Sumter School District Welcome Guide 2024 by The Sumter Item

SUMTER SCHOOL

DISTRICT

2024-25

Guide Welcome

Sumter Educators

What's Inside

OWelcome

n behalf of our Board of Trustees and the Sumter School District family, welcome to the 2024-2025 school year. We are grateful to partner with The Sumter Item to provide this welcome guide, featuring valuable information about the exceptional educational opportunities available to our students, parents, employees and stakeholders.

In our pursuit of academic excellence, our schools incorporate 21st-century teaching methods that immerse students in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), leverage digital libraries and utilize cutting-edge technology for an enriched and dynamic learning experience. Our students have passports to global learning through world languages, fine arts, career and technology education, Advanced Placement, dual enrollment college courses, International Baccalaureate and gifted and talented programs. Beyond STEM, Sumter School District offers innovative programs such as AVID, Leader in Me, Arts in Basic Curriculum, National Blue Ribbon Points of Light, Project Lead the Way, Southern Regional Education Board and Ben Carson Reading Rooms. With expansive Career and Technology Education courses and numerous offerings at Sumter Career and Technology Center, students gain skills that pave the way for career readiness. Sumter School District also nurtures wellrounded students through our award-winning athletics, fine arts and extracurricular clubs and

organizations.

Our commitment to excellence extends beyond the classroom. We are dedicated to fostering strong partnerships with parents, guardians and community stakeholders. Your involvement and support are invaluable as we work together to create a safe, enriching and supportive environment for our students.

This year, we are embracing our theme, “ALL IN for SSD.” This signifies that each of us is fully committed to our mission, our students, our employees and our community. Being "ALL IN" means embracing our roles with passion and dedication and believing in the potential of every student. It means going above and beyond in our efforts, working collaboratively and striving for excellence in all we do. We are also committed to providing an extraordinary educational experience that nurtures our students’ individual talents, unleashes their potential and equips them with the tools they need for local and global success. Together, let us make this an exceptional year filled with Sumter School District APPEAL — Advancing Potential and Pursuing Excellence for All Learners.

Dr. William T. Wright, Jr. Superintendent, Sumter School District

From The Sumter Item

On behalf of The Sumter Item staff, I’d like to welcome you to the 2024-25 Sumter School District Welcome Guide. As the Sumter region’s leader in media for more than 130 years, we are glad you are here and hope you enjoy this magazine.

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

The Sumter Item of today is more than just a newspaper. Studio Sumter, the video wing of our media company, produces shows such as Posted throughout the week at Facebook. com/theitem and on Instagram @sumteritem, the all-positive news show highlights some of the great things happening throughout our community, including much of the activities inside our schools. We also recognize and highlight exceptional teachers and counselors throughout our region, featuring those community heroes across our platforms.

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

If you have not already, please consider subscribing to our local print and digital coverage at The Sumter Item. You can do so by visiting TheItem.com/subscribe.

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

Thanks to everyone who plays a role in building our community through education, and we hope you have a great school year.

Vince Johnson Publisher, The Sumter Item

Who to call

Sumter School District 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900 www.sumterschools.net

Dr. William Wright Jr., Superintendent Ext. 100

William.wright@sumterschools.net

Chauntae Scott, Administrative Manager to Superintendent and Board of Trustees Ext. 100

Chauntae.scott@sumterschools.net

Dr. Shirley Gamble, Chief of Schools Ext. 103

Anthonese.gamble@sumterschools.net

Dr. Jerry Oates, Chief Human Resources Officer Ext. 208

Jerry.oates@sumterschools.net

Shatika Spearman, Chief Finance Officer Ext. 312

Shatika.spearman@sumterschools.net

Veronne Davis, Executive Director of Student Support Services 803-774-5500

Veronne.davis@sumterschools.net

Shelly Galloway, Executive Director of Communication and Community Engagement Ext. 102

Shelly.galloway@sumterschools.net

Arpad Jonas, Executive Director of Information Systems and Technology Ext. 132

Arpad.jonas@sumterschools.net

Dr. Jadé McLeod, Executive Director of Academics Ext. 516

Jade.mcleod@sumterschools.net

Samuel Myers, Executive Director of Operations Ext. 510

Samuel.myers@sumterschools.net

Maintenance/Warehouse

Chris Catoe, Director of Maintenance 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 803.469.6900, ext. 602

Christopher.catoe@sumterschools.net

Food Services

Stacey Francis, Director of Food Services 5355 Cane Savannah Rd., Wedgefield, SC 29168

Phone: 803.499.5950, ext. 109

Stacey.francis@sumterschools.net

Transportation Services

Marlon Dantzler, Director of Transportation 4355 Peach Orchard Road Sumter, SC 29150

803.499.3422

Marlon.dantzler@sumterschools.net

Leonard Brailsford, Area One

Hillcrest Transportation Office (Crestwood High Feeder Schools) 4355 Peach Orchard Road Dalzell, SC 29040

Phone: 803.499.3422

Leonard.brailsford@sumterschools.net

Joshua Johnson, Area Two

Sumter High Transportation Office (Sumter High Feeder Schools) 2580 McCray’s Mill Road Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 803.481.4423

Joshua.johnson@sumterschools.net

Brian Jones, Area Three

Furman Transportation Office (Lakewood High Feeder Schools) 3400 Bethel Church Road Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 803.481.3168 or 481.3169

Brian.jones@sumterschools.net

ATTENDANCE is

important on the first and all days of school

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

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

Written notes from the parent, guardian or attending physician must be submitted within five days after returning to school or the absence will be considered unlawful. An absence is considered lawful when it is the result of illness, death in the immediate family, emergencies and recognized

religious holidays. Parents/guardians can only submit 10 notes per year. For high school students, parents/guardians can only submit five per semester.

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

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

Parents who plan to enroll their child in Sumter School District for the first time are encouraged to enroll as soon as possible to avoid last minute crowds. Parents may register their child in the school zoned for their residence during regular school hours. Persons unsure of their school zone may contact the district’s attendance office at (803) 469-6900, extension 507.

Children must be 4 or 5 on or before Sept. 1 to enroll in prekindergarten or kindergarten, respectively. State law mandates that children ages 5 to 17 must be in school. Upon registration, parents are required to

For further information on attendance laws, contact Joyce Perkins, coordinator of attendance services, at 803-469-6900, extension 507.

NEW STUDENT Registration Information

provide school personnel with the child’s official birth certificate or other proof of name and age, proof of residence, and the SC Immunization Form (DHEC 4024).

The district recommends that parents of children transferring from another school district also bring the child’s latest report card. Children transferring from out of state must have their health certificate information on a South Carolina form. Parents must take out-ofstate certificates to a doctor or clinic in South Carolina to have the information transferred to the correct form.

District Overview

#ALLINFORSSD District

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

Our academic programs address rigorous standards in language arts, mathematics, science and social studies. Research-based best practices focus on problem solving, critical thinking, creativity and collaboration. Data is used to plan and implement instruction in order to differentiate instruction, monitor student progress and set appropriate goals. A MultiTiered System of Support (MTSS) uses databased problem solving to integrate academic and behavioral instruction and intervention.

The district infuses 21st Century teaching by emphasizing Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), the use of digital libraries and the implementation of cutting edge technology. Our students have access to world languages, fine arts, Advanced Placement, college-level dual enrollment, the International Baccalaureate program and the Gifted and

Talented program. Through our expansive Career Technical Education (CTE) courses and numerous offerings at the Sumter Career and Technology Center, our students are developing career-ready skills. Sumter School District also produces well-rounded students through robust athletic programs and award-winning extracurricular clubs and organizations. Our students develop life and career characteristics and soft skills through career exploration including exposure to employers via career fairs, shadowing, work cooperatives and partnerships; programs and events sponsored by Sumter Economic Development, Sumter Chamber of Commerce and workforce readiness partners; and mentoring programs. Character development is encouraged and taught through character education, classroom guidance, small groups and intervention programs. Sumter School District works diligently to ensure that every student graduates on time and is prepared for post-secondary education, is career ready and has the foundation to become a productive citizen.

A strong partnership between our families, the community and school personnel greatly enhances academic progress, and we are extremely grateful for your continued support. Sumter School District remains committed to providing every student with a high quality education which will serve as a foundation for their future success.

At FTC, We Get You

We understand you and your unique needs. And in our increasingly internet-connected world, we know how important a fast, reliable internet connection can be — especially for today’s students. We get it because, just like you, our kids depend on the internet for homework, research, online classes and more. From blazing-fast speeds to remarkable reliability, robust Wi-Fi coverage and strong security, you can get everything you need from your neighbors at FTC.

Food & Nutriti n SERVICES

All schools in Sumter School District offer wellbalanced and nutritious meals in compliance with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) guidelines. A standard breakfast meal includes a meat/meat alternate, whole-grain rich grain, fruit, 100% fruit juice and a choice of low-fat milk. A standard lunch meal includes a meat/meat alternate, whole-grain rich grain, vegetable, fruit and low-fat milk. All grade levels have an option of purchasing a la carte items.

Sumter School District participates in the Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) Program. All breakfast and lunch meals are free of charge to students. Meal applications are not required.

Primary Care

Eagerton Family Practice

McLeod Health Providers

Robert S. Eagerton, MD* / Carmen Roberts, DO*

Amber P. Newman, NP

200 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-0439

McLeod Primary Care Clarendon

Obstetrics and Gynecology

McLeod Women’s Care Clarendon

Monica Ploetzke, MD / Thomas C. Key, MD

Katee L. Wyant, MD / Tom Chappell, CNM

Allison Saran, CNM, WHNP

Lisa E. Heichberger, MD* / Laine Way, MD

Susan Caulkins, FNP / Susanne Johnson, FNP

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 3, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-8828

Palmetto Adult Medicine Sumter

Harry A. Jordan, Jr., MD

Andrew J. Reynolds, MD

Hugh T. Stoddard, Jr., MD

Katherine S. Coffey, PA-C

Emily J. Miller, PA-C

Racheal D. Posey, APRN

1295 Wilson Hall Road, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 905-6800

McLeod Primary Care Turbeville

Abbie Kirby, PA-C / Amanda McConnell, PA-C

944 Smith Street, Turbeville, SC 29162 (843) 659-2114

McLeod Family Medicine Kingstree

Raina McKenzie, PA-C

1200 North Longstreet Street, Kingstree, SC 29556 (843) 355-5459

Cardiology

McLeod Cardiology Associates

Prabal Guha, MD / John Rozich, MD, PhD

Dennis Lang, DO / James R. Britt Jr., AGAC-NP

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 883-5171

Manning Clinic: 21 East Hospital Street, Manning, SC 29102

Rebecca Cartledge, APRN, CNM

Shaquinda Dowdle, DNP, APRN, CNM

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 2, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-0797

Orthopedics

McLeod Orthopaedics Associates

Rodney K. Alan, MD / Chaz McDonald, NP

Scarlett Manchin, NP

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (843) 777-7900

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 6, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 433-3065

Surgery

McLeod Surgery Clarendon

Devonne D. Barrineau, MD / Laura Collins, FNP

50 East Hospital Street, Suite 4, Manning, SC 29102 (803) 435-2822

Urology

McLeod Urology Associates Sumter

Michelle B. Miller, NP

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 340-5100

Vascular

McLeod Vascular Associates

William C. Jackson, DO

540 Physicians Lane, Sumter, SC 29150 (843) 777-7043

* Not accepting new patients at this time

Education PARTNERS

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

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

Partnerships not only benefit students and schools, they also strengthen and provide advantages to the community. Today’s students will be the workforce of tomorrow. By investing in students’ education, the local community is essentially investing in itself to ensure its success for tomorrow.

If you are interested in becoming a community partner or adopting a school, please contact Shelly Galloway, executive director of communication and community engagement, at (803) 469-6900, extension

102. Become a Sumter Partner In Education, and help make students’ dreams come true.

SUMTER EDUCATION

Established in 2012, the Sumter Education Foundation serves as the philanthropic arm for Sumter School District. They operate independently from the school district under a separate Board of Directors. The Foundation is a chartered corporation in South Carolina and is taxexempt under Section 501 (c)(3) of the Internal Revenue Code.

Any gift to the Foundation provides a corresponding tax liability deduction from State and Federal income taxes (Taxpayer Identification # 57-0963633). All donations received are for the exclusive use of Sumter School District based on priorities established by the Foundation’s Board of Directors. This commitment includes teacher innovation and recognition, student recognition,

special programs/projects and grants for teachers. The Board of Directors acts as a fiscal agent for donors who wish to sponsor projects for schools, teachers and students. They also serve as a review committee for program ideas, gifts and grants available to schools and to individual departments, teachers, students and student groups to further the educational purposes of the Sumter Education Foundation and Sumter School District. Recognizing that the quality of education is important to the well-being of the community it serves, the Foundation Board will build upon the strong school system to ensure all students will be prepared to live, work and compete in tomorrow’s challenging workplace.

THE SUMTER ITEM STORE

During periods of unsafe weather conditions when it may be questionable to hold school, the school district has several options including closing school, opening schools one hour late or opening schools two hours late. Decisions for any of these options will be announced to the public no later than 5 a.m. on the day in question on the following local radio and television stations: WIBZ 95.5 FM, WKHT 93.7 FM, WICI 94.7 FM and WDXY 1240 AM. The television stations used are WIS TV 10, WOLO TV 25, WBTW 13, WACH 6 and WLTX TV 19. Information is also announced on the Sumter School District website, Facebook page and Twitter page.

In the event of inclement weather, parents will also be notified by telephone and our mobile app through Finalsite. Please make sure the school has your correct contact information.

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

SAFETY SCHOOL

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

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

Each joint emergency action plan at the school

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

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

School Directory

Alice Drive Elementary School

Eric Masaitis, Principal

251 Alice Drive

Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 775-0857 Fax: 775-7580 http://ade.sumterschools.net

Cherryvale Elementary School

Debra Healey, Principal 1420 Furman Drive

Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 494-8200 Fax: 494-8233 http://ces.sumterschools.net

Crosswell Drive Elementary School

Dr. Shawn Hagerty, Principal 301 Crosswell Drive

Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 775-0679 Fax: 778-2857 http://cde.sumterschools.net

High Hills Elementary School

Kathy Lyons, Principal 1705 Frierson Road

Shaw AFB, SC 29152

Phone: 499-3327 Fax: 499-9553 http://hhes.sumterschools.net

Kingsbury Elementary School

Phillip Jackson, Principal 825 Kingsbury Road

Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 775-6244 Fax: 775-7021 http://kbe.sumterschools.net

Lemira Elementary School

Stephanie Gregg, Principal 952 Fulton St.

Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 775-0658 Fax: 778-2730

http://lme.sumterschools.net

Manchester Elementary School

Brandon Wells, Principal

200 E. Clark St. Pinewood, SC 29125

Phone: 452-5454 Fax: 452-5423

http://mes.sumterschools.net

Millwood Elementary School

Josh Campbell, Principal 24 Pinewood Road

Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 775-0648 Fax: 436-2987

http://mwe.sumterschools.net

Oakland Primary School

Jessica Wright, Principal 5415 Oakland Drive

Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 499-3366 Fax: 499-3361

http://ops.sumterschools.net

Pocalla Springs Elementary School

Michelle-Curry McBride, Principal

2060 Bethel Church Road

Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 481-5800 Fax: 481-5813

http://pses.sumterschools.net

R.E. Davis College Preparatory Academy

Maria Dantzler, Principal

345 Eastern School Road

Sumter, SC 29153

Phone: 495-3247 Fax: 495-3211

http://redcpa.sumterschools.net

Rafting Creek Elementary School

Anita Hunter, Principal 4100 Hwy. 261 North

Rembert, SC 29128

Phone: 432-2994 Fax: 425-7386

http://rces.sumterschools.net

Shaw Heights Elementary School

Dr. Melissa Morris, Principal 1495 Frierson Road

Shaw AFB, SC 29152

Phone: 666-2335 Fax: 666-3719

http://shes.sumterschools.net

Wilder Elementary School

Michael Riggins, Principal 975 S. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 773-5723 Fax: 778-2918

http://wld.sumterschools.net

Willow Drive Elementary School

Jackie Thomas, Principal 26 Willow Drive Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 773-5796 Fax: 778-2847

http://wde.sumterschools.net

Alice Drive Middle School

Jeannie Pressley, Principal 40 Miller Road Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 775-0821 Fax: 778-2929

http://adm.sumterschools.net

Bates Middle School

Nicole Lash Fuller, Principal 715 Estate St. Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 775-0711 Fax: 775-0715

http://bms.sumterschools.net

Chestnut Oaks Middle School

Jenaii Edwards, Principal 1200 Oswego Road Sumter, SC 29153

Phone: 775-7272 Fax: 775-7601

http://coms.sumterschools.net

Ebenezer Middle School

Bertha Timmons, Principal 3440 Ebenezer Road Sumter, SC 29153

Phone: 469-8571 Fax: 469-8575

http://ems.sumterschools.net

Furman Middle School

J. Tanner Curry, Principal 3400 Bethel Church Road

Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 481-8519 Fax: 481-8923

http://fms.sumterschools.net

Hillcrest Middle School

Tarsha Staggers, Principal

4355 Peach Orchard Road

Dalzell, SC 29040

Phone: 499-3341 Fax: 499-3353

http://hms.sumterschools.net

Crestwood High School

Dr. Jayson Leach, Principal 2000 Oswego Road

Sumter, SC 29153

Phone: 469-6200 Fax: 469-7678

http://chs.sumterschools.net

Lakewood High School

Dr. Maggie Wright, Principal

350 Old Manning Road

Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 506-2700 Fax: 506-2712

http://lhs.sumterschools.net

Sumter High School

Anamaria Sandor, Principal

2580 McCrays Mill Road

Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 481-4480 Fax: 481-4021

http://shs.sumterschools.net

Sumter Academy for Support and Intervention

James Boone, Principal

475 Crosswell Drive

Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 774-5900 Fax: 774-5901

http://ba.sumterschools.net

Sumter Career and Technology Center

Dr. Shirrie Miller, Principal 2612 McCrays Mill Road

Sumter, SC 29154

Phone: 481-8575 Fax: 481-4232

http://sctc.sumterschools.net

Sumter School District

Dr. William T. Wright, Jr., Superintendent 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150

Sumter School District Annex

Veronne Davis

Executive Director of Student Support Services 220 Hasel St. Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 774-5500

Sumter Adult Education

Dr. Vanessa Canty, Director 905 N. Main St. Sumter, SC 29150

Phone: 778-6432 Fax: 775-4665

*All phone numbers are area code (803)

Board of Trustees

Ralph Canty Sr., D.Min. Chairman District 3

104 S. Salem Ave. Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 983-1469

ralph.canty@sumterschools.net

Matthew “Mac” McLeod District 6 2985 Bruce Circle Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 938-2701/Cell mac.mcleod@sumterschools.net

About the Board

Bonnie S. Disney Esq. Vice-Chairman District 9 Swan Lake Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 983-0268

bonnie.disney@sumterschools.net

Shery White Parliamentarian District 7 1300 Goodson Road Sumter, SC 29153 (803) 983-7157

shery.white@sumterschools.net

Sumter School District is governed by nine elected members of the Board of Trustees. The board sets policy, approves the budget, works with the Sumter County Legislative Delegation and Sumter County Council on issues of importance to the schools and oversees the efficient operation of the district.

The board is committed to the education of students to the best of their individual abilities; to a constant awareness of the concerns and desires of the community regarding the quality and performance of the school system, with the board

Daniel P. Palumbo District 1 6585 Hidden Haven Road Sumter, SC 29154 (803) 883-6119

daniel.palumbo@sumterschools.net

Jeffrey E. Zell District 8 440 Veranda Drive Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 607-0797

jeff.zell@sumterschools.net

assuming an educational leadership role; to the employment of a superintendent who will see that the district maintains a position as an outstanding school system and under whose leadership the school personnel will carry out the policies of the board; and to the continued improvement of the district schools for the benefit of its students and their improved academic achievement.

Contact Information

Brittany English District 2

6760 Spring Hill Road Rembert, SC 29128 (803) 968-8899 brittany.english@sumterschools.net

Deborah MacQueen, 20th FW School Liaison Program Manager

Shaw AFB, South Carolina Office: (803) 895-3398 Deborah.macqueen@us.af.mil

Tarah Cousar-Johnson District 4 4770 Narrow Paved Road. Lynchburg, SC 29080 (843) 412-4811

tarah.cousarjohnson@sumterschools.net

Chauntae Scott Administrative Manager to the Superintendent and Board 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900, ext. 100 chauntae.scott@sumterschools.net

Shawn T. Ragin, D.Min. Clerk District 5 3835 Quiet Court Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 464-6859

Shawnragin89@gmail.com

Dr. William T. Wright Jr. Superintendent 1345 Wilson Hall Road Sumter, SC 29150 (803) 469-6900, ext. 100 william.wright@sumterschools.net

Additionally, the board’s goals are as follows:

• To communicate the educational expectations and aspirations of the community through the formulation of policies that stimulate the learner and the learning process;

• To manage the school system in accordance with board policy;

• To provide leadership in order that the goals and objectives of the school system can be effectively carried out;

• To two-way communication with various publics served by the schools in order to interpret public attitudes, to identify policies and procedures of the schools, and to encourage public involvement with and understanding of the schools;

• To evaluate the data appropriate for the management functions of planning, evaluating, organizing and implementing the goals and objectives of the district; and

• To demonstrate fiscal responsibility and align district resources with raising student achievement The Board of Trustees meets publicly on the second and fourth Mondays of each month at 6 p.m. at the District Office unless otherwise announced. Special meetings are scheduled as needed.

Career Readiness

Sumter School District exposes students in grades K-12 to college and career readiness information. At the elementary level, students participate in career awareness activities; middle school students participate in career exploration activities such as interest and values assessments and the eighth-grade Individual Graduation Plan conference; and in high school, students receive career guidance services to include interest skills and values assessments, job shadowing opportunities, internships, youth apprenticeships and cooperative learning opportunities that support choosing a cluster and major within the curriculum frameworks as part of their annual Individual Graduation Plan Conference. At all levels, CTE/Career Specialists sponsor field studies, which are different from field trips in that the field study is intended to expose students to career related

information relevant to their age group. These activities are all in accordance with the Education and Economic Development Act’s (EEDA) initiative of Personal Pathways to Success. Some of the programs used are the Microburst Employability Skills program and South Carolina Information System. Work-Based Learning (WBL) is a coordinated, sponsored, coherent sequence of workplace experiences that are related to students’ career goals and/or interests, are based on instructional preparation, and are performed in partnership with local businesses, industries or other organizations in the community. WBL enables students to apply classroom instruction in a real-world business or service-oriented work environment.

Employment: CAREER ADVANCEMENT

Continuing education and lifelong learning

Post-secondary: CAREER PREPARATION

Achieving credentials: college, certification, apprenticeships, military

9-12: CAREER PREPARATION

Academics and technical courses, intensive guidance, individual graduation plans

8: TRANSITION

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

6-8: CAREER EXPLORATION

Discovering interest areas

K-5: CAREER AWARENESS

Introduction to the world of careers

About SUMTER SCHOOL DISTRICT

Mission

Sumter School District is committed to providing a safe, nurturing and high-quality educational environment that supports diversity and equips students for local and global success.

Vision

Sumter School District is committed to educating, empowering and enriching the lives of all students to reach their full potential.

Motto

To Educate, Empower and Enrich!

Values and Beliefs

• Commitment to Excellence: Educational excellence requires that all stakeholders strive for continual growth and improvement.

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

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

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

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

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

Nondiscrimination Statement

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

Points Pride OF

• Accredited by the COGNIA Accreditation Commission

• $27 million awarded in merit-based scholarships to the Class of 2024

• One National Merit Scholar

• Purple Star School District

• COGNIA Accredited STEM schools - Alice Drive Middle School, Bates Middle, Alice Drive Elementary, Sumter Career and Technology Center

• STEM cohort schools, AVID schools, Leader in Me schools, an International Baccalaureate school, Arts in Basic Curriculum schools, one National Blue Ribbon Points of Light school, Project Lead the Way Schools, Southern Regional Education Board schools and Ben Carson Reading Rooms

• National and state recognition for academic, fine arts and athletic programs

• South Carolina Department of Education approved eLearning district

• One-to-Global Technology Initiative

• Mobile STEM Explorer, Cyber Security Bus and StarLab Planetarium

• Five State Teacher of the Year finalists and one State Teacher of the Year

• Partners in Education initiative for mentors and community partners

• Collaborates with business, military, faithbased, public safety, civic and higher education community partners to help • Career Technical Education (CTE) in the middle and high schools, in addition to programs offered at the Sumter Career and Technology Center

District Teacher of the Year Finalists

Terri Johnson, Cherryvale Elementary School

Terri is a math interventionist and has 13 years of service to education. The most rewarding part of her career is helping other people grow. There is something so uplifting about having students, teachers and parents tell her how much she has helped them to grow and how successful they are now because of it.

Rachel Pressley, Shaw Heights Elementary School

Rachel is a third-grade teacher and has seven years of service to education. The most rewarding part of her career is watching her students develop confidence in their studies and themselves. It is always a joyful moment when students achieve a personal or academic goal and they are able to celebrate together!