Spotlight One 2017 Mid-Year Edition

A Message From the Superintendent Great things are happening in Richland One! We already have many major achievements and milestones to celebrate this school year, including launching a Virtual School Program, being awarded a $15 million magnet schools grant, having a National Blue Ribbon School award winner and breaking ground on a new district stadium.

In this mid-year edition of Spotlight ONE, you’ll read about those and other Points of Pride for the first half of the 2017-2018 school year, along with some of the programs and initiatives that are on the horizon.

We want you to stay connected to Richland One so you can be informed and so you can help us spread the good news. Check the back cover of this publication for a list of key dates. Follow us on Facebook (facebook.com/richlandone) and Twitter (@RichlandOne and @RichlandOneSupe). Visit our website (www. richlandone.org). Watch Richland One TV on Spectrum cable channel 12 and Richland One TV On Demand on our website.

We also encourage you to sign up for our weekly Spotlight One e-newsletter by clicking the logo on our home page.

The tagline of our new district logo captures what we’re all about in Richland One. Our mission is to Engage, Educate and Empower our 24,000 students to achieve their potential and dreams.

Thank you for your continued support and partnership.

Craig Witherspoon, Ed.D. Superintendent

District Launches Virtual School Program

Richland One realizes that the traditional ing program. This came just in time,” Jasmine school day is not for every student. In Octo- said. “I saw the information on the website and ber, the district gave high school students a knew it was for me. It gives you the opportunity new educational option: a tuition-free Virtual to graduate early because you can start work School Program that offers all the courses a stu- assignments early and work at your own pace.” dent would take at a physical Audrey Harris, Richland One’s or traditional high school. digital learning coordinator, Students work independentsix students, ranging from It’s self-paced said ly at least four hours a day on freshmen to seniors from high online lessons and projects. and you can move schools across the district, are The students schedule time in in the Virtual School along without enrolled a homework lab every week to Program. meet with the district’s digital “I check grades/progress rebeing held back learning coordinator who reports daily and have weekly inby a specific views their progress. Any studividual conferences with each dent in grades 9-12 in Richland student. The system keeps track timeframe.

One and outside of the district of their work progress as well as is eligible to apply. their login times, Harris said. “If The program was a perfect fit for 15-year-old students have a question about an assignment Kayla Vernon (above left), who previously at- or need additional help, they may choose to tended A.C. Flora High School and plans to go participate in a live chat, email, call or log on to to college to become a graphic designer. a live tutorial session with the teacher.”

“The Virtual School Program allows me to Kayla says the online teachers were very have more free time to do other hobbies and helpful when she had some questions about a other interests,” Kayla said. “It’s self-paced and geometry assignment. “The teachers are very you can move along without being held back connected,” she said. “They respond quickly by a specific timeframe.” and there are also live lessons recorded by the Jasmine James (above right), a 15-year-old virtual teachers to walk you through lessons. I freshman who is taking all honors courses and would definitely recommend the Virtual School plans to become a pediatrician, says the flexi- for other students.” ble schedule of the Virtual School Program alFor more information about the Richland lows her to care for her sick mother and work One Virtual School Program or to apply for the full time.

Spring 2018 session, contact Audrey Harris at “Because of my work schedule and my mom’s 231-6934 or audrey.harris@richlandone.org, or illness, I was trying to get into a home school- go to www.richlandone.org/virtual.

Inside: Points of Pride · Updates · Key Dates

Brockman Named National Blue Ribbon School

Every year, the U.S. Department of Education seeks out and celebrates great American schools that challenge all of their students to achieve at high levels. Those exceptional few, like Brockman Elementary School, receive the agency’s National Blue Ribbon Award, one of the country’s highest and most prestigious awards recognizing academic excellence.

“Brockman, its hardworking staff, parents and students have made us so proud by winning this honor,” said Richland One Superintendent Dr. Craig Witherspoon.

Dr. Eunice Williams, who was Brockman’s principal for four years before becoming one of the district’s executive directors of schools, helped to lay the foundation for Brockman’s selection as a 2017 National Blue Ribbon School. She says focusing on the

DID YOU KNOW?

78.9%

Graduation Rate Over the past eight years, Richland One’s graduation rate has increased by 15.2 percentage points to 78.9%!

unique needs of the whole child and individualizing academics for each student is what makes Brockman an outstanding school.

“What’s most important is the whole child focus, which takes into consideration every facet of the child emotionally, physically, artistically and socially, as well as academically,” said Dr. Williams.

Brockman’s interim principal, Dr. Marian Crum-Mack, is building upon that legacy of excellence. “I’m so proud of our teachers, staff, children, parents, the district and the community that have been so supportive of Brockman.”

As a Montessori school, Brockman encourages students to learn at their own pace, seek creative solutions to problems, focus on responsibility and understand that every voice matters. A school-wide peace education curriculum teaches self-control and conflict resolution skills.

As a result, Brockman has minimal instructional time lost and few behavioral issues, leading to high levels of engage-

ment. Brockman also was recognized by the Alliance for a Healthier Generation as a National Healthy Schools Gold Award winner for providing a healthy environment with physical activity and nutritious food options.

The National Blue Ribbon Schools Program recognizes schools based on their overall academic excellence or their progress in closing achievement gaps among student subgroups.

Brockman and other National Blue Ribbon Schools were recognized at ceremonies held November 6-7 in Washington, D.C.

$15 Million Grant Will Add Magnet Programs at Four Schools Starting in the fall of 2018, Richland One will offer students even more educational options thanks to a $15 million federal grant. The funding from the U.S. Department of Education’s Magnet Schools Assistance Program (MSAP) will be used to add magnet programs at four district schools.

Innovative instructional approaches and unique learning experiences will be hallmarks of each magnet program. The Richland One Language Immersion Program at Carver-Lyon Elementary School, which currently offers Spanish and Mandarin Chinese, will expand to include French and a global leadership component. Three other Richland One schools will use their grant money to help prepare students for careers and leadership opportunities: Bradley Elementary School will create a career awareness magnet; W.G. Sanders Middle School will have a career exploration magnet; and W.J. Keenan High School will develop a career preparation magnet, as well as four academies to help students prepare for jobs in the fields of hospitality/tourism, government, entrepreneurship and engineering.

The goal of the MSAP grant, which will be awarded over a five-year period, is to create magnet schools that increase racial integration and promote academic opportunity and excellence. Richland One was one of only 32 districts nationwide to receive the grant this year.

Points of Pride

State Swim Champions

Richland One Unveils New District Logo Richland One kicked off the new school year by unveiling the district’s new logo at the Back-to-School Convocation held August 15 at the Colonial Life Arena.

The creation of a new district logo is part of an overall branding initiative designed to distinguish our district and communicate its unique identity and value to the public. The process began with gathering input from students, district employees, school board members, parents and community members through focus groups and a district-wide survey. Feedback from stakeholders revealed that the district’s logo, which had been in place for 20-25 years and featured the capital dome with the tagline “South Carolina’s Capital Schools,” was viewed as institutional, outdated and not reflective of the district’s vision and mission.

The new logo consists of a simple yet iconic mark composed of the letter R and the number 1 built into a shield.

The shield is a symbol of stability and longevity, a reflection of the district’s history in the Capital City. The color palette of purple and mint green helps refresh and energize the brand. This balance of stability and friendliness reflects the essence of the Richland One family. The tagline, “Engage Educate Empower,” speaks to the evolution of a student’s journey within Richland One. We engage students through a supportive community of committed teachers and staff. Our highly qualified teachers educate students and prepare them for post-secondary education and/or careers. As a result, we empower students with the scholastic aptitude to succeed in any path they take in life.

Firefighter Program

The City of Columbia Fire Department donated a fire truck to Richland One for the new firefighter training program at Lower Richland High School that began in August.

Through the program, students receive real-world training to become certified firefighters.

Student-athletes from A.C. Flora and Dreher high schools brought home five state titles from the Class 4A state swim championships on October 17. Hayley Mason of Dreher won the girls’ 500-yard freestyle, while Hayley and her teammates Eliza Cate, Eleanor Wachtel and Hand Middle School student Jane Koch won the 200yard freestyle relay. Meagan Robins of A.C. Flora won first place in the girls’ 100-yard butterfly. Flora’s boys swim team brought home the gold in the 200-yard medley relay when Emerson Edwards, Tanner Edwards, Will Higgins and Cole Teas outswam their competition. In addition to his success with the relay team, Emerson Edwards also finished with the fastest time in the 100-yard freestyle.

Champion for Public Education

Ezekiel Ministries, a faith-based organization in downtown Columbia, was named a Champion for Public Education by the S.C. School Boards Association. Ezekiel Ministries provides support to Richland One families in the areas of education and family literacy. The organization has formed a strong partnership with Watkins-Nance Elementary School.

National Merit Semifinalists

Nine Richland One high school seniors were named semifinalists in the 2018 National Merit Scholarship Program, an honor that less than 1 percent of U.S. high school seniors receive based on their high scores on the PSAT. The 16,000 semifinalists nationwide are competing for $32 million in scholarships.

Finalists will be announced in February and scholarship winners will be announced in the spring. Semifinalists from A.C. Flora High School are Caroline Amrol, Peyton M. Bell, Sarah J. Brown, James M. Davis, Adam Hufstetler and Toni C. Parker. Semifinalists from Dreher High School are Noah K. Benitez-Nelson, Edward A. Burgess and Jackson L. Reynolds.

Stadium Groundbreaking

Richland One held a groundbreaking ceremony October 26 for the new district stadium that will be built on the W.J. Keenan High School campus. The stadium will be Richland One’s fourth district stadium (in addition to Memorial Stadium, Bolden Stadium and the Stadium at Lower Richland), and it will serve as the home stadium for W.J. Keenan and Eau Claire high schools.

The new stadium is targeted for completion in time for the 2018 football season.

The project is part of the upgrades that Richland One is making to athletics facilities across the district.

State Football Playoffs

With the motto “Keep Chopping,” the Lower Richland High School Diamond Hornets and Head Coach Rodney Barr won their way to the third round of the state high school football playoffs, ending an impressive season. The Diamond Hornets clinched their first region title since 1974, capturing the top spot in Region 5-4A. The Dreher and W.J. Keenan football teams also made it to the 2017 state football playoffs.

For more of our Points of Pride, go to www.richlandone.org.

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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 characteristics in its programs and activities.

Key Dates January 2 Student holiday; staff professional development day January 3 Classes resume January 11 Richland One Choice Fair, Crayton Middle School gym, 5000 Clemson

Avenue, 5:30-8 p.m. Learn about the variety of programs Richland One

offers its students.

January 15 Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday; schools/offices closed January 18 Superintendent’s Twitter Chat, 6-7 p.m. Use #r1supechat and

@RichlandOneSupe to participate.

January 25 Report cards issued January 27 Richland One Hall of Fame Induction Gala, Columbia Metropolitan

Convention Center; red-carpet reception at 5 p.m. and program/

dinner begins at 6 p.m. Call 231-7504 for ticket information.

January 30 Middle and High School Honors Band Concert, Dreher High School,

6 p.m.

February 1 Heyward Career and Technology Center Career Showcase, 3560

Lynhaven Drive, 5:30 p.m.

February 8 Superintendent’s State of the District Address, Freddie Grace Jr.

Theatre at W.G. Sanders Middle School, 3455 Pine Belt Road, 6 p.m.

February 13 Honors Chorus Concert with Elementary Festival Choir, Dreher High

School, 6 p.m.

February 19 Student holiday; staff professional development day February 22 Honors Orchestra Festival Concert, Columbia High School, 6 p.m.

February 22 “How to Plan and Pay for College 101” Workshop for middle and

high school students and parents, A.C. Flora High School, 6:30 p.m.

Feb 28- Mar 13 Middle and High School Visual Arts Exhibit, Tapp’s Art Center March 1 Pre-kindergarten and kindergarten registration begins March 1-May 1 Student transfer application season; contact the Registrar‘s Office at

231-6944 for details.

March 13 Middle and High Schools’ Visual Arts Exhibit Awards Ceremony,

Tapp’s Arts Center, 6-7:30 p.m.

March 15- 27 Elementary Schools Visual Arts Exhibit, Tapp’s Art Center March 27 Elementary Schools Visual Arts Exhibit Awards Ceremony, Tapp’s

Arts Center, 6-7 p.m.

March 29 Report cards issued; early release for all schools; parent/teacher conferences

March 30 April 2-6 April 12 April 13 April 20

April 26

April 26

April 28 May 28 June 5 June 5

June 5 June 6

June 7

Student holiday; staff professional development day Spring Break Statewide READ-IN, State House District Dance Festival Showcase, A.C. Flora High School, 6 p.m.

Middle/High Schools Honors Jazz Band Concert, 4-9 p.m., Emily Douglas Park Superintendent’s Twitter Chat, 6-7 p.m. Use #r1supechat and @RichlandOneSupe to participate.

Last day of 21st Century, Comprehensive Remediation, and SC Chamber Homework Center afterschool programs Last day for 2018-2019 pre-kindergarten early registration Memorial Day holiday; all schools/offices closed Last day of school/half-day for students; report cards issued C.A. Johnson High School graduation ceremony, Colonial Life Arena, 4 p.m.

Last day of afterschool childcare and athletic tutorial High school graduation ceremonies, Colonial Life Arena: Eau Claire at 8 a.m.; A.C. Flora, noon; Columbia, 4 p.m.

High school graduation ceremonies, Colonial Life Arena: W.J. Keenan at 8 a.m.; Lower Richland, noon; Dreher, 4 p.m.

NOTE: Dates are subject to change. For the most up-to-date information and to view the 2017-2018 academic calendar, go to www.richlandone.org.