735-3439 Principal: Dr. Cedric Wright Enrollment: 408 Grades: 6-8 Crayton Middle 5000 Clemson Avenue Columbia, SC 29206 Telephone: 738-7224 Principal: Angela Burns Enrollment: 1005 Grades: 6-8 Heyward Gibbes Middle 500 Summerlea Drive Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 343-2942 Principal: Cedrick Tidwell, Sr. Enrollment: 310 Grades: 6-8 Hand Middle 2600 Wheat Street Columbia, SC 29205 Telephone: 343-2947 Principal: Dr. Patrice Green Enrollment: 737 Grades: 6-8 Hopkins Middle 1601 Clarkson Road Hopkins, SC 29061 Telephone: 695-3331 Principal: Alexandria Williams Enrollment: 506 Grades: 6-8
W.A. Perry Middle 2600 Barhamville Road Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 256-6347 Principal: Dr. Robin Coletrain Enrollment: 329 Grades: 6-8
Dreher High 3319 Millwood Avenue Columbia, SC 29205 Telephone: 253-7000 Principal: Dr. Kevin Hasinger Enrollment: 1150 Grades: 9-12
St. Andrews Middle 1231 Bluefield Road Columbia, SC 29210 Telephone: 731-8910 Principal: Jametta Hodges-Stewart Enrollment: 779 Grades: 6-8
Eau Claire High 4800 Monticello Road Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 735-7600 Principal: Neshunda Walters Enrollment: 600 Grades: 9-12
W.G. Sanders Middle 3455 Pine Belt Road Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 738-7575 Principal: Andrenna Smith Enrollment: 552 Grades: 6-8
A.C. Flora High 1 Falcon Drive Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 738-7300 Principal: Susan Childs Enrollment: 1352 Grades: 9-12
Southeast Middle 731 Horrell Hill Road Hopkins, SC 29061 Telephone: 695-5700 Principal: Inger Ferguson Enrollment: 546 Grades: 6-8
C.A. Johnson High 2219 Barhamville Road Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 253-7092 Principal: Isaac McClinton Enrollment: 416 Grades: 9-12 W.J. Keenan High 361 Pisgah Church Road Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 714-2500 Principal: Vondre’ Whaley Enrollment: 708 Grades: 9-12
HIGH SCHOOLS Columbia High 1701 Westchester Drive Columbia, SC 29210 Telephone: 731-8950 Principal: Craig Washington Enrollment: 676 Grades: 9-12
Lower Richland High 2615 Lower Richland Boulevard Hopkins, SC 29061 Telephone: 695-3000 Principal: Dr. Ericka Hursey Enrollment: 1171 Grades: 9-12
SPECIAL SCHOOLS & CENTERS Adult Education 2612 Covenant Road Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 343-2935 Coordinator: Dr. Marva Coates Challenger Learning Center 2600A Barhamville Road Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 929-3951 Director: Dr. Carolyn Donelan Evening High School Program 621 Bluff Road Columbia, SC 29201 Telephone: 738-7574 Principal: Nathan White Grades: 9-12
Heyward Career & Technology Center 3560 Lynhaven Drive Columbia, SC 29204 Telephone: 735-3343 Principal: Dr. Sherry Rivers Grades: 9-12 Olympia Learning Center 621 Bluff Road Columbia, SC 29201 Principal: Bobbie Hartwell, Jr. Grades: 9-12 Pendergrass Fairwold School 5935 Token Street Columbia, SC 29203 Principal: Faythe Redenburg Grades: n/a
CHARTER SCHOOLS Carolina School for Inquiry 7405-A Fairfield Road Columbia, SC 29203 Telephone: 691-1250 Director/Lead Teacher: Victoria Dixon-Mokeba Grades: K-5
Richland One Middle College 316 S. Beltline Boulevard Columbia, SC 29205 Phone: 738-7114 Principal: Dr. Carla Brabham Grades: 11-12
SCHOOL START AND DISMISSAL TIMES Elementary Schools 7:30 a.m. - 2:30 p.m. Middle Schools 8:45 a.m. - 3:45 p.m. High Schools 8:00 a.m. - 3:15 p.m.
FREQUENTLY CALLED NUMBERS Richland One Main Line
231-7000
Homeschooling
231-7459
School Board Policies
231-7404
Adult Education
343-2935
Human Resources
231-7418
School Counseling Services
231-6940
Advanced Academic Programs
400-1688
InfoPhone
231-7512
School Improvement Councils
231-6842
Athletics
231-6722
Information Technology
231-7464
School Psychologists
231-6773
Attendance Lines (Registrar
231-6944
Instructional Services
400-1715
Secondary Education
231-7459
Challenger Learning Center
929-3951
Insurance (student)
231-7401
Security and Emergency Services
231-7130
Charter Schools
231-7151
International Welcome Center
212-1475
Social Work Services
231-6757
Communications (Public Relations)
231-7504
Special Services
231-6773
231-6799
Dropout Prevention
790-6763
Learning Environments and Instructional Resources
Special Services (Pre-School)
691-3993
Early Childhood Education
231-6709
Military Community Liaison
231-7144
Standardized Testing
231-7450
Elementary Education
231-6855
Montessori Programs
231-6708
Student Records (Archives)
231-6791
Evening High School Program
738-7574
Nursing Services
231-6730
Student Transfers
231-6944
Extended-Day (Afterschool) Programs
231-6842
Nutrition Services
231-6953
Student Transportation Services
231-7002
Facility Services
231-7057
Superintendent’s Office
231-7500
Federal and State Programs
231-6815
Parents and Students Succeed (homeless initiative)
Teaching and Learning
231-6704
Four-year-old Kindergarten (School Readiness) 799-9494
231-6914
Partnerships 231-6842 Procurement Services
231-7033
Hearing Office
231-6926
Registrar’s Office
231-6944
Homebound Instruction
231-6904
Richland One TV
231-6701/6702
School Board Office
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
231-7556
Textbooks 231-6716 Visual and Performing Arts
231-6858
Volunteer Programs
231-7144
World Languages and ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages)
212-1475
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COVID-19 MITIGATION STRATEGIES AND SAFETY PROTOCOLS In Richland One, our priority continues to be protecting the health and safety of our students and staff. The chart below summarizes our COVID-19 mitigation strategies and safety protocols for the 2021-2022 school year. Our full Safe Return to In-Person Instruction and Continuity of Services Plan is posted on our Restart Strong page at www. richlandone.org/RestartStrong. Along with other information and resources, the Restart Strong page includes a link to our COVID-19 dashboard which tracks the number of active COVID-19 cases reported in our district.
MASKS
Students and staff are required to wear masks to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19, as recommended by public health officials. Masks must be worn inside schools and administrative buildings and on school buses.
SOCIAL DISTANCING
At least 3 feet of social distancing will be maintained in classrooms and other areas where possible and to the greatest extent possible. Plexiglass desk shields will continue to be used in classrooms.
VISITORS
Visitors will be allowed inside schools only to handle urgent/critical matters. In those instances, visitors (including parents and vendors making deliveries) will be required to wear masks and practice social distancing. Conferences with parents (including IEP meetings) that do not need to be held in person will be held virtually. Any in-person parent conferences will be held in designated locations where social distancing and other safety protocols can be followed.
CLEANING & DISINFECTION
Classrooms have been supplied with hands-free towel dispensers, touchless hand sanitizer stations and disinfectant wipes. Cleaning and disinfection procedures will continue to be based on CDC guidelines with emphasis on sanitizing frequently touched surfaces. Electrostatic disinfection also will be utilized to supplement the disinfection process, as needed.
HVAC/ AIR QUALITY
All HVAC units are being serviced to maximize air quality, including appropriate filter upgrades. Nursing stations and isolation rooms have been equipped with HEPA-rated air purification units to improve filtration and air quality for occupants.
MEALS
The district’s Nutrition Services team will work with schools to determine the best plan for student meal service, including whether students will eat meals in the cafeteria or in their classrooms. Outside food delivery to students is not allowed.
AFTERSCHOOL PROGRAMS
Afterschool programs, including child care programs, will operate and follow established safety protocols. External (non-district) staff will be required to wear masks.
VACCINATIONS
The district encourages students, staff and everyone else who is eligible to be vaccinated (ages 12 and up) to get vaccinated to help mitigate the spread of COVID-19 in our schools and in our community.
QUARANTINES
Unvaccinated students and staff who are identified as close contacts of positive COVID cases will be required to quarantine for 10 days. Fully vaccinated students and staff (two weeks after the second dose of the Pfizer or Moderna vaccine and two weeks after the single-dose Johnson & Johnson vaccine) identified as close contacts will not be required to quarantine unless they have COVID symptoms. In order to be exempted from quarantining, parents will be asked to provide proof that students have been vaccinated and staff will be asked to provide proof that they have been vaccinated. There may be other scenarios in which students and staff may or may not have to quarantine, unless they have COVID symptoms. Go to www.richlandone.org/RestartStrong for more details.
Revised 8/26/2021
NOTE: Parents who have questions not addressed above should refer to the FAQ (frequently asked questions) at www.richlandone.org/RestartStrong or contact their child’s school.
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Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
PROGRAM SPOTLIGHT DUAL ENROLLMENT PROGRAM GIVES STUDENTS A HEAD START ON COLLEGE When Julio Domingo completed his four years of study at Eau Claire High School, he not only left with a high school diploma, he also had 21 college credits that he earned while in high school. Julio (pictured), a member of the Eau Claire High School Class of 2021, is now a freshman in the University of South Carolina’s Honors College. At Eau Claire, he participated in the dual enrollment program and took courses at Midlands Technical College. “I will be the first in my family going to college,” Julio said. “I wanted to help save my mom money, because I just didn’t want to put that burden on her. I took advantage of the dual enrollment program because I wanted to find other ways to save money and be able to afford college.” Students in Richland One’s dual enrollment program can earn college credit while they’re in high school, and some have earned certificates and associate degrees before they received their high school diplomas. In the spring of 2021, Richland One had more students (35) earn certificates and associate degrees from Midlands Tech than any other school district. The dual enrollment program is offered at all Richland One high schools. Students must meet with their high school counselor to sign up for the program. The district provides access to many of the courses through articulation agreements with the institutions and assists with the costs of students’ books. Richland One has dual enrollment agreements with Midlands Tech, the University of South Carolina, Newberry College and Columbia College. Some student eligibility requirements may vary by post-secondary institution. Classes offered to dual enrollment students include math, English, art, psychology, social studies, history, criminal justice, music, theatre and other electives. “College is expensive, so at Midlands Tech, we estimate that for each course your child takes you’re saving on average about $1,000, which is a huge amount of money,” said Danielle Reilly, assistant principal at Eau Claire High School. “Not only are they earning college credit, courses they take as a dual enrollment student also go on their high school transcript, so they could be knocking out their elective courses at the high school and, at the same time, working on their college transcript. It’s pretty incredible. We have a pretty high success rate.” Reilly says the advantages to dual enrollment don’t stop there. Dual enrollment students also may be eligible for more college scholarships due to the weighting for
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
dual credit courses, which helps to increase students’ GPAs. Julio, who plans to become an immigration and women’s rights attorney, encourages more students to learn more about the program and apply themselves if they decide to do it. Reilly said students can receive tutoring and other support from the district to ensure their success in passing dual enrollment courses. “Even though they’re technically taking college-level classes, they still have the support of someone at the high school, constantly calling them and following up with their teachers about their grades, so there’s a safety net. They’re not completely stepping into the college world. They have someone guiding them and working with them along the way,” she said. “These kids are going to be successful when they actually go to college because they’ve been taking the courses in high school.” Richland One students who are interested in learning more about the dual enrollment program should contact their high school counselors.
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Sally McCants Rosewood Elementary School 2021-2022 Richland One Teacher of the Year Now in her 13th year in Rosewood Elementary School, Sally McCants teaches fifth grade English Language Arts, mathematics, science, social studies and health. Before she began her current position, she taught eighth grade pre-algebra at Hand Middle School for 10 years. Are you a Richland One graduate? Do you have children or grandchildren attending Richland One schools? I am a proud product of Richland One! I attended Rosewood, Hand and Dreher. I was a Teacher Cadet at Dreher and completed my student teaching at Arden Elementary before graduating from Columbia College. As the third of a fourth generation Rosewood Elementary School Family, I have an ever-growing appreciation for this community. In 1925, my maternal grandmother was a member of the first group of students who were welcomed by the newly constructed Rosewood Elementary School. She talked of 5th Avenue, the two-lane dirt road that would later be widened and renamed Rosewood Drive. Then, in the 1950s, my mother and her post-war, Baby Boomer classmates overfilled the classrooms and sat in perfectly lined desks. Later, I attended Rosewood in the 1980s and remember when First Lady Nancy Reagan stopped by on her “Just Say No” campaign. My three daughters also call Rosewood home. We are Richland One Strong! What do you enjoy most about your job? I absolutely love the community of our schools! It’s hard to beat the enjoyment of relationships between teachers, students and their families, and relationships between staff members. There is no better reward than a team working together to create caring, educated and productive citizens as part of our next generation. We have a statewide and national teacher shortage. What would you say to young people to encourage them to consider the teaching profession? Yes, we do have a statewide and national teacher shortage and it’s time we turn that around. Teaching is a truly rewarding profession and I believe that young people should consider becoming an educator. I would remind them about their favorite teacher or about their biggest “aha” moment as a student. There is a love of education in everyone’s heart, we need to reach those emotions and create windows and mirrors for those individuals to remember the importance, the value and significance of educators. I believe that if we act on those feelings we could benefit in reducing the teacher shortage.
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What do you like to do when you are not working (hobbies, etc.)? I like having a full plate! When I am not teaching in the classroom, I enjoy working with National Board candidates and the National Board scoring process. I also like to read cookbooks and aim to always try a new recipe at least once a week. I have become a professional at baking homemade biscuits – they are the best part of Saturday mornings! What is something your students and colleagues would be surprised to learn about you? I think my students and colleagues would be surprised to know that I was a fifth-grade student in the same classroom in which I currently teach, or that I can still do a one-handed cartwheel!
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Lisa Flores Hand Middle School 2021-2022 Richland One Classified Employee of the Year A native of San Antonio, Texas, Lisa Flores has been an ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) instructional assistant at Hand Middle School for three years. She has been in Richland One 26 years, working most of those years as a kindergarten instructional assistant before beginning her current position at Hand. What do you enjoy most about your job? What I enjoy most about my job is working with students and helping them to succeed, as well as getting to know them. I also enjoy working with the other staff members. I have met some wonderful people over the years. What do you enjoy most about working in Richland One? There are several things I enjoy about working in Richland One. I enjoy being part of a team that has a common goal in preparing our students for the future. Everyone is motivated and encouraged and I feel that I’m in the right place with Richland One and at Hand Middle School. I also enjoy having the opportunities to meet so many wonderful people, whether it’s at professional development activities or at school, I have met so many that are encouraging and supportive of each other. What are you looking forward to most about this school year? I am looking forward to meeting our new students as well as our returning students. I’m also looking forward to getting to know them and learning what I can do to help them succeed. Do you have any particular goal(s) for this school year? I have several goals I’ve set for myself. One goal is to be more involved in school. I have joined some committees where I feel I can be helpful to our school. Another goal I’ve set for myself is to read and learn of more ways that will help me as part of ESOL, ways that I can better help our students. And one more goal is to find ways to encourage our students to do more personal reading. It’s an important part of learning English, and I want to find some fun ways that will get them to read more.
What is something your students and colleagues would be surprised to learn about you? I think my students and colleagues would be surprised to know that when I was younger, I was a very shy person. But, my high school PE teacher saw something in me and made me join the Pep Squad. It’s not something I would have done on my own, but I did it because of her and stayed in it through high school. I was even the Pep Squad president my senior year.
What do you like to do when you are not working (hobbies, etc.)? When I’m not working, I love to spend time reading. I always carry a book wherever I go. I also love films. I am a big fan of silent and foreign films.
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
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EMPLOYEE SPOTLIGHT Parent and Family Engagement Specialists
Latorsha Murray leads a small army of 25 dedicated employees known as parent and family engagement specialists. Most have backgrounds in social services, education and child development, and many have advanced degrees. Usually, they act as liaisons between parents and schools by collaborating with school and district staff, finding resources for families and conducting workshops to show parents how to help their children be successful academically in school. During the COVID-19 pandemic, Murray said the parent and family engagement specialists have worked harder than ever to help families, shifting from their normal primary focus on parent education to assisting them in meeting their immediate needs. “Some families were facing eviction and food shortages and we helped them secure those resources,” said Murray, parent and family engagement consultant in Richland One’s Office of Federal and State Programs. “The specialists didn’t miss a beat during our closure and reopening. They made many home visits and phone calls to encourage our families.” Murray says the most profound work the parent and family engagement specialists do is communicate one-on-one with families to ensure they have the information, resources and inspiration they need for their children to succeed in school. Parent and family engagement specialists are assigned to every school cluster in Richland One. Their work is driven by the specific needs of each individual school.
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“A committee meets regularly to determine the needs of each school and then develops a plan to meet those needs, such as helping them to improve in reading, literacy, math or student attendance,” Murray said. Based on those needs, the parent and family engagement specialists work with social workers, teachers and other school staff to develop specific parent workshops, host literacy or math night events, provide one-on-one support to families, secure volunteers or assist with their School Improvement Councils and PTA/PTOs. Since a family’s financial instability and the lack of basic resources can impact a student’s education, the parent and family engagement specialists also work with community partners and social workers to help individual families with other needs such as school supplies, furniture, housing, utilities and food. “I am so proud of the efforts of our parent and family engagement team members, who are often called upon in reaction to a family’s needs. I am even more proud, however, of their proactive efforts to support our families,” said Chief of Teaching and Learning Dr. Sandy Brossard. “Team members are always looking for ways to lend a helping hand or support the learning and needs of families, even when requests are not made. The parent and family engagement specialists consistently set high goals for themselves – and reach them!” For more information about parent and family engagement specialists, go to the Office of Federal and State Programs page on the district’s website (richlandone.org) or contact Latorsha Murray at latorsha.murray@richlandone.org.
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
PROJECT SPOTLIGHT Richland One Updating Facilities and Creating Healthier Classrooms Richland One is excited to announce a partnership with energy and sustainability expert Schneider Electric to implement a district-wide building and infrastructure modernization project. This program will allow the district to reduce energy costs and increase efficiency in a way that will save more than $28 million over the next 20 years. The first phase of the project includes a district-wide telecommunication system overhaul to modernize communication and enhance safety, along with facility upgrades currently focused on 15 schools with plans to move to others across the district soon. Work is currently being implemented in the following schools: •
Columbia High School
•
Eau Claire High School
•
Lower Richland High School
•
Alcorn Middle School
•
Hand Middle School
•
Southeast Middle School
•
St. Andrews Middle School
•
W.A. Perry Middle School
•
W.G. Sanders Middle School
•
Burton-Pack Elementary School
•
Logan Elementary School
•
Pine Grove Elementary
•
Satchel Ford Elementary School
•
South Kilbourne Elementary School
•
John P. Thomas Elementary School
• Replacement and upgrade of critical electrical infrastructure to reduce maintenance time and extend the life of the outdated systems • Upgrade and replacement of water and restroom fixtures to further reduce waste • Installation of a “smart-plugs” network to manage high-load devices and improve energy efficiency • Building envelope improvements to renew aging buildings to better withstand extreme seasonal weather patterns and increase comfort for students and staff “Providing a safe and healthy environment for our students and staff is our top priority, especially now with new and changing regulations around indoor learning environments,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon. “This program with Schneider Electric will allow us to make upgrades to our buildings in a much smarter, more efficient and, most importantly, fiscally responsible way.”
Improving building air quality for a healthy learning environment is a critical component of the project. Work to regulate fresh outdoor air with updated HVAC technology took place during the summer. Students and staff also can look forward to brighter spaces with new LED lighting in these schools. The following is a comprehensive list of updates that will be made over the next two years: • Updated HVAC technology including full-system replacement for cleaner environments and to regulate fresh outdoor air • Interior and exterior lighting upgrades to bring emergency lighting up to current building code standards
Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
Upgrades being made include conversions to brighter, more efficient LED lighting.
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2022
2021
KEY DATES September 1-30
National Attendance Awareness Month
September 8
“How to Plan and Pay for College 101” workshop webinar
September 14
Comprehensive Remediation, 21st Century and SC Chamber Homework Centers begin
October 1-31
National Principals Month • Bullying Prevention Month • National Dropout Prevention Month
October 2
National Custodian Appreciation Day
October 5
Richland One Consolidated Fair (contact high school counselors for information)
October 5
Financial Aid 101 workshop webinar
October 11-15
National School Lunch Week
October 13
PSAT for grades 7-8 and 10-11
October 22
Teacher workday (no school for students)
October 23
Prisma Health Midlands Foundation’s Walk for Life and Famously Hot Pink Half Marathon, 5K+10K
October 29
Parent-teacher conferences (early release for students)
November 11
Veterans Day
November 15-19
American Education Week
November 22-26
Thanksgiving Break
December 20-31
Winter Break
January 1-31
National Mentoring Month
January 14
Teacher workday (no school for students)
February 1-28
National Career and Technical Education Month
February 12
Richland One Hall of Fame Induction Gala, Columbia Metropolitan Convention Center; red carpet reception at 5 p.m., program/dinner at 6 p.m.
February 14-18
School Bus Driver Appreciation Week (in SC)
February 21
Professional development day (no school for students)
March 6-12
National School Social Work Week
March 25
Teacher workday (no school for students)
March 7-11
National School Breakfast Week
April 1
Parent-teacher conferences (early release for students)
April 2-8
Week of the Young Child
April 11-15
Spring Break
April 18-22
Public School Volunteer Week
April 24-30
Administrative Professionals Week
May 1
National Principals Day
May 2-6
National Teacher Appreciation Week (National Teacher Day – May 3)
May 6
National School Lunch Hero Day
May 11
National School Nurse Day
June 3
Last day for district child care programs and athletics tutorial programs
June 3
Last day of school for students (early release)
Note: Event dates are subject to change. For details and the most up-to-date information, go to richlandone.org. The 2021-2022 academic calendar is posted on the website and printed on the inside back cover of this publication.
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Spotlight One · Fall 2021 Edition
JULY 2021 S
2021-2022 ACADEMIC CALENDAR
Independence Day Professional Development Teacher Workdays First Day for Students (All) Labor Day Holiday Professional Development Day (Early release for students) End of First Nine Weeks (45th day) Teacher Workday Report Cards Issued Early release for students/Parent-Teacher Conferences Professional Development Day (Early release for students) Thanksgiving Break Winter Break End of Second Nine Weeks (90th Day) Teacher Workday Martin Luther King Jr. Holiday Report Cards Issued Professional Development Day (Early release for students) Professional Development Day (No student attendance)) End of Third Nine Weeks (135th Day) Teacher Workday Report Cards Issued Early release for students/Parent-Teacher Conferences Spring Break Memorial Day Holiday Last Day for Students (Early release for students) Last Day for Teachers
July 5 August 11-13 August 16-17 August 18 September 6 September 24 October 20 October 22 October 27 October 29 November 12 November 22-26 December 20-31 January 13 January 14 January 17 January 20 February 4 February 21 March 22 March 25 March 29 April 1 April 11-18 May 30 June 3 June 6
M
T
W
AUGUST 2021 T
F
S
S
M
T
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
4
5
6
7
8
9
10
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
11
12
13
14
15
16
17
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
18
19
20
21
22
23
24
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
31
29
30
31
25
26
27
28
29
30
SEPTEMBER 2021 S
M
T
5
6
7
12
13
19
20
26
27
F
W
T
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
17
21
22
23
24
28
29
30
S
T
3
4
5
6
7
18
10
11
12
13
25
17
18
19
20
24
25
26
27
S
F
S
1
2
8
9
14
15
16
21
22
23
28
29
30
F
DECEMBER 2021
T
W
T
2
3
4
S
M
T
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
13
5
6
7
14
15
16
17
18
21
22
23
24
25
19
20
12
13
26
27
19
20
28
29
30
26
27
S
JANUARY 2022 T
F
Student and Staff Make-Up Days: November 22 and 23, April 18
2
3
4
5
6
7
Note: 180-, 182-, 184- and 186-day employees do not work on October 22, January 14, February 21, and March 25
9
10
11
12
13
16
17
18
19
20
23
24
30
31
25
26
27
S
M
8
6
7
14
15
13
21
22
20 27
28
MARCH 2022
Professional Development Day (No school for students)
S
M
Student/Staff Holiday (Schools/Offices Closed)
T
W
T
28
W
T
F
S
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
14
15
16
17
18
21
22
23
24
25
28
29
30
31
FEBRUARY 2022 S
T
W
1
2
3
4
5
8
9
10
11
12
14
15
16
17
18
19
21
22
23
24
25
26
F
S
1
First/Last Day of School for Students
Professional Development Day (Early release for students)
W
1
W
Teacher Workday (No school for students)
T
M
T
240-day employees work on November 22, December 20, December 21 and April 18.
M
NOVEMBER 2021
M
Nutrition Services employees work on October 22 and February 21.
S
31
S
CALENDAR NOTES
OCTOBER 2021
29
T
F
S
APRIL 2022 F
S
S
M
T
W
T
1
2
3
4
5
1
2
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
3
4
5
6
7
8
9 16
13
14
15
16
17
18
19
10
11
12
13
14
15
End of Nine Weeks
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
17
18
19
20
21
22
23
Early Release for Students/Parent Teacher Conferences
27
28
29
30
31
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
W
T
F
S
2021-2022 Employee Work Schedule First Workday
Last Workday
180–day employees
August 18, 2021
June 3, 2022
182–day employees
August 17, 2021
June 6, 2022
184–day employees
August 13, 2021
June 6, 2022
186–day employees
August 11, 2021
June 6, 2022
190–day employees
August 11, 2021
June 6, 2022
200–day employees
August 4, 2021
June 13, 2022
220-day employees
July 21, 2021
June 27, 2022
240–day employees
July 1, 2021
June 30, 2022
MAY 2022 S
M
T
W
JUNE 2022 T
F
S
S
M
T
1
2
3
4
5
6
7
1
2
3
4
8
9
10
11
12
13
14
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
15
16
17
18
19
20
21
12
13
14
15
16
17
18
28
19
20
21
22
23
24
25
26
27
28
29
30
22
23
24
29
30
31
25
26
27
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PAID
1616 Richland Street Columbia, South Carolina 29201
Columbia, SC Permit 611
OUR MISSION We are Richland One, a leader in transforming lives through education, empowering all students to achieve their potential and dreams.
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Notice of Non-Discrimination Richland County School District One does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, disability, age or other protected characteristic in its programs and activities.