Back to School 2021 by The Sumter Item

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

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School 2021-22 Tax-free weekend B2 Sumter School District B2-B6 Clarendon School District 2 B6 Lee County School District B6 Holy Angels Academy B7 Sumter Christian School B7 Wilson Hall B7 Liberty STEAM Charter School B7

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-22

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

THE SUMTER ITEM

Tax-free weekend begins Friday School supplies, clothing, shoes and more on ‘no-sales-tax list’ for 3 days BY BRUCE MILLS bruce@theitem.com Ready. Set. Go. The state’s annual taxfree weekend is here and runs Friday morning through Sunday night. State Department of Revenue spokeswoman Bonnie Swingle and local retailers spoke recently about the three-day, tax-free holiday set aside for the purpose of helping families and teachers get ready to go back to school. Each year at this time, South Carolina eliminates its 6% sales tax for the entire weekend on dozens of items. The exemptions also include local sales taxes, including any penny taxes. Back-to-school supplies are always popular sales items this weekend, but many other items also make the “nosales-tax list,” including clothing, accessories, shoes/footwear, computers and printers. Cloth face masks and neck gaiter face masks — considered clothing accessories — also are on the list if shoppers are looking to purchase additional ones this weekend to restock their supply. There have been no changes this year to what is tax-free and what is not exempt, according to Swingle, and that means the answer on smartphones is again “no.” Cellphones and smartphones are not tax free. (Swingle said her agency gets that question numerous times each year.) As is customary, laptop computers and tablets will offer some of the best savings overall of exempt items for shoppers, given their general price ranges. Swingle added that shoppers who purchase lots of clothes also have big savings. In 2020, shoppers bought more than $18.1 million in tax-free items in the state during the weekend, according to Department of Revenue data. COVID-19 levels were higher at that time, but if an item is eligible, it is tax free whether purchased in store or online during the weekend. She emphasized, though, the online purchase must be made and completed during the weekend to be tax free. “As long as someone checks out of their online shopping cart by Sunday, then you are good to go,” Swingle said. “The item doesn’t have to be delivered that weekend, but you do actually need to make the purchase that weekend.” That means, if you wait until Monday to purchase and make your order complete, it’s no longer tax free. With online purchases during the weekend, shipping/handling and delivery fees on qualifying items are also tax free.

LOCAL DEALS IN ADDITION TO TAX-FREE SALES Like many stores, Simpson Hardware and Sports has some discounts during the tax-free weekend, according to General Manager Shawn Matthews. Graphic T-shirts will be buy one, get one 40% off on Friday and Saturday. Bookbags

WHAT COUNTS AS A SCHOOL SUPPLY?

PHOTOS BY BRUCE MILLS / THE SUMTER ITEM

Bookbags and several other items at Simpson Hardware and Sports will feature discounted prices during the tax-free weekend that begins Friday.

Morris College staff members Felicia Heyward, left, and Samantha Major shop for items recently at Office Church School Supply Co. The supply store, at 780 S. Pike West, will have its annual Back To School Bash on Friday and Saturday.

READY TO SHOP? Items that will have no sales tax: - Clothing - Clothing accessories (including cloth face masks, neck gaiters) - Shoes/footwear - School supplies - Computers/printers - Computer accessories - Diapers - Earbuds and headphones - Some bed and bath items, including blankets, pillows and towels Non-exempt items: - Jewelry, cosmetics, eyewear - Furniture - Digital cameras - Digital music players - Cellphones, smartphones - Cleaning supplies - eReaders - Video game consoles - Office supplies used in a business - Sports equipment (baseball mitts, helmets, mouth guards, pads, etc.) - Mattresses and box springs For a full list of exempt and non-exempt items, go to www.dor.sc.gov/ taxfreeweekend. and trucker hats will be 10% off. The entire shoe department will be 10% to 60% off. Simpson also has other summer closeout sales this weekend, including 30% off summer clothing and swim trunks.

School supplies are items used in the classroom or at home for school assignments. They include — but are not limited to — pens, pencils, paper, binders, notebooks, books, backpacks, lunchboxes and calculators and will have no sales tax during the holiday. Items such as refrigerators and toiletries purchased by college students are not used for school assignments and are not exempt. Similarly, these items purchased for office, business or non-school use are not exempt. Source: S.C. Department of Revenue

Matthews added shoppers can also get good deals on COVID-19 cleaning supplies. Customers can also shop online at www.shopsimpsons.com and request curbside pickup service, he said. And it would not be back to school locally without mentioning Office Church School Supply Co. and its annual Back To School Bash. Area teachers flock to the two-day event each year at the 780 S. Pike West supply store, and it will be on Friday and Saturday, owner Faith Goins said. With the bash, the store will feature additional discounts, showcase new products for the school year and be open extended hours each day (9 a.m. to 6 p.m.). Carson Dellosa school items will be 20% off, Goins said. Door prizes will be available, and additional vendors will also be on hand.

With any purchase, teachers will receive a free desk calendar while supplies last, she added. The store also has plenty of COVID-19-related supplies on hand, to include masks, hand sanitizer, cleaning wipes and Lysol spray. Shoppers can also make purchases online at www.ocssupply.net and then pick up from the store, she said. Goins added that she has school supply lists, and if anyone brings in a list or emails one to her at fgoins@ocssupply.net, pickup can be made within a couple days. “We are trying to be a one-stop shop for everybody,” Goins said. “That is so much easier than when you are looking for 25 different items and have to go to 10 different places to try to find them.”

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT The first day of school for students in kindergarten through grade 12 is Tuesday, Aug. 17. Monday, Aug. 23, is the first day for prekindergarten students. Sumter School District will begin the 2021-22 school year with face-toface instruction five days a week. Our academic, social, emotional and mental health needs of our students remain at the forefront of our response to reopening schools safely. Face coverings are optional for students and employees. Visitors are not required to wear masks. Please note, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention currently recommends that everyone wears a mask inside, regardless of vaccination. We will continue to monitor the COVID-19 data in our community and adjust our protocols as needed. The use of face coverings by students and staff on school buses and within school facilities remains a recommendation of state and federal public health officials. Although face coverings on school buses are no longer mandatory, Proviso 1.108 does not prevent districts from encouraging the wearing of face coverings in these settings. All face masks must adhere to the Sumter School District Dress Code. No inappropriate symbols, pictures, language or messages can be displayed. For more information and a complete calendar for the 2021-22 school year, visit our website at www.sumterschools.net, which

includes links to all of the schools. Information is also distributed through the Sumter School District Facebook page and Twitter account.

ALICE DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Suzanna Foley Phone: (803) 775-0857/Fax: (803) 775-7580 School day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:15 p.m. http://ade.sumterschools.net Student orientation will be held Friday, Aug. 13, from 1:30 to 3 p.m. for kindergarten through fifth grade according to the following schedule: Prekindergarten, 9:3010:30 a.m. or 2-3 p.m; kindergarten and first-grade students, 1:30 p.m.; second- and third-grade students, 2 p.m.; and fourth- and fifth-grade students, 2:30 p.m. Class rosters will be posted in the hallways and by the classrooms. Students and parents will report to the child’s assigned classroom to meet with the teacher. Tables will be set up in the cafeteria to join the PTA, register for PERK, order school shirts or pick up other information. Additional parking will be available at Westminster Presbyterian Church across the street from the school. The first day of school for kindergarten through fifth-grade students is Tuesday, Aug. 17. The first day of school for prekindergarten students is Monday, Aug. 23. Dropoff/pickup procedures: All first- through fifth-grade students should be dropped off and picked up at the circular drive on Alice Drive. Prekindergarten and

kindergarten students should be dropped off and picked up at the circular drive on Miller Road. Parents who need to park to enter the school building are asked to park in the parking lots in front of the school. The parking lot at Westminster Presbyterian Church may also be used if additional parking is needed. For safety reasons, parents are asked not to drop off a child on Reynolds Road, at the sidewalk to the left of the main entrance or behind the school. Please do not park in the staff parking lot behind the cafeteria. We ask that all parents and students utilize our sidewalks at all times and do not walk through the traffic flow.

ALICE DRIVE MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal: Jeannie M. Pressley Phone: (803) 775-0821/ Fax: (803) 778-2929 School day: 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. http://adm.sumterschools.net Alice Drive Middle School, a nationally accredited STEM school, will hold its official first day of school on Tuesday, Aug. 17. Tuesday/ Wednesday will be designated as “Re-Engage” Camp. Students will receive their schedules, take ID pictures, review school-wide behavior expectations/procedures, tour the building, update Chromebooks and explore STEM through a variety of problem-based learning activities. Information will be sent home with dates for open house. Dropoff/pickup procedures:

Parents who bring children to

school should enter campus using gate one off University Drive by making a right turn only. The earliest students may be dropped off in the mornings is 7:10 a.m. To avoid congestion, parents are asked to make a left turn only when exiting campus out of gate two. Walkers should enter the designated entrance in the gym foyer. In the interest of student safety, please do not drop students off on University Drive, at the front of the school or in the bus loading/ unloading area.

BATES MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal: TBD

Phone: (803) 775-0711/Fax: (803)

775-0715

School day: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. http://bms.sumterschools.net The first day of school is Tuesday, Aug. 17. Bates Middle School will host an orientation for eighth-grade students and a mini-camp for sixthand seventh-grade students as follows: sixth grade, July 28, 8 a.m.– noon; seventh grade, July 29, 8 a.m.– noon; eighth grade, Aug. 13, 1–3 p.m. No bus transportation will be provided for the mini-camps or orientation. Dropoff/pickup procedures: All cars picking up and dropping off students should enter the drive from Scotkins Court and exit on Bailey Street. Students are not to be dropped off or picked up on Bailey Street. Parents are not permitted to park in the front of the building to pick up students 3–3:30 p.m. This blocks traffic during peak times.

CHERRYVALE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Pamela D. Rhodes Phone: (803) 494-8200/Fax: (803) 494-8233 School day: 7:20 a.m.-2:10 p.m. http://ces.sumterschools.net On Thursday, Aug. 12, from 6 p.m. to 7:30 p.m., Cherryvale Elementary School will hold Meet the Teacher and Orientation. During this session, parents will receive back-to-school information, review policies and procedures and meet staff members. An open house will be held on Thursday, Sept. 2, from 6 to 7 p.m. More information for the events will be placed on Cherryvale Elementary School’s website and social media pages. Chromebook distribution for new students in prekindergarten-fifth grade will take place on Aug. 12 during the Meet the Teacher and Orientation event and on Aug. 16 from 8 a.m. to 2 p.m. in the media center. Student uniforms at Cherryvale will continue to be mandatory. Students must wear pants, skirts or shorts that are navy blue or khaki. They must also wear collared shirts, blouses or sweaters that are white, light blue or navy. They can wear Cherryvale T-shirts and sweatshirts at any time. These garments are available to purchase and order online from various local retailers. Breakfast is from 6:50 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. In order to participate, students SEE SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT, PAGE B3

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-22

THE SUMTER ITEM

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

NEED TO KNOW YOUR CHILD’S BUS ROUTE?

Find all Sumter School District morning and afternoon bus schedules and routes online at www.theitem.com/schoolbus.

MICAH GREEN / SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM PAGE B2 must arrive before 7:15 a.m. Breakfast and lunch meals are free for all students. Tuesday, Aug. 17, is the first day of school for students in grades K-5. Monday, Aug. 23, is the first day for prekindergarten students. Dropoff/pickup procedures for students who are car riders will remain the same when we return for the 2021-22 school year. During morning hours, parents must drop off car riders at the front entrance of the building. During afternoon hours, they must pick up students at the back of the building. The school building opens daily at 6:50 a.m. Cherryvale Elementary is a Southern Regional Education Board school, an Arts in Basic Curriculum Site School and a Make a Way Hustle University school. Parents and students will receive more information regarding these initiatives at a later date. Components of these initiatives will be embedded into the core curriculum.

CHESTNUT OAKS MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal: Jenaii Edwards Phone: (803) 775-7272 /Fax: (803) 775-7601 School day: 8 a.m.-3 p.m. http://coms.sumterschools.net The first day of school is Aug. 17. The instructional day is 8 a.m.–3 p.m. Chestnut Oaks Middle School orientation for all students and parents will be held Friday, Aug. 13. All orientations will begin promptly in the gym as follows: sixth, 8:30–10 a.m.; and seventh and eighth, 10– 11:30 a.m. Parents will receive pertinent information such as schedules, bus routes, meet the teacher, etc. A parent-teacher conference night will be held Thursday, Sept. 16, 3:306:30 p.m. in the gymnasium. Parents will also be able to pick up interims at the conference. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Car riders should be picked up and dropped off on the circular driveway at the front of the school on Oswego Road. Students are not to be picked up or dropped off in the bus port area. Students are expected to use a school district-issued

Chromebook to engage in learning activities and completion of assignments. Students new to Sumter School District will be issued a district Chromebook from Chestnut Oaks during orientation or the first week of school. Chestnut Oaks is a uniform school, and all students will be expected to comply with the school uniform policy posted on the school’s website.

CRESTWOOD HIGH SCHOOL

Principal: Dr. Shirley Gamble

Phone: (803) 469-6200/Fax: (803)

469-7678

School day: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. http://chs.sumterschools.net/ Crestwood High School will host its orientation session for all parents and students to tour the building Wednesday, Aug. 11, based on the following schedule: freshmen and all newly enrolled students, 5:45-6:30 p.m.; sophomores, 6:15-7 p.m.; and juniors and seniors, 6:45-7:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the parking lots located in front of the school, fine arts center and gymnasium. Student schedules and a newsletter were both mailed on Aug. 4. Additionally, students and parents may access schedules via student and/or parent portal. Schedule confirmations will be conducted on campus or via Google Meet Aug. 9-12. Please visit the school website or call CHS Guidance Office to schedule your appointment time. Courses will be changed by appointment if there is a legitimate need such as: 1) scheduled for a class in which credit has been received, 2) not scheduled for eight classes, 3) course(s) required for graduation are needed, and 4) failed a course and prerequisite is required. Schedules will be reviewed 8 a.m.-4 p.m. based on the following schedule: Monday, Aug. 9 – Senior Confirmation Day; Tuesday, Aug. 10 – Junior Confirmation Day; Wednesday, Aug. 11 – Sophomore Confirmation Day; and Thursday, Aug. 12 – Freshman Confirmation Day. Student handbooks, which include school and district expectations, will be distributed on the first day of

school. Parents are respectfully requested to review the handbooks with their children. The first day of school for students is Tuesday, Aug. 17. Dropoff and pickup procedures:

Parents who drive their children to school should arrive no later than 8:35 a.m.; the building will open at 7:30 a.m.; the pick-up time is no later than 4:15 p.m. Students are required to arrive at the designated parking lot no later than 8:30 a.m. Student drivers must complete the school driver safety course, the ALIVE AT 25 training and complete the application before driving privileges will be granted. Permits will be sold on a first-come, first-served basis. Parking permits may be purchased at school; mail-in registration fees do not include parking permits.

CROSSWELL DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Dr. Shawn P. Hagerty Phone: (803) 775-0679/Fax: (803) 778-2857 School day: 7:30 a.m.-2 p.m. http://cdes.sumterschools.net www.facebook.com/ CrosswellDriveElementary Crosswell Drive Elementary's instructional day will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m., and dismissal procedures will begin at 2 p.m. daily. Breakfast will be served from 6:50 a.m. to 7:20 a.m. each morning. Dropoff/pickup procedures:

Dropoff time for car riders will begin at 6:50 a.m. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up from designated dropoff and pickup areas only. No front entrance dropoffs or pickups are allowed during on-time arrival and dismissal procedures. Please refer to the Parent/Student Handbook for further information. Parents and students may drop in several times during the week of Aug. 9 for orientation. Information packets about the school, policies, procedures and classroom assignments will be provided. In addition, teachers will be available during the following times: Tuesday, Aug. 10, 1-4 p.m.; Wednesday, Aug. 11, 8–11 a.m.; and Thursday, Aug. 12, 8-11 a.m. and 1-4 p.m.

Parents are welcome to call or drop in before the week of orientation for school-related information only between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. All student supplies (except book bags) will be provided throughout the school year. For up-to-date information, please like our Facebook page or contact the school directly.

EBENEZER MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal: Marlene De Wit

Phone: (803) 469-8571/Fax: (803) 469-8575 School day: 8:30 a.m. - 3:30 p.m. http://ems.sumterschools.net Tuesday, Aug. 17, is the first day of school. Orientation for parents and students who are new to Ebenezer will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, at 1 p.m. Students will continue to wear uniforms this year. The uniform policy can be found on our website, or a copy can be picked up from the school. If a student plans to ride the bus in the afternoon, he or she should ride the bus to school in the morning to be familiar with the driver and the bus number. Dropoff/pickup procedures: The parent dropoff and pickup area is at the north end of the building. Please do not block the bus loading/ unloading zone; pull into one of the parking spaces to pick up and drop off your student. Dropoffs can be made from 7:40–8:25 a.m. Students who are p.m. car riders should be picked up by 3:45 p.m. or they should ride the bus home.

FURMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal: Michael Riggins

Phone: (803) 481-8519/Fax: (803)

481-8923

School day: 8:30 a.m.-3:30 p.m.

http://fms.sumterschools.net www.facebook.com/fmsIndians Orientation for sixth through eighth grades will be held Friday, Aug. 13, according to the following schedule: sixth-grade orientation/camp, 8-9:30 a.m.; seventh-grade orientation will be held at 9:30 a.m.; eighth-grade orientation will be held at 10:30 a.m. Parents and students will report to the gym to pick up student schedules and may then report to the student’s homeroom. PTSA membership dues will be accepted,

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and Furman T-shirts may be purchased at this time. School uniforms will be waived this year due to the low availability; however, students are required to follow the Board of Trustees' policy on the student dress code. This policy can be found on the district’s website or on Furman’s Facebook page. The first day of school for students is Tuesday, Aug. 17. Homeroom assignments will be located on the walls in the hallway and outside of the classrooms. Staff members will be available to assist students with finding their homerooms. Also on the first day of school, all students who plan to ride their assigned bus should ride the bus in the morning so the bus driver will know the students, and the students will become familiar with their bus number and driver. Dropoff/pickup procedures:

Students who arrive by car should be dropped off between 8 a.m. and 8:30 a.m. at the student dropoff area located in the fenced area beside the school. (Please see our Facebook page for directions and map). Students may be dropped off at the main office entrance after 8:30 a.m. Students may be picked up in the afternoon in the fenced area beside the school at 3:30 p.m. Parents must pick students up no later than 4 p.m. As a safety measure, all parents, students and smaller children are asked to remain in their vehicles while waiting to pick up students.

HIGH HILLS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Dr. Mary Kay Norton Phone: (803) 499-3327/Fax: (803) 499-9553 School day: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. http://hhes.sumterschools.net The new school year begins Tuesday, Aug. 17. High Hills, a proud Leader in Me School and Home of the Panthers, serves fourth- and fifthgrade students only. In order to limit the number of people in the building at one time and to continue physical distancing, a dropin orientation will be held Monday, Aug. 16, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Parents may visit at their convenience to meet their child’s SEE SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT, PAGE B4

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THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-22 THE SUMTER ITEM

SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM PAGE B3 teachers and tour the school. Panther Pride T-shirts will be on sale. Classroom supplies and materials have been purchased for each child through Title 1; however, a few additional items may be requested by the individual teacher. You can check with your child’s teacher to see if other supplies and materials will be needed. All visitors must sign in. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Breakfast begins at 7 a.m. Instruction begins at 7:30 a.m. Students will be marked tardy after 7:30 a.m. Parents are able to access the school through the Frierson Road gate and the S.C. 441 openaccess gate. Dropoff time for car riders will begin at 6:50 a.m. when adult supervision is provided. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up at the designated area in front of the school. For your child's safety, please do not drop students off in the school parking lot or on Frierson Road. Walkers and bike riders from base housing will be able to enter from the back gate starting at 6:50 a.m.

HILLCREST MIDDLE SCHOOL

Principal: Tarsha B. Staggers

Phone: (803) 499-3341/Fax: (803) 499-3353 School day: 8 a.m.–3 p.m.

http://hms.sumterschools.net www.facebook.com/hillcrestmiddlewildcats New student orientation will be held Thursday, Aug. 12, at 5 p.m. During orientation, the faculty will be introduced, an overview of the student handbook will be provided, and other important information concerning the opening days of school will be covered as well. Open house will be held Aug. 26 from 5 to 7 p.m. All students and parents are welcome to attend. Parent University is scheduled for Sept. 16. Questions regarding how to maneuver through Schoology, Google and our other school programs as well as information regarding student expectations will be addressed. Times are: sixth, 7 p.m.; seventh, 6 p.m.; and eighth, 5 p.m. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Dropoff time for car riders is no earlier than 7:30 a.m. Adequate supervision is not available before this time. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up in the back of the school at the student dropoff/pickup area. The entrance to the student dropoff/pickup area is on Old 521 and goes around to the back of the school. Please do not use the teacher parking lot to drop off/pick up students. Parents are always welcome at Hillcrest Middle School. We invite our parents to visit their child’s class or have lunch with their child. Guests should report to the front office immediately upon arrival and secure a visitor’s pass.

KINGSBURY ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Phillip Jackson Phone: (803) 775-6244/Fax: (803) 775-7021 School day: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. http://kbe.sumterschools.net Kingsbury Elementary School will host an orientation program for students and parents Friday, Aug. 13, according to the following schedule: 8:30 a.m., kindergarten and thirdgrade students; 9:30 a.m., first- and fourthgrade students; and 10:30 a.m., prekindergarten, second- and fifth-grade students. Parents and students are asked to meet in the school cafeteria upon arrival. Classroom assignments will be posted in the commons area. Tuesday, Aug. 17, is the first day of school for grades kindergarten through five. Monday, Aug. 23, is the first day for prekindergarten students. Additional information will be shared at orientation. Dropoff/pickup procedures: All students should be picked up and dropped off in front of the school off Kingsbury Road. Parents who need to leave their car to enter the building are asked to park in the designated parking areas and not along the curb. The prekindergarten and kindergarten dropoff/ pickup location is for prekindergarten and kindergarten students only. LAKEWOOD HIGH SCHOOL Principal: Dr. Maggie J. Wright Phone: (803) 506-2700 /Fax: (803) 506-2708 School day: 8:45 a.m.-3:45 p.m. http://lhs.sumterschools.net Freshmen and sophomore orientation will be held Thursday, Aug. 11, from 10 to 11:30 a.m. in the Fine Arts Center (lunch will be provided). Any new upperclassmen who would like to attend are also invited. Upperclassmen may report directly to their respective classrooms beginning at 10:30 a.m. The orientation session will conclude at 11:30 a.m. Parking will be available in the parking lots in front of the school, fine arts center and gymnasium. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Students should not arrive or be dropped off before 8 a.m. and should be off campus no later than 4:15 p.m. Student dropoff and pickup is located in the front of the auditorium, the third entrance on Old Manning Road. The student parking area is located in the third entrance in front of the gym area. Students must complete an in-house defensive driving course before applying to get a driver’s parking decal. Due to safety concerns, the first driveway is designated ONLY for buses and is therefore off limits. Please do not use the bus driveway for student pickup or dropoff.

LEMIRA ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal: Stephanie Gregg, Ed.S

Phone: (803) 775-0658 / Fax (803) 778-2730 School day: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

http://lme.sumterschools.net To kick off the school year, grade-level orientations will be held Thursday, Aug. 12. Orientation for PreK-first grade will begin at 5 p.m. Orientation for grades 2-5 will begin at 6:15 p.m. Class rosters will be available and posted. In addition, the school supply wish list for the school year has been posted on the school’s website and will be available at the orientation. The first day of school is Aug. 17 for kindergarten through grade 5. Aug. 23 is the first day for prekindergarten. Instruction begins daily at 7:30 a.m. for all grade levels. Students should arrive on campus no earlier than 6:50 a.m. and no later than 7:30 a.m. to avoid being tardy. Chromebooks will be used for the 202122 school year. Students are encouraged to bring charged laptops to school on a daily basis. If you are in need of technical assistance, please call the school for technical support. School uniforms are a requirement for Lemira Elementary students. The uniform attire consists of navy, black or khaki pants, shorts, skirts, skorts or jumpers with polo shirts. Shirts must have a collar and can be any solid color (no stripes or other patterns). Dropoff/pickup procedures: All students may be dropped off in the morning at the traffic circle in front of the school’s entrance on Fulton Street and exit on Boulevard Road. Parents are reminded to not drop students off before 6:50 a.m. For students' safety, parents are reminded not to drop their child off in the grassy area across the street from the school on Fulton Street. During pickup, all car riders will be dismissed through the gate under the breezeway using their car number. Each student will be provided with numbered car tags and book bag tags. Parents arriving without a car tag number will be asked to go into the office to have their credentials verified. Parents will not be allowed to walk up to the car pickup gate to retrieve students, and students will not be permitted to cross Fulton Street to walk to their rides, for safety is our No. 1 priority.

MANCHESTER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal: Maria Dantzler Phone: (803) 452-5454

School day: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

http://mes.sumterschools.net The first day of school for grades kindergarten through five is Tuesday, Aug. 17. The first day for prekindergarten students is Aug. 23. Registration is open for all students. Orientation drop-in for all grades will be held Friday, Aug. 13, between 10 a.m. and noon.

Each classroom teacher will send a postcard to welcome all of our students to their new classrooms. During orientation, parents and students will have the opportunity to meet their child’s homeroom teacher, other faculty and staff members and sign up to be members of our PTA. Parents will receive Parent Portal information, bus route information, school meals information, register for car-rider pickup numbers and be issued a SSD Chromebook. All necessary school supplies will be purchased through our Title I project. The only item not provided is a student backpack. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Students may be dropped off under the awning in our parent dropoff/pickup line as early as 6:50 a.m. Student pickup begins under the awning at 2:15 p.m. In order to keep all students safe, we ask parents to remain in their cars and use their assigned parent pickup numbers when picking up students. All students will be offered a free, nutritious breakfast from 6:50-7:20 a.m. Students must be finished with breakfast and be in their classrooms by 7:30 a.m. to avoid being tardy. Parents are welcome to call or visit our school Monday through Thursday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. during summer hours for additional information. You may also like our Facebook page or go to our school website.

MILLWOOD ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal: Cornelius B. Leach, Ed.D.

Phone: (803) 775-0648/ Fax: (803) 436-2987 School hours: 7:30 a.m.–2 p.m.

http://mwe.sumterschools.net School information regarding prekindergartenfifth grade will be discussed at the Meet the Teacher orientation on Friday, Aug. 13, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The annual school-wide drivethrough Back to School Bash Supply Giveaway will take place on Saturday, Aug. 14, from 10 a.m. to noon. Chromebook distribution for new students in kindergarten-fifth grade will take place on Aug. 13 during the Meet the Teacher orientation event and on Aug. 14 from 10 a.m. to noon. The first day of school for students in grades K-5 is Tuesday, Aug. 17. The first day for prekindergarten is Aug. 23. Dropoff /pickup procedures: For the safety of our students, the earliest dropoff time is 7 a.m., and the latest pickup time is 2:30 p.m. Students in grades PreK, first and fifth will be dropped off and picked up at the Horseshoe across from Food Lion on Wedgefield Road. Students in grades second, third and fourth will be dropped off and picked up on Mustang Drive off Pinewood Road. If there are multiple SEE SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT, PAGE B5

How to navigate family feelings about returning to school BY FAMILY FEATURES Whether it’s your child’s first day of kindergarten or the start of middle school, back-to-school season can bring a range of feelings — from worry to excitement — for the entire family. This year may be more emotional as many families spent the better part of the past two school years at home because of the COVID-19 pandemic. “It’s important to remember that even in the best of times, it’s normal for children to express feelings of sadness, isolation or stress,” said Tyreca Elliott, from KinderCare Learning Centers’ inclusion services team. “Learning how to address those feelings helps us build self-confidence, resilience and independence. What’s important is the way adults respond to children’s stress. Of-

fering comfort, reassurance and assisting with problem solving will help children learn and grow from stress in a positive way.” As an added bonus, Elliott said many of the most effective ways to help children learn to navigate their feelings work just as well with adults. Consider these three tips to help your children (and yourself) manage emotions during the transition back to school. Plan ahead: The fear of the unknown can be stressful. Children who aren’t able to clearly articulate their feelings likely won’t be able to make the connection between new, uncertain situations — like going to school and being around other people — and their feelings. Instead they may become overwhelmed by emotions, which might look like more meltdowns, clingi-

ness or a variety of other behaviors. Talk with your children about how they feel about going back to school ahead of the first day of class. Ask questions to help them determine why they feel particular feelings when they think about school, then work together to solve potential issues. That could mean finding a way to meet your children’s teachers ahead of time, whether virtually or in person, or practicing introducing themselves to classmates. Build a consistent routine: Routines can give children (and adults) a sense of security and structure, which in turn make it easier to cope with big emotions like stress and anxiety. Try to stay consistent, and if you need to make adjustments, talk them through with your children. Be sure to mention key milestones instead of times, particularly if they can’t tell time yet. Make sure your children have opportunities to ask questions about any changes to routines. They may need reassurance before they’re ready to face something new.

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Create special family moments: As important as routine is, it’s just as important to prioritize quality time together. That could mean a vacation or something as simple as Saturday bike rides or Sunday morning pancakes. Plan a family outing

or special time together to celebrate completing the first week of school. Family rituals and celebrations can give children and adults something to look forward to. Quality time together also helps families build resiliency.

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-22

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SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM PAGE B4 children attending Millwood, older siblings will be dropped off and picked up with the youngest sibling in the family. Breakfast and lunch: All students are eligible to receive breakfast and lunch daily. Breakfast will begin at 7 a.m. Breakfast typically ends at 7:30 a.m. Each teacher has a designated time for his or her class to eat lunch and participate in recess. Lunch will be served in the cafeteria. Millwood Elementary School is a partner with the Southern Regional Education Board and the University of South Carolina Aiken @ Sumter. Parents and students will receive information about our partnerships during Meet the Teacher orientation and our schoolwide assembly on Friday, Aug. 20.

OAKLAND PRIMARY SCHOOL

Principal: Joshua Campbell

Phone: (803) 499-3366 /Fax: (803) 499-3361 School day: 7:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m.

http://ops.sumterschools.net The school day begins daily at 7:30 a.m. and ends at 2:15 p.m. Students reporting later than 7:30 a.m. will be marked tardy. Breakfast is served daily from 6:50 to 7:20 a.m. Note: Students who wish to eat breakfast should be dropped off no later than 7:10 a.m. in order to have time to eat before going to class. Student dropoff begins at 6:50 a.m. Class rosters will be posted Aug. 16, the day of our Back to School Orientation, which is scheduled for 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. The teacher will contact you the week prior to set up a time for you to come to school for the orientation. You will also be able to purchase an Oakland T-shirt and sign up for parent pickup cards. We will also have booths set up with information regarding bus transportation and day care for before and after school care if needed. Copies of the school supply wish list can be found on the school’s website or Facebook page. The first day of school for kindergarten and first grade is Tuesday, Aug. 17. Parents are asked to pin a small piece of paper on their child the first day of school with the child’s name, telephone number and bus numbers if applicable. If the child will be picked up daily, please indicate parent pickup or the name of the daycare that will pick the child up. Dropoff/pickup procedures: For dropoff, please stay in the righthand lane and pull up as far as you can to a staff member if you are only dropping off. If you wish to park and walk your child to the door, please stay in the lefthand lane and park in the parent parking lot and cross to the sidewalk at either end of the parking lot. You may then walk to the door to drop off your child. An OPS staff member will assist your child to their classroom. For parent pickup, you will be issued two cards with a number specific to your child. Please make sure to have that daily to pick up your child. If you do not have the card, you will be asked to go to the main office to pick up your child. You may either wait in the line that forms from the right lane or walk up to pick your child up from a classroom located near the dropoff/pickup location. Prekindergarten classes will begin on Monday, Aug. 23. On the first day of school, the students will receive a packet of information to share with parents. Please complete all requested forms and return them to the school the following day, especially concerning emergency contact/ allergies information. Please check the school’s website (ops. sumterschools.net) or the Oakland Primary School Facebook page for the supply lists and other pertinent information as we get closer to the start of the school year.

POCALLA SPRINGS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Michelle Curry-McBride Phone: (803) 481-5800/Fax: (803) 481-5813 School day: 7:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m. http://pses.sumterschools.net The main office has been moved and will face Bethel Church Road. It is important to register new students, prekindergarten students and kindergarten students early. Registration can take place online or at the main office, and we need to ensure that we have all paperwork for your child’s records. All registrations require the student’s birth certificate, immunization record and two proofs of address (utility bill or lease agreement, for example). Student orientation in grades K-5 will be held on Friday, Aug. 13, from 1 to 3 p.m. according to the following schedule: 1-2 p.m. for kindergarten, first and second and 2-3 p.m. for third, fourth and fifth. Students and parents will meet teachers, view bus schedules, locate classrooms and receive other information. Kindergarten–second grades (Gate 1) will enter through the new main entrance. Third– fifth grades (Gate 2) will enter through the doors by the red flag. Chromebooks will be issued during the orientation hours for new students. The first day of school for students in K-5 is Tuesday, Aug. 17. Prekindergarten’s first day is Aug. 23, and prekindergarten orientation is Friday, Aug. 20, at 9 a.m. Late arrivals and early departures during the school year may impact student grades and the chance for perfect attendance. For late arrivals, students report to the attendance office for a tardy notice. The late-arrival entrance will be in the main office entrance. For early departures, on the morning of the early dismissal, parents must send a note to the administrators. For safety, students are released only to persons on the student's emergency sheet and with written permission of the parent or legal guardian. Proper identification must always be presented. After 1:30 p.m., students are dismissed only with the approval of the gradelevel administrator. Dropoff/pickup procedures: To drop off students, enter (Gate 2) nearest the marquee and drop off students at the covered area past the guidance office. Dropoff time for car riders begins at 6:50 a.m. for students who wish to eat breakfast. Dismissal is at 2:15 p.m. Car riders in prekindergarten through first and their siblings are picked up at the covered area past the guidance office (dropoff area). Car riders in second through fifth (Gate 1) are picked up at the covered area behind the cafeteria. This information is subject to change. Please visit our website, Facebook and Twitter often for the most up-to-date information. RAFTING CREEK ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Brandon Wells Phone: (803) 432-2994/Fax: (803) 425-7386 School day: 7:30 a.m.–2:15 p.m. http://rces.sumterschools.net Meet-the-teacher event will be held Saturday, Aug. 14, from 9 a.m. to noon. Information concerning expectations, policies and procedures, new initiatives and buses will be discussed. Parents are encouraged to form a partnership with Rafting Creek and to participate in as many activities as their schedules will allow.

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have any textbooks from the previous year, please bring them with you so that we can credit your child’s account. Parents may also purchase a school T-shirt for $10 for youth sizes and $15 for adult sizes as well as ACE water bottles for $3. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Dropoff time for car riders will begin at 7:05 a.m. when adult supervision is provided. Car riders should be dropped off and picked up at the designated area to the left of the school in front of the cafeteria. Please do not drop off or pick up in front of the school; this area is designated for buses only.

R.E. DAVIS COLLEGE PREPARATORY ACADEMY Principal: Anita L. Hunter Phone: (803) 495-3247/Fax: (803) 495-3211 School day: 7:30 a.m. to 2:20 p.m.; tardy at 7:35 a.m. https://sites.google.com/sumterschools.net/ redcpa/home www.facebook.com/REDavisCPA/ Orientation for students in prekindergarten through fifth will be held Friday, Aug. 13, from 9 to 10 a.m. Students in sixth–eighth will have orientation on Aug. 13 from 10:15 to 11:15 a.m. During the start of each orientation, parents/guardians and students are asked to join the administration team in the gym for the welcome address and review of policies and procedures for the 2021-22 school year. Students and parents/guardians will then have an opportunity to report to the child’s assigned classroom to meet with the teacher. School will begin promptly at 7:30 a.m. and dismiss at 2:20 p.m. Student uniforms are mandatory Monday–Thursday. Fridays, students should adhere to the Sumter School District board policy on dress code. Students in prekindergarten–eighth should wear pants, skirts or shorts that are navy blue or khaki. Students in prekindergarten–fifth should wear collared shirts, blouses or sweaters that are yellow or navy. Students in sixth–eighth should wear collared shirts, blouses or sweaters that are red or light blue. The first day of school for kindergarten through eighth is Aug. 17. Students in prekindergarten will start on Aug. 23. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Morning dropoff time for car riders is 7-7:30 a.m. at the front entrance near the gym. The afternoon pickup location is the same as the morning dropoff. Dismissal is from 2:20-2:35 p.m.

Phone: (803) 481-4480/Fax: (803) 481-4021

SHAW HEIGHTS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Dr. Melissa Morris Phone: (803) 666-2335/Fax: (803) 666-3719 School day: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. http://shes.sumterschools.net The school day begins at 7:30 a.m., and the tardy bell rings at 7:40 a.m. Car riders and walkers should arrive between 7:05 and 7:15 a.m. if they would like to eat breakfast. Class rosters will be posted the morning of Aug. 16, the day of our back-to-school drop-in. Copies of the school supply wish list can be found on the school’s website or Facebook page. We have also placed copies at Walmart. The backto-school drop-in will be held Monday, Aug. 16, from 8 a.m. to noon. Feel free to come by the school during this time to meet your child’s teacher, see the classroom, join the Shaw Heights Elementary PTO, purchase a Shaw Heights T-shirt and sign up for parent pickup cards. PTO dues and fees owed previously will be accepted at this time. If you

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We invite parents to have lunch with their children as often as possible. Please notify the office one day in advance of your plans to eat lunch. All guests must report to the office upon arrival. Dropoff/pickup procedures: Parents who transport their children to school must follow the signs to the rear dropoff point. The student dropoff is open from 7 to 7:20 a.m. daily. Please do not drop students off before 7 a.m. as there will be no supervision. Car riders reporting after 7:20 a.m. must use the front entry. Students must report to homeroom by 7:25 a.m. Students are tardy after 7:30 a.m. and must be signed in at the attendance office by an adult.

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SUMTER HIGH SCHOOL

Principal: Nicholas Pearson

School day: 8:40 a.m. to 3:45 p.m. http://shs.sumterschools.net Sumter High School will host its Freshman and New Student Orientation on Wednesday, Aug. 11, according to the following schedule: 5:30 to 6:30 p.m. (Session I), students with last names beginning A-L; and 6:30-7:30 p.m. (Session II), students with last names beginning with M-Z. Students will meet the administration team in the Sumter High School Gymnasium at the start of each session followed by a transition into the Commons Area and to their respective classrooms. Freshman and new students to Sumter High School will receive their schedules at orientation. Orientation will conclude at 7:30 p.m. Parking will be available in the front of campus using Gate 1 and at the rear of campus using Gate 5. Students in grades 10–12 may pick up schedules Thursday and Friday, Aug. 12-13, from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. in the front of the guidance office in the commons. All Sumter High students new to the district and new freshmen need to have their student identification cards taken. All students must pay class fees during the first two weeks of school. Class fees are $10 for all students. Students or their parents must pay for lost or damaged textbooks from the past year before any additional textbooks can be issued to a student. All checks for fees should be made payable to Sumter High School. Fees can be paid at orientation or see the bookkeeper to pay during regular building hours. Drop-off/pick-up procedures: Parents who drive their children to school should drop off students in the front of campus using Gate 1 off McCrays Mill Road no later than 8:30 a.m.; the pick-up time is no later than 4:15 p.m. Students who drive must arrive at the designated student parking lot no later than 8:30 a.m. Permits will be issued during the first week of school. Parking permits must be obtained in person at Sumter High School in the main office. Students will need to present the vehicle registration and a valid driver license.

WILDER ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal: David Wright

Phone: (803) 773-5723 /Fax: (803) 778-2918 School day: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m. Tardy bell: 7:35 a.m.

http://wld.sumterschools.net Wilder Elementary School will host a back-toschool teacher orientation for all students and parents Monday, Aug. 16. Prekindergarten through second will begin at 9 a.m. followed by third through fifth at 10 a.m. Classroom assignments will be posted in several locations throughout the school. Parents and students will be invited to go directly to the classrooms. Breakfast is served from 6:50 to 7:25 a.m. The tardy bell rings at 7:35 a.m. Office hours are 7:15 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Dropoff/pickup procedures: The horseshoe on South Main Street is the only dropoff and pickup area for car riders. Dropoff is no earlier than 7 a.m. in the front of the school. Parking spaces are provided for parents who must SEE SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT, PAGE B6

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-22 THE SUMTER ITEM

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SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT FROM PAGE B5 walk students to class or pick them up in the afternoon. If a parent has a conference, he or she should park in the parking spaces provided in the front of the school. All parents must report to the main office for a visitor pass. All walkers will enter and exit through the two gates located on South Main. (Gates are located on the picnic shelter side of South Main and at the corner of South Main and Newberry.) The student’s address will determine which gate he or she will use in the afternoon. Parents should not park along the fence or in the church parking lot. Parents should also not walk through the exit to receive children. All daycare and bus riders report to the bus port at the end of the 100 Building on Floral Avenue. All exceptional ed. bus riders will report to the bus port on Floral Avenue (back of the school).

WILLOW DRIVE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Principal: Jackqueline Thomas

Phone: (803) 773-5796 /Fax: (803) 778-2847 School day: 7:30 a.m.-2:15 p.m.

http://wde.sumterschools.net Willow Drive Elementary School, home of the Soaring Eagles, will host an orientation for students and their parents on Friday, Aug. 13, between 9 a.m. and 1 p.m. Your child’s classroom teacher will contact you by Aug. 13 to schedule a time to visit and receive back-toschool information. A separate orientation for prekindergarten will be held Thursday, Aug. 19, at 9 a.m. in the cafeteria. Parents will receive bus schedule information, register for a car pickup decal and have an opportunity to join the PTO. Classroom assignments will be posted in the front lobby of the school and displayed on

each classroom door. The first day of school for kindergarten through fifth is Tuesday, Aug. 17. The first day for prekindergarten is Aug. 23. Breakfast will be served from 6:50 to 7:30 a.m. We encourage students to be on time for school each day. Students are considered tardy at 7:35 a.m. Any parent or community stakeholder who would like to sign up for a one-on-one meeting with the principal is asked to call the school to schedule. Dropoff/pickup procedures: In the morning, all students should be dropped off using the drive-through from Willow Drive to Miller Road. This area is drive-through only. In the interest of safety, students should not be dropped off in front of the school building. Students should not report to school before 6:50 a.m. as there will not be any supervision available until that time. Parents who need to enter the building may park in a visitor parking space and come to the front office. Afternoon pickup will be in the same place where students are dropped off in the morning. All students will be dismissed at 2:15 p.m. Car riders should be picked up no later than 2:35 p.m.

SUMTER CAREER AND TECHNOLOGY CENTER Principal: Dr. Shirrie B. Miller Phone: ( 803) 481-8575/Fax: (803) 481-4323 School day: 9 a.m.-4 p.m. http://sctc.sumterschools.net www.Facebook.com/sctcsumter/ http://twitter@sctcsumter http://Instagram@sctcsumter Sumter Career and Technology Center is a nationally certified STEM school as well as a Transform SC center, a SREB Pacesetter CTE

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KeAndre Green, then a senior at Sumter High School, mounts his wing to be used in a wind tunnel experiment during an aerospace engineering class at the Sumter Career and Technology Center in March 2020. Center and South Carolina Youth Apprenticeship member. The first day for students in grades 10–12 is Tuesday, Aug. 17. Open house for students and parents is Tuesday, Sept. 7, from 5:30 to 7 p.m. Orientation for students is Thursday, Sept. 9. Morning orientation is from 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., and afternoon orientation is 12:30–1:30 p.m. Student handbooks, which include school and district expectations, will be distributed on the first day of school. Parents are encouraged to review the handbooks with their children. Chromebooks will be distributed at each student’s home high school. Please check with your home high school for distribution dates. Students walk from Sumter High School through the back gate while students from Crestwood High and Lakewood High schools

CLARENDON SCHOOL DISTRICT 2 Superintendent: Dr. Shawn Johnson 15 Major Drive, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-4435 www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/4 www.facebook.com/ ClarendonDistrictTwo Our district is comprised of six schools: – One early childhood center (grades K4-first and Montessori) – One primary school (grades 2-3) – One elementary school (grades 4-6) – One junior high school (grades 7-8) – One high school (grades 9-12) – One optional educational center (grades 7- 12)

DENNIS ELEMENTARY SCHOOL

Student registration: Aug. 5, 9

a.m.- 5 p.m.

Student dropoffpickup location:

Front entrance of the school Uniform colors: 4K-third, navy blue collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms; fourth, gold collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms; fifth, black collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 17 Daily schedule: Breakfast, 7:30 a.m.; morning welcome/ announcements, 7:50 a.m. (Students are considered tardy after 7:50 a.m.); start of instructional day, 8 a.m.; dismissal, 2:45 p.m.

LOWER LEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Shelia Stukes Student registration has already been held. Student dropoff/pickup: Car riders are dropped off and picked up in the front of the school. They walk through the front gate and enter the building on the kindergarten hallway. The exit for third- through fifth-grade riders is through the conference area then through the front gate. 4K through second-graders exit through the kindergarten hallway and through the front gate. 4K, 5K, first- and second-graders will exit on the kindergarten hallway and through the front gate. Bus dropoff/pickup: Rear of the building on the bus ramp Uniform colors: 4K-second, sky blue collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms; third-fifth, royal blue collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 17 Daily schedule: breakfast, 7:25 a.m.; morning welcome/

SUMTER COUNTY ADULT EDUCATION

Director: Dr. Vanessa Smith-Canty

Phone: (803) 778-6432/Fax: (803) 775-4665 Hours of operation: Monday and

Wednesday, 8 a.m.-5:30 p.m.; Tuesday and Thursday, 8 a.m.-8 p.m.; Friday, 8 a.m.-noon; Saturday, 9 a.m.-noon. Sumter Adult Education invites the public to our Community Meet and Greet Open House on Thursday, Aug. 5, from 4 to 6 p.m. We will host a Getting Back to School Bash on Thursday, Aug. 19, from 5 to 7 p.m. Adult Education classes will begin on Tuesday, Aug. 24.

2759 Raccoon Drive Manning, SC 29102 (803) 473-4744 www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/8 www.facebook.com/ ManningEarlyChildhoodCenter

Clarendon School District 2 cafeteria workers Daisey Britt, Frances Bennett, Tami Wallace and Emelina Alfano prepare nutritious meals for students during the first week of school closings because of COVID-19.

MANNING PRIMARY SCHOOL

PHOTO PROVIDED

MANNING EARLY CHILDHOOD CENTER Principal: Rosa Stokes; Assistant principal: Deanna Disher

Principal: Tiffani Burgess; Assistant principal: Freddie Teal

125 Boundary Drive Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-2268 www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/Domain/9 www.facebook.com/ ManningPrimarySchool

LEE COUNTY SCHOOL DISTRICT Principal: LaToya Boyd

are transported by bus to Sumter Career and Technology Center. The school building opens daily at 9 a.m.

announcements, 7:45 a.m. (Students are considered tardy after 7:50 a.m.); start of instructional day, 7:55 a.m.; dismissal, 2:45 p.m.

MANNING ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Alyson Goff; Assistant principals: Kelli Bellant, Rochelle Bennett 311 W. Boyce St. Manning, SC 29102

(803) 435-5066 www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/ Domain/10 www.facebook.com/ ManningElementary29102

Student driver location: All

drive and park on the school premises. Uniforms: Black or white collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 17

students who drive to school must park in the student parking lot located by the gymnasium. Students must purchase a parking decal ($10) to

MANNING JUNIOR HIGH SCHOOL

1101 W.L. Hamilton Road Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-8195 www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/ Domain/11 www.facebook.com/MJHSMonarchs

MANNING HIGH SCHOOL

2155 Paxville Highway Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-4417 www.clarendon2.k12.sc.us/ Domain/12 www.facebook.com/ ManningHighSchool/

MANNING OPTIONAL EDUCATIONAL CENTER 1423 Hotel St. Alcolu, SC 29001 (803) 619-1450 www.facebook.com/ManningOEC

Daily schedule: breakfast, 7:30

a.m.; first bell will ring at 7:55 a.m. (students are considered tardy after 8 a.m.); instruction begins, 8 a.m.; dismissal, 3:15 p.m.

WEST LEE ELEMENTARY SCHOOL Principal: Dr. Veronica Bradley Student registration has already been held. Student dropoff/pickup location: Front entrance of school Uniforms: Burgundy collared shirts

with khaki or black bottoms

First day of school: Tuesday,

Aug.17

Daily schedule: breakfast, 7:25 a.m.

(Students are considered tardy after 7:50 a.m.); morning welcome/ announcements, 7:50 a.m.; intervention, 7:53 a.m.; instruction begins, 8:20 a.m.; dismissal, 2:45 p.m.

LEE CENTRAL MIDDLE SCHOOL Principal: Patrice D. Holmes Student registration has already been held. Student dropoff/pickup location: Cafeteria entrance

(second parking lot) Uniform: sixth, navy blue collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms; seventh, hunter green collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms; eighth, burgundy collared shirts with khaki or black bottoms First day of school: Tuesday, Aug. 17 Daily schedule: breakfast, 7:30 a.m.; morning welcome/ announcements, 7:55 a.m. (students are considered tardy after 8 a.m.); instruction begins, 8 a.m.; dismissal, 3 p.m.

LEE CENTRAL HIGH SCHOOL

Principal: Baron Turner Student registration for 12th grade: Aug. 5, noon-7 p.m. All other

grades have already registered.

Student dropoff/pickup location: Front school entrance

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BACK TO SCHOOL 2021-22

THE SUMTER ITEM

HOLY ANGELS ACADEMY

WILSON HALL

Holy Angels Academy (formerly known as St. Anne & St. Jude Catholic School), 11 S. Magnolia St., Sumter, is now a 4K through sixthgrade school. Our small learning community sizes and dedicated faculty and staff provide a firm academic and Christian foundation for all our students. Our 4K program is an official 4K First Steps program. Last school year we were blessed to have in-person, socially distanced classes for the entire year. Our goal is to provide the same socially responsible environment this school year. Orientation is in person, Thursday, Aug. 12, at 6 p.m. in the St. Anne & St. Jude Parish Hall, 11 S. Magnolia St. Monday, Aug. 16, is the first day of

Headmaster: Fred Moulton

school. All classes are in person. Our doors open at 6:50 a.m. School begins at 7:45 a.m. and ends at 2:45 p.m. for all grades. We offer afterschool care until 5:30 p.m. for a nominal charge. We also offer Extended Academics for students who need additional time with a teacher. Dropoff and pickup will be in our flag circle facing Magnolia Street. Our uniforms have been simplified and help to create a team-like atmosphere. We also sell used uniforms to help offset the cost. Please visit our website, www. sumterholyangels.com, our Facebook or Instagram pages, our YouTube Channel sumterholyangels, or call (803) 775-3632 for more information or to schedule a visit.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

520 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-3475 www.wilsonhall.org Preschool and Kindergarten

Aug. 18 – parent orientation, 6 p.m.; Aug. 20 – student orientation, 10–11 a.m.; Aug. 23-27, noon dismissal; Aug. 30 – first full day of class Lower School (1-5)

Aug. 17-18 – noon dismissal; Aug. 19 – first full day of class Middle and Upper Schools (6-12)

Aug. 17-18 – 12:15 p.m. dismissal; Aug. 19 – first full day of class Wilson Hall is an independent, coeducational, college preparatory day school for students in 3-year-old preschool through the 12th grade. Founded in 1966,

Wilson Hall offers a challenging curriculum in a family like atmosphere that promotes traditional JudeoChristian values. – 100% of graduates accepted to a four-year college or university – 100% of Class of 2021 received merit-based scholarship offers totaling more than $5.8 million – Class of 2021 average SAT: 1388 (top 25%), 1204 (entire class) – 22 Advanced Placement courses offered for college credit – 35 interscholastic athletic teams with 62 state championships in 14 sports – 46 clubs and extracurricular activities Wilson Hall is fully accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Wilson Hall does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national or ethnic origin in any of its policies, practices or procedures.

LIBERTY STEAM CHARTER SCHOOL Academy director: Sherman

Logan, Primary Academy Campus Address: 15 School St., Sumter, SC 29150 Phone: (803) 569-1217 School day: 8 a.m.-4 p.m. (tardy at 8:05 a.m.) www.libertysteamcharter.org Facebook: @libertysteamcharter.org Instagram: @libertysteamcharter. org Twitter: @Liberty_STEAM We are excited to be Sumter’s first tuition-free, open-enrollment public charter school serving 192 scholars in kindergarten and first grade at our Primary Academy campus. LSC seeks to offer an academically rigorous and scholarcentered learning environment that nurtures a STEAM focus through project-based and personalized learning. Founding families can meet their teacher, tour the campus and receive important back-to-school information on Thursday, Aug. 5: kindergarten at 5 p.m. and first grade at 6:15 p.m. Scholars who attend will receive a

special treat. Families with siblings in both grades are asked to attend the 5 p.m. session. On Saturday, Aug. 7, all founding families are invited to a Back-toSchool Bash from noon to 3 p.m. at Jehovah Missionary Baptist Church, 805 S. Harvin St. LSC operates on an extended school day and year, with engaging instruction beginning at 8 a.m. and ending at 4 p.m. Early dismissal occurs on each Wednesday at 1:30 p.m. for staff professional learning where there is no regularly scheduled break on the calendar. All scholars are required to adhere to the uniform policy which includes a navy/gray Liberty polo shirt, khaki bottoms, white socks, black shoes and black belt. Important forms including the records request form, grade-level supply wish lists and the free/ reduced lunch application are all available on the Primary Academy page of the school website. Enrolled families are encouraged to contact the school if they are not receiving enrollment text message and/or

TY CORNETT / THE SUMTER ITEM

A soon-to-be Liberty STEAM Charter School “scholar” poses for a photograph with the school’s mascot in the background at a meet and greet before the school officially opened for the first time in August 2021. email updates. The first day of school for all scholars is Aug. 9. Breakfast is served as early as 7:30 a.m. Early care will begin Aug. 16 with supervision available as early as 6:45 a.m. LSC’s after-school ASPIRE program is tentatively scheduled to begin Aug.

SUMTER CHRISTIAN SCHOOL

Contact information

Academic calendar

Calendar events can be found under the “About” drop-down menu on the homepage of the website, sumterchristian.org. Open House

On Friday, Aug. 6, parents and students meet with their teachers during the annual Open House (1-7 p.m.) on a drop-in basis. The public is invited to visit and take a tour of the facilities.

Dropoff/pickup procedures:

During morning arrival and

Sumter Christian School students Nicholas Robinson, left, and Jordan Farrell, right, use handmade binoculars to get a closer look at a helicopter landing at the Sumter County Civic Center while Austin Wright, in the middle, uses the telescope version in 2017.

420 S. Pike West Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 773-1902 www.sumterchristian.org Administrator – Ron Davis: (803) 773-1902 or ron.davis@sumterchristian.org Principal – Matthew Marritt: (803) 773-1902 or matt.marritt@sumterchristian.org Administrative supervisor – Lucy Davis: (803) 773-1902 or lucy.davis@sumterchristian. org

23 and runs from 4 to 6 p.m. We look forward to an exciting year of learning and growth, where Liberty will become a proof point to illustrate what is possible when potential meets opportunity.

SUMTER ITEM FILE PHOTO

Starting and ending time

School starts at 8:05 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 9, for all grades (preschool through 12th). Preschool dismisses at noon, kindergarten through third grade at 2:45 p.m. and grades 4-12 at 3:10 p.m. New student registration

Students may enroll any weekday before school starts (or transfer after school starts) if space is available. Parents should call (803) 773-1902 for information about enrolling

their children or come by the school. Office hours are 8 a.m.-4 p.m. weekdays and 7:30 a.m.-4 p.m. after school starts. Entrance fees are $220 for preschool, $280 for kindergarten through eighth grade and $325 for ninth through 12th grade. Tuition is $3,223 for preschool, $3,916 for kindergarten and $4,565 for grades 1-12. Monthly payment plans are available, and discounts are provided when two or more children from the same family attend. Book

afternoon pickup, all cars should enter campus by taking South Guignard to turn left or right onto Bartlette Street, then left on Walker Avenue followed by a left on Kent Street and then turn right into the school’s entrance at the back of the campus.

fees vary by grade level and can be found under “Admissions/Forms and Documents” on the drop-down menu on the website. Scroll down to find the document. The “Financial Information” link is on the “Forms and Documents” page also (for a summary of all fees and discounts). Dropoff location

Students may be dropped off at the front or rear doors of the two main school buildings. The church foyer entrances are closed. Students in preschool through third grade are picked up at the front porch. Students in grades four through 12 are picked up at the rear entrance. Uniforms/dress code

All students in grades K-12 wear “business casual” collared shirts (any solid color or conservative patterns). Slacks and kneelength shorts must be navy, black or khaki and not baggy. COVID-19 protocol

The school staff will continue to clean and sanitize as we did last year, but virtual instruction will not be offered this year. Updates to the protocol will be emailed to all parents and posted on the website as needed. Masks are optional.

Laurence Manning

LAURENCE MANNING

ACADEMY

Fully Accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools

and

South Carolina Independent Schools Association

Serving the Clarendon and Sumter communities since 1972, Laurence ManningManning Academy Academy is a private,isChristian Serving theClarendon Clarendon andSumter Sumter communities since 1972,Laurence Laurence Manning Academy Serving the and communities since 1972, a private,school committed to providing students in grades K3 students through 12 with a high quality education within a safe, friendly, and Christian school committed to providing in grades K3 through 12 with high education Christian school committed to providing students in grades K3 through 12 awith a quality high quality morally rich environment. within a safe, friendly, and morally rich environment. education within a safe, friendly, and morally rich environment. Laurence Manning Academy students consistently score well above national averagesaverages in all areas Laurence Manning Academy students consistently score wellthe above the national in of allstandardized areas Laurence Manning Academy students consistently score well above the national averages in allof testing, the SAT, and the ACT. Our students are regularly accepted to and attend the top colleges and universities standardized testing, thetesting, SAT, and ACT. arestudents regularlyare accepted to and attendtothe top in areas of standardized thethe SAT, andOur the students ACT. Our regularly accepted and South Carolina and the southeast, with our senior classes annually earning an average of over $3 million in meritcolleges universities in South Carolina theCarolina southeast, senior with classes earning attend and the top colleges and universities in and South andwith the our southeast, ourannually senior classes based scholarships.

average over $3 merit-based scholarships. annually an earning an of average ofmillion over $3in million in merit-based scholarships.

Laurence Manning is excited to offer our students a new and enhanced 21st Century Digital Classroom in addition to ToTolearn more about how thethe Laurence Manning experience can helphelp your student to successfully work, learn more about how Laurence Manning experience student to successfully traditional classroom instruction. By taking traditional instruction to thecan next level,your we can help students to successfully live, worship, and play play in in the ever changing landscape of our communities world, call us today work, live, worship, and play inchanging the everlandscape changing of our communities and work,lead, lead, live,lead, worship, and the ever oflandscape our communities andand world. Call usworld, today to learn and arrange for your personal tour. call us today and arrange for your personal tour. more and schedule your personal tour.

Phone: 803.435.2114

www.laurencemanning.com

Laurence Manning Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national and ethnic origin in administration of its educational policies, athletics and other school administered programs.

THURSDAY, AUGUST 5, 2021

BACK-TO-SCHOOL 2021-22 THE SUMTER ITEM

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