Report to the People Spring 2015 2014-2015 BOARD OF TRUSTEES Jerry Lee Rosemary Bailes Andrew Inabinet Denise McCormick Buddy Herring
Council District I Council District II Council District III Council District IV Council District V
West-Oak Warriors 2015 State Championship Wrestling Team
The School District of Oconee County does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, disability or age in its programs and activities and provides equal access to the Boy Scouts and other designated youth groups. The following persons have been designated to handle inquiries regarding the nondiscrimination policies: employment or gender related issues – Assistant Superintendent for Human Resources; 504 or disability related issues – Assistant Superintendent for Instruction; equal access issues – Assistant Superintendent for Operations. All may be contacted by mail at 414 S. Pine Street, Walhalla, SC 29691 or by phone at 864-886-4400.
It is a privilege to work in such a great community! We are blessed with beautiful natural surroundings, wonderful students & families, dedicated and caring staff members & well maintained facilities. We are also blessed by tremendous community support. That is why we are excited to present this publication as a way to share with you the smiling faces and exciting events from our schools. In this paper, you will read about happenings in each of our schools as well as transitions that are occurring in our district. Below is a list of what you will find on the different pages.
The school board established two major goals for the 2014-15 school year. The first is to consistently rank as a top ten South Carolina school district on all student achievement measures. The district has accomplished this goal on some measures in the past but fallen short on others. For example, when comparing 2014 SAT scores, Oconee ranked 8th out of the state’s 81 school districts. On EOC (end of course) tests, our county was significantly lower. Being a top ten district will continue to be challenging but an attainable goal for the School District of Oconee County.
Seneca Area School Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 2 - 4 Tamassee-Salem Area School Highlights . . . . . . . . . . 5 Hamilton Career Center Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 Building Projects . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 6 - 7 Student Achievement and Budget Data . . . . . . . . 8 - 9 Walhalla Area School Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . . 10 - 12 West-Oak Area School Highlights . . . . . . . . . . . 13 - 15 2015-16 SDOC School Calendar . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 16
The second major goal of the school board was to balance an operating budget that was $3.5 million in the red coming into the school year. Through many discussions, a plan has been developed to reduce this deficit by over $2 million dollars for the 2015-16 school year and to start the 2016-17 year with a balanced budget. While this plan does include the elimination of several positions within the district, budget reductions will not cause anyone to lose employment. All reductions will be accomplished through natural employee attrition.
Members of our School Board of Trustees, as well as the administrative team, strive for a high level of excellence in every aspect of the District. The goals and objectives developed each year reflect a strong commitment to our community growth. We establish goals each year aligned with the mission, beliefs, and vision set forth in the School District of Oconee County’s strategic plan and drive to a higher standard. We are committed to providing the best instruction possible in a safe learning environment. Best practices in instructional and assessment methods are implemented to improve overall student learning and achievement. Everyone, from the board to all staff members, remains focused on student achievement and works hard to be accountable to the citizens of Oconee County.
It is our hope that you enjoy this publication. We thank you for your support of the School District of Oconee County.
Michael Thorsland Superintendent
Andy Inabinet Chariman, Board of Trustees
BLUE RIDGE ELEMENTARY
Reading Celebration
• Star readers are recognized each quarter for earning 100 steps (equivalent to 25 hours in reading). • Our RIDGE Mentor Program strives to foster positive relationships with our students and Clemson University students who become RIDGE mentors. • 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students participated in the district Math Madness competition. • Recognized by United Way by receiving the “School of the Year” for the second consecutive year for the financial contributions made by our staff to improve the lives of others. • Students in grades 3 - 5 participated in the annual Future Chef Culinary Competition. • Students were recognized as winners in the annual Tornado Poster Contest receiving 1st Place, 2nd Place and Honorable Mention. • Inducted 28 fourth graders and 19 fifth graders into the 2014-2015 Beta Club
NORTHSIDE ELEMENTARY
Math Madness Competitors
SOUTHERN WESLEYAN SCIENCE FAIR WINNERS
BATTLE OF THE BOOKS - FIRST PLACE WINNERS Elementary schools in Oconee County held the 4th annual Battle
of the Books competition on Saturday, March 21, at James M. Brown Elementary. After school-level competitions, winning teams from Blue Ridge, James M. Brown, Keowee, Northside, Oakway Intermediate, Orchard Park, Ravenel, Tamassee-Salem, Walhalla, and Westminster Elementary competed, answering questions based on books they had read in their school media centers. Each school’s media specialist coached her school’s team to the final competition. Following two preliminary rounds, the field was narrowed to three finalists: Walhalla Elementary, Oakway Intermediate, and Northside Elementary, with Northside coming out on top. Congratulations to all students who worked so hard to represent their school! Pictured left to right: Geoff Smith, Principal, Northside Elementary School; Kaidence Hamm, Brooke Lindsey, Ava Kelly, Ryan Wallace, Mary Anne Robbins, Media Specialist. Seated: Heather Falkner
RAVENEL ELEMENTARY
Celebrating Dr. Seuss’ Birthday
• Students participated in a weeklong celebration of Dr. Seuss’ birthday with a different activity each day that went with one of his books. • A daily Dr. Seuss trivia contest was held and the winning class was given treats each day. • The teachers were treated to a Dr. Seuss birthday party with food matching Dr. Seuss books, games and prizes. History comes alive with Tim Lowry, storyteller • Professional storyteller spent the day entertaining students with stories from American history. • He engaged the students in role playing to tell many of the stories. • He dressed in character and performed for families to kick off our American History Wax Museum. Ravenel Book Week • This is an annual celebration of our love for reading and books. • There are different activities each day to promote reading. • The week ends with a fun book character parade.
After winning Northside School Science Fair, Justin Rochester and Reily McIver teamed up on an engineering project to win their division at the Southern Wesleyan Science Fair.
SENECA MIDDLE SCHOOL
• 790 Students Strong • We are A Making Middle Grades Work School • Advanced Curriculum offered in all core content, all grades • Single Gender Advisement Classes to all students • 21st Century Grant School: After School Program provided • Over 96% of our students leave with minimum .5 High School Credit • 100% passage of all End of Course Tests offered • 45% of our students participate in a music program • SMS Symphonic Band and Orchestra score Superior at the state Concert Festival • Honors Chorus, with only one exception, placed in the top 5 in SC each year since 1998. As for the exception year, we placed in the top 10. • Seven athletic programs offered at the middle school level • 30% of our students participate in at least one school-sponsored athletic program. • 15% of our students participate in two or more different school-sponsored athletic programs. • 20% of our students participate in at least one school-sponsored music program AND a school sponsored athletic program.
SENECA HIGH SCHOOL
• Rated The Most Improved Public High School in South Carolina in 2014 (schooldigger.com) • State Report Card Rating of EXCELLENT • Federal ESEA rating of 91.3—A • 17 Advanced Placement courses offered; over 300 AP tests taken by SHS students • HSAP passage rate of 80.4% • Graduation rate of 80% • Class of 2014 earned over $12.1 million in scholarships • 25 High-Honor Graduates and 39 Honor Graduates • 75% Graduates earned Platinum Honor Cords and Seal • 15 Palmetto Fellows • Palmetto’s Finest Semi-Finalist in 2014 • Award Winning Madrigal and Honors Choirs • 27 Men’s and Women’s Winning Athletic Teams • Home of the SC High School Principal of the Year, Mr. T. Cliff Roberts
TAMASSEE-SALEM ELEMENTARY
Students working in the science lab
Special Olympics Team
Pre-K class celebrating Dr. Seuss Day
Our Scientists on Math and Science Night
Battle of the Books team
Students honoring our veterans on Veteran’s Day
TAMASSEE-SALEM MIDDLE & HIGH • 87% graduation rate • 80% passage rate for Math HSAP and ELA HSAP • State Report Card rating of Excellent • Federal ESEA rating of B • Rated in the top 100 public high schools in SC • Offered AP Calculus and AP English Literature for first time in 10 years • Four teachers earned AP certification • 94% passage rate for Biology EOCEP • 87% passage rate for English I EOCEP • 100% passage rate for Algebra I for Middle School Students • SCAAA Principal of the Year for Class A Athletics: Steve M. R. Moore • State Automotive Champion for SC: Dillon Brown
Salem Lions Club supports our students.
Cross-Country County Meet
Senator Thomas Alexander receiving the “Lighthouse Appreciation Award” pictured here with Gavin Martin.
Students created a wall to leave positive messages to other students.
Students participating in the “Black Out Student Section” showing school spirit. WHATEVER IT TAKES!
HAMILTON CAREER CENTER CAREER AND TECHNICAL STUDENT ORGANIZATIONS Career and Technical Student Organizations (CTSO’s) are not clubs, they are an intricate part of the curriculum at Hamilton Career Center. DECA - Ten students participated in four events at the State DECA competition in Charleston, SC the first week of March. Students placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd are eligible to compete at the National level. Five students will represent South Carolina in Orlando, FL in April at their National Convention. In addition to individual student competitions the Hamilton Career Center chapter was awarded Outstanding Chapter at both the state as well as the National level. HOSA - Thirty-four students competed in nineteen different events in Charleston, SC, March 11 – 13, 2015. Students placing 1st, 2nd, and 3rd are eligible to compete at the National level. Sixteen students will represent South Carolina at the HOSA National Competition in Anaheim, California in June. In addition to individual student competitions the Hamilton Career Center chapter was awarded Outstanding Chapter at the state level.
HOSA Future Health Professionals
SkillsUSA - Thirty-five students competed in nineteen events in Greenville, SC. Fifteen students placed in the top three. Only first place winners are eligible to compete at the National level. Five students, including one State Officer, will represent South Carolina at the National SkillsUSA Competition in Louisville, KY in June. In addition to individual student competitions, the Hamilton Career Center chapter was awarded Largest Chapter Award at the state level. First Robotics Team 343 - Thirteen students and eleven mentors traveled to Myrtle Beach in February where they finished 6th place in the Palmetto Robotics Competition. The Peachtree Competition was March 26-28 in Atlanta, GA. Our Team took the top honor, placing FIRST out of sixty-five teams. Our team will now participate in the National FIRST Robotics Championship in St. Louis, Missouri April 22-25, 2015.
First Robotics Team 343
BUILDING FOR THE FUTURE Additions and renovations to Fair-Oak Elementary School and Ravenel Elementary School will begin in June. The construction, which is currently budgeted at $6,000,000 per school, will include the addition of new gymnasiums and cafeterias at both schools. Fair-Oak Elementary will also add classrooms, move the media center to the current cafeteria area, create a new secure entrance and office area, replace the existing HVAC system and roof in two wings, and move the art room to the current media center. At the end of the 2015-16 school year, we will close Oakway Intermediate School and move those students back to Fair-Oak Elementary, thus returning it to a Pre-K – 5th grade school. Ravenel Elementary will add classrooms, have the media center and nurse’s area expanded, create an enclosed courtyard playground for 4K and 5K, replace the HVAC units in the current 4th and 5th grade wing, and expand parking. Construction on these two projects is expected to be completed by May, 2016. These additions and renovations will give each school the capacity to serve up to 700 students.
Rendering of new addition at Fair-Oak Elementary
Rendering of new addition at Ravenel Elementary
What started with site selection on August 16, 2010, will culminate with students beginning school in the new Walhalla High School on August 18, 2015. With over 260,000 square feet of space, including over 60 classrooms, the new school is built to house up to 1,300 students. The building also features a gymnasium with the capacity to hold 2,000 people, a 750 seat auditorium in which every seat has an excellent view, an auxiliary gym with seating for 350, a multi-purpose room for athletic practices, five computer labs, a much more spacious media center that includes a conference room and computer lab, cafeteria area with an enclosed courtyard, and a large commons area. The Agriculture and Industrial Technology departments have both a classroom and shop area that includes a greenhouse for the Ag program. The main office area includes both administrative and guidance areas along with conference rooms and a nurse’s office. Also included on the 96 acre site is an athletic complex that includes a football stadium with a field house and rubberized track, tennis courts, soccer, softball, and baseball fields, a cross-country course, and practice fields for the football teams and the band. There is ample parking for sporting events and a common concession/restroom area for spring sports. The beautiful brick and stone exterior of the building complements its surroundings in Oconee County and the foothills area. Landscaping was designed to enhance the Scenic Highway 11 corridor. The new Walhalla High School will certainly be a facility for which we can all be proud. Front Entrance to the new Walhalla High School
Parent and bus drop-off (Photo provided by Richard Dobler)
Gymnasium
Athletic complex (Photo provided by Richard Dobler)
STUDENT ACHIEVEMENT SAT Testing The College Board released SAT scores for the graduating class of 2014. While the mean score for students across the state of South Carolina remained fairly consistent with 2013 scores, the mean score for School District of Oconee County students increased across the board. It is important to note, however, that not all students participate in the College Board SAT testing program, so scores may vary based on participation rates and other factors. 2014 SAT Mean Score Comparisons
Critical Reading
Math
Writing
Composite
School District of Oconee
508
503
472
1483
South Carolina
483
487
459
1429
United States
492
501
478
1471
Note: Met/Exceeded South Carolina Mean Scores are highlighted in blue
Mean SAT scores for SDOC 2014 seniors showed increases compared to tested 2013 seniors. The district composite score in 2014 increased 55 scale points over 2013, which was an increase of 6 scale points over 2012. Based on available data, this ranks the School District of Oconee County 12th in the state, compared to 14th in 2013 and 19th in 2012. 2014 SAT MEAN SCORE Critical Reading Two-year Trend 2014
2013
Math
2014
Writing
2013
2014
Composite
2013
2014
2013
Seneca
514
487
497
490
491
470
1502
1447
Walhalla
520
525
515
519
481
501
1516
1545
West-Oak
488
455
496
466
441
442
1425
1363
SDOC
508
489
503
492
472
471
1483
1452
In addition to Seneca High School and Walhalla High School exceeding South Carolina means in all areas of the SAT, Seneca High School improved in all areas as compared to their 2013 performance and West-Oak High School increased mean scores in two out of three areas.
ACT Testing
2-Year Comparison
Year
Number
English
Math
Reading
Science
Composite
United States Mean Scores
2013 1,799,243
20.2
20.9
21.1
20.7
20.9
2014 1,845,787
20.3
20.9
21.3
20.8
21.0
South Carolina Mean Scores
2013
20,868
19.7
20.3
20.8
20.3
20.4
2014
23,232
19.7
20.3
20.9
20.4
20.4
253
21.1
21.0
21.9
21.5
21.5
232
20.7
20.8
21.4
21.1
21.0
Oconee County 2013 Mean Scores 2014
The ACT is an achievement test that measures the academic skills and knowledge learned in schools that are critical for success in college. The ACT, along with the SAT, is often used as one metric in the decision regarding admission to postsecondary education in the United States. ACT scores are provided for English, mathematics, reading, and science. A mean composite score is calculated based on these four subtests. One way to improve scores on ACT and SAT tests is to reduce the number of students participating and only encourage those who will score well to test. You can see this phenomenon when looking at how schools and districts are performing on ACT and SAT tests. Here in Oconee County, it is our goal to increase the number of students participating in these measures of college readiness and the average performance of our students, as well.
In 2014, as a district, we had fewer students participate in the ACT, so we will be working to address that for 2015. And, while we are pleased to see that our performance remains above the state average and even with the national average, we want to see this increase. At a recent Board meeting, we discussed a goal of being in the top ten districts in South Carolina with respect to ACT and SAT scores. So, while we are pleased with our overall performance, we are not satisfied. We are committed to achieving our goal. School
Number Tested
English
Math
Reading
Science
95
21.0 h
20.3
21.2
21.2
21.1
Tamassee-Salem
8
18.6
18.4
19.3
18.3
18.6
Walhalla High
60
22.4 h
22.0 h
22.9 h
22.4 h
22.6 h
West-Oak High
66
18.9
20.0
20.5
20.1
20.0
Seneca High
Composite
Blue shading indicates a score that exceeded US and SC means h=indicates that score reflects an improvement over 2013 score
PASS Testing The Palmetto Assessment of State Performance (PASS) is the major accountability test given to students in South Carolina in grades 3-8, and the results in the School District of Oconee County were mixed for students last year. For the 2013-2014 school year, SDOC largely trended upward. In comparing the aggregate number of students who met or exceeded performance, SDOC’s performance was up in writing, mathematics, science, and social studies. There was a drop in the percentage of students in ELA. 2 Year PASS Comparison, Grade 3 – 8 School District of Oconee County % PASSING (MET STANDARD + EXEMPLARY PERFORMANCE)
2013
2014
English-Language Arts
76.2
74.4
Writing
72.6
76.5 h
Mathematics
73.7
73.9h
*Science
71.3
73.7h
*Social Studies
70.8
73.9h
h= Performance improved over previous year * Grades 4 and 7; census testing in all other grades
• • • • •
At the school level, results are a bit more mixed: 5 schools improving in ELA performance; 11 schools improving in Writing; 7 schools improving in Mathematics; 8 schools improving in Science; and 11 schools improving in Social Studies
Advanced Placement Since 1984, each school district in South Carolina has been required to provide AP courses in all secondary schools that include grade eleven or twelve. These classes prepare students for the national AP examinations. Students who score 3, 4, or 5 on an AP exam are, in many instances, considered qualified to receive credit for the equivalent course(s) at colleges and universities that give credit for AP exams. Two hundred eighty-six students took a total of four hundred eighty-nine examinations in 2014. Leading the way with a 66% passage rate was Walhalla High whose students scored anywhere from a 3 to 5 on the challenging AP exams followed by Seneca High with a 65% passage rate.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
HSAP Testing
Audited General Fund Financial Summary for 2013-2014
The High School Assessment Program (HSAP) is also known as the “Exit Exam.” This test is administered for the first time to tenth graders, and the number of students passing on the first attempt improved in the Seneca area. The district as a whole saw a decline in the results. School Tamassee-Salem
Seneca
Walhalla
West-Oak
District
Year
Took Both
Passed Both
% Passing Both
2012
36
27
75.0
2013
55
46
83.6
2014
41
31
75.6
2012
240
182`
75.8
2013
232
183
78.9
2014
195
159
81.5 h
2012
254
223
87.8
2013
250
221
88.4
2014
229
176
76.9
2012
268
211
78.7
2013
225
180
80.0
2014
248
186
75.0
2012
798
643
80.6
2013
762
630
82.7
2014
713
552
77.4
Due to extra funding from the state department, we were able to expand our Pre-K Program to sixteen classes (including one at the Hamilton Career Center). To qualify for our Pre-K program, children must be four years old on or before September 1st and go through a screening process. Due to the limited number of 4K programs, screening does not insure a child’s placement in a 4K (Pre-K) program. Our 4K programs help to ensure our neediest students in the county are prepared for kindergarten and first grade.
GENERAL FUND REVENUE OTHER SOURCES $633,710 0.72%
STATE PROGRAMS $28,010,443 31.78%
LOCAL PROPERTY TAXES $43,214,566 49.04%
STATE TAX RELIEF $16,269,692 18.46%
Total General Fund Revenue $88,128,441
Pre-K Enrollment 2014-2015 Blue Ridge Elementary
40
Fair-Oak Elementary
38
James M. Brown Elementary
59
Keowee Elementary
20
Northside Elementary
40
Orchard Park Elementary
19
Ravenel Elementary
20
Tamassee-Salem Elementary
20
Walhalla Elementary
18
Westminster Elementary
39
GENERAL FUND EXPENDITURES
$9,301,561 LEADERSHIP 10.18% $24,142 PAYMENTS TO OTHER DISTRICTS 0.03%
$2,614,543 TRANSFERS TO OTHER FUNDS 2.86%
$17,093,376 OPERATIONS 18.70%
SDOC Highly Qualified Teacher Status The purpose of ESEA Title II, Part A is to help states and school districts ensure that all students have effective teachers; that is, teachers with the subject-matter knowledge and teaching skills necessary to help all children achieve to high academic standards, regardless of individual learning styles or needs. In this regard, the program provides substantial funding to help states and districts recruit, train, reward, and retain effective teachers. Title II, Part A and Title I, Part A also place particular emphasis on the need for states and districts to ensure that teachers of core academic subjects meet certain minimum requirements to become effective educators. The criteria to be considered highly qualified are that teachers hold at least a bachelor’s degree, be fully licensed by the state, and demonstrate content knowledge in each subject they teach. (Based on 180 day collection data) School Year 2007-2008 2008-2009 2009-2010 2010-2011 2011-2012 2012-2013 2013-2014
Percent Non-HQ .03 .30 .12 .12 .03 .53% 0
*Critical Need Area for Oconee
HQ Percentage 99.97 99.70 99.88 99.88 99.97 99.47 100.00
*De�iciency Area Noted Math Spanish Science/Special Education Science Special Education (1 class) Spanish/Science N/A
$8,186,093 INSTRUCTIONAL SUPPORT 8.96%
INSTRUCTION $54,170,335 59.27%
Total General Fund Expenditures $ 91,390,050 Instruction - Teachers, substitutes, instructional assistants, pupil-use technology and software; classroom materials and supplies Instructional Support - Guidance & counseling, library & media, extracurricular, student health & services, curriculum development, in-service & staff training, program development, therapists, psychologists, evaluators, student aides, and social workers Operations - Transportation, food service, safety/security, building upkeep, maintenance, data processing and business operations Leadership - Principals, assistant principals, school office, deputies, senior administrators, researchers, program evaluations, superintendent, school board and legal services Payments to Other Districts - Proviso payments
JAMES M. BROWN ELEMENTARY • 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade students competed in the district Math Madness competition • Two fifth grade students competed in the Future Chef competition • JMB participated in the annual Battle of the Books competition • Two students were state recreation basketball winners • 5th grade student won second place in a district essay competition • JMB implemented a STEM lab in grades 3, 4, and 5 • JMB was named a Title 1 Rewards School for Performance for the third year in a row.
James M. Brown Elementary sends two students each year to compete in the district’s Future Chef Competition.
Good behavior is rewarded through our Positive Behavior System. Here students enjoy hot chocolate before viewing Polar Express in their pajamas. JMB gems know how to be respectful, responsible, and honest every day. What better way to use pumpkins after Halloween than to do a math project with them? Students were able to find the circumference, estimate and count the pumpkins seeds, compare with other group’s pumpkins, and so much more all while having fun learning about math!
The cat from Dr. Seuss’ The Cat in the Our students learn about a variety of Hat makes an appearance to the Pre-K careers through an extensive Career Day and Kindergarten classes each year each year. Everyone has a smile on their during Dr. Seuss week to read a Dr. Seuss face and walks away with an idea of their book. future career options.
KEOWEE ELEMENTARY • Third grade participated in Water Safety and Swim Instruction Classes • Fifth grade competed in a school level science fair and the SWU Regional Science Fair • Keowee Elementary’s Jet Toy Team was one of two teams to represent Oconee County in the AOP Regional Jet Toy Competition • Second graders participated in the Annual Tornado Safety Poster Contest • Keowee had a 4th and 5th grader compete in the district Future Chef competition • Our Service Learning Club sponsored an Earth Day Awareness Project. Grocery bags decorated by our students will be available at Ingles. • 3rd, 4th, and 5th grade competed in the district’s annual Math Madness
WALHALLA ELEMENTARY • Walhalla Elementary received an Excellent 2014 School Report Card rating. • A $500 Exxon Mobile Grant was received by Walhalla Elementary that will be used to purchase computers. • Walhalla Elementary was proud to receive a $5,000 Lowe’s Toolbox for Education Grant that will help build an outdoor learning shelter Two students participated in the Future Chef Competition.
Our 11th Annual Family 5K and 1 Mile Fun Run was held this year. Pictured above are some of the students proudly displaying their trophies and medals.
WALHALLA MIDDLE SCHOOL •
• • •
•
•
Elizabeth White was the district wide winner for the DAR Essay Contest. She wrote about a child’s journey through Ellis Island. The WMS girls’ basketball team won their 3rd consecutive basketball championship. PTO sponsored our 1st Annual Chili Cook-off and Bingo Family Fun night! Select 7th and 8th Grade band members performed at the Concert Festival in Greenville, SC and won a superior rating for the 4th consecutive year. WMS has their own radio station. Tune in to 1630 AM for the latest happenings or online at www. razorradio.net. WMS has 36 eighth grade students honored to be called Junior Scholars.
Walhalla Elementary School’s Battle of the Books team earned third place in the district competition.
Tornado Safety Poster Contest winners
Many of our students participated in the SDOC Math Madness competition. We were honored to finish 1st and 2nd place in the fourth grade team competition this year.
WALHALLA HIGH SCHOOL
• WHS is Rated 28th out of 100 Best Public High Schools in South Carolina in 2015 (NICHE) • State Report Card Rating of EXCELLENT with a Federal ESEA rating of 94.7—A • HSAP passage rate of 97.8%; WHS Average SAT score exceeded the national average and ranked 23rd in the State ; WHS Composite ACT score exceeded the national average and ranked 24th in the State • On-Time Graduation rate of 88.4% • Award Winning JROTC Program - JROTC Honor Unit with Distinction 25 years; JROTC Rifle Team qualified for Nationals • Class of 2014: 35 High-Honor Graduates and 39 Honor Graduates; 84% of Graduates earned Platinum Honor Cords and the Platinum Seal by completing a career cluster; 12 Palmetto Fellows • WHS is one of the first high schools in SC to have a competition Sporting Clays Team in cooperation with the SC Department of Natural Resources and 4H Club • WHS received the HSTW Platinum High Achievement Designation 2012-2014 • Razorback Marching Band received Excellent Rating in Class 3A • WHS FFA Silver National Chapter Award; Awarded 100%+ membership award • 28 Men’s and Women’s Competitive Athletic Teams – 3A Playoffs in six sports; 3A Individual State Championship in the 220 lb. weight class; 2nd place in the high jump at the State Track Meet; 21 student athletes were recognized as 3A All-Region; Western 3A Boys Soccer Player of the Year
FAIR-OAK ELEMENTARY Artists Week- Adventures with Artists Week will be a week of fond memories for Fair-Oak students. For the sixth year, Fair-Oak hired five artists in residence who worked with the students. Kindergarten students and Mrs. Tannery’s class were intrigued by Sarah Duvall, a story teller, and danced creatively with Ginny Sianno. John Fowler, a storyteller, enhanced stories with actions and plays for the first graders. Second graders were mesmerized by Yoshiko Moon, a Japanese artist, who provided lessons in calligraphy, origami and celebrated the end of the week with a Japanese tea ceremony. Third graders spent the week with Becky Walker who inspired them to work with wool felting. We were so lucky that these talented individuals highlighted their crafts and instilled a thirst for the arts in the children.
OAKWAY INTERMEDIATE
Fifth grade students went to Table Rock State Park to take their learning to a whole new level. They took part in various educational activities that were geared toward the SC Science Standards.
Students from Oakway Intermediate qualified for and attended the First Lego League South Carolina West State Championship. Our students won the Teamwork Award at the competition.
Love for Literacy - February 13th marked Fair-Oak’s Annual Love for Learning Day. The hallways were packed with visitors and a constant buzz for literacy filled the school from the opening bell to the end of the day. The school overflowed with students and families huddled together reading a fun Valentine book and celebrating the student’s personal writings. Every child had some one-on-one time with a family member or adult and celebrated their writing and the love for books. It was a day for loving learning at FairOak. Career Day - Over thirty community leaders shared their careers and work experiences with Fair-Oak students on March 11. These individuals inspired our Pre-k through Third graders’ young minds and opened their eyes to exciting career paths. Career Day highlights different work opportunities so the children can plan for their future and have some understanding of career choices. In the picture, a kindergartner is learning the techniques of firefighters. Career Day is an annual event to remember and one our staff and students look forward to each year.
The Oakway Intermediate Battle of the Books team won second place in the SDOC competition. These students answered difficult questions pertaining to ten books testing their reading comprehension skills.
Merging with Oakway Intermediate Fair-Oak Elementary School will undergo construction for a new cafeteria, gym, and classrooms on the Earles Grove side and renovated art, music, library and office area at the flagpole area. In August 2016, Oakway Intermediate students will return to the newly renovated Fair-Oak campus. Combining Fair-Oak and Oakway will produce a school of approximately 600 Prekindergarten to Fifth grade students. With all students on one campus, the communication and expectations will be cohesive and strong.
OIS students are recognized periodically throughout the year for being great students. The students pictured here received recognition for being Terrific Kids.
Oakway Intermediate held another Spelling Bee this year. These students won 1st and 2nd place and the 1st place winner competed in the regional competition at Anderson University.
ORCHARD PARK ELEMENTARY
WESTMINSTER ELEMENTARY
Briana Stewart Future Chief Winner Art Students showing pride for their contribution to the quilt entitled "Orchard of Learning"
Westminster Elementary Cardinal Honors Club takes time to work at the local foodbank.
Mrs. Karen White (center) 2014 Golden Apple Award Winner
• Students at Westminster Elementary School strive to be respectful, responsible, and ready to learn in all situations. • Westminster Elementary students strive to be the best inside and outside the classroom and routinely perform very well at district level competitions such as Math Madness and Battle of the Books. • Incentives such as Dancing with the DJ and our Christmas Bazaar are used to celebrate student behavior. • Students at Westminster Elementary are taught the importance of helping others and helping their community. We send students out to help the less fortunate and we invite our neighbors in for our many community focused events like movie night, super-hero extravaganza, princess party, and math and science night. • Small group instruction is the heartbeat of Westminster Elementary School’s academic programs as we feel it is the only way to reach every kid on their level. • Westminster Elementary School is one big family, where students feel safe, happy, and challenged to learn new things every day.
Sophie Bradley, Fifth Grader SC Elementary Honors Choir
Students working in small groups on a fraction lession
All Pro Dads Guest Speaker Mr. Jim Fisher, Legendary Coach T. L. Hanna High School
OPE Math Madness Winners! Cole Ashley - Problem Solving Layla Pitre - Algorithms
Battle of the Books (L to R) Truett Brock, Layla Pitre, Yuliana Dominguez, Jacob Burdette, Cole Ashley, Paige Price, Media Specialist and Rosemary A. Wise, Principal
Fourth grade students participate in Math Madness
WEST-OAK MIDDLE SCHOOL
WOMS was selected to participate in a national PLTW pilot program. The Verizon Foundation Grant included galaxy tablets and laptops for WOMS. Pictured (left to right) Brayden Holland, Ms. Brooks PLTW Teacher and Jasmine Boyd.
Fourteen eighth graders were recognized as Junior Scholars at WOMS. These students scored 50 or higher on the PSAT in critical reading , math or writing. Front Row (left to right) – Ryan Rholetter, Riley LePere, Frankie Hawkesworth, Ashlin Deatherage, Clara Lesan and Sierra Frady Second Row (left to right) – Jacob Nalley, Riley Sutton, Kristin Deatherage, Logan Watkins, Jordan Marcengill, Megan Woody, and Jeremy Whitfield. Absent from picture is Madison Yoder.
The music department is to be congratulated for having students representing WOMS in Regional Orchestra, Regional Band and All State Chorus. Pictured (left to right) Daniel Rochester – Regional Orchestra, Elizabeth Howansky – All State Chorus and Luke Smith, Alexis Hoover and Cameron Patterson - Regional Band.
National See You at the Pole was sponsored at WOMS by our student FCA on September 23, 2014. Over 200 total people attended the event.
WEST-OAK HIGH SCHOOL 71% of our graduates received state scholarships. Over $5,000,000 was awarded in scholarships. EXTRA AND CO-CURRICULAR OPPORTUNITIES • 16 Athletic Teams • 20 All Region Athletes • 27 Scholar Athletes • State Champion Wrestling Team • Nationally recognized FFA with over 100 members • FFA received over 13 state fair championships • JROTC Honor Unit • Color Guard, Rifle, Ranger, and Archery Team • Interact Club sponsored a variety of service activities including a Valentine’s Dance • Drama produced two plays this year: It’s a Wonderful Life and Alice in Wonderland • WOHS state qualifying marching band received an Excellent rating. Band had 39 AllCounty and 13 All-Region Members.
OUR VISION
The School District of Oconee County 414 South Pine Street Walhalla, South Carolina 29691
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School Begins & Ends for Students
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NOVEMBER 2015
DECEMBER 2015 Christmas Break . . . . . . December 21 - January 1
JANUARY 2016 End of Period 2 & Semester . . . . . . . . January 12 Martin Luther King Day . . . . . . . . . . . . January 18 Teacher In-Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . January 19
FEBRUARY 2016 Teacher In-Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . February 19
MARCH 2016 End of Period 3 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . March 21 Spring Break . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .March 28 - April 1
MAY 2016 Memorial Day . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . May 30
JUNE 2016 End of Period 4 . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 2 Teacher In-Service . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 3 Graduation . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . June 4 Walhalla High @ 9:00 am Tamassee-Salem High @ 11:30 am Seneca High School @ 2:00 pm West-Oak High @ 4:30 pm
SCHOOL CLOSING INFORMATION WYFF, WSPA, WLOS, FOX WGOG / 96.3 FM; WSNW / 1150 AM,103.3 FM www.upstatetoday.com School closing decisions are made by 6:00 AM if possible. Our website will also post closings.
www.oconee.k12.sc.us
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Students will be life-long learners who are technologically literate and who are able to succeed in a diverse global society. Our goal will be accomplished through positive instruction with appropriate assessment by a fully trained staff, up-to-date facilities and resources, parental involvement and collaboration with business and community.
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The School District of Oconee County will continue to produce students who can communicate effectively, solve problems competently, think critically and creatively, act responsibly, and recognize and respect the right of individual differences.
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Approved by the Board of Trustees: 04-21-14
OUR BELIEFS
We believe that . . . • Education is a lifelong process. • Education must be relevant to the needs of the changing technological society in which it operates. • Education must address the physical, cultural, social, emotional, and cognitive needs of students. • Education must provide the opportunity for students to learn to communicate effectively, solve problems competently, think critically and creatively, and act responsibly. • All students can learn. • Students must have the opportunity to learn in a physically and emotionally safe environment. • Students must have the opportunity and responsibility to be actively involved in the learning process. • Students must have the center of an educational process that is valued and shared by the home, school, business and community. • All individuals must be treated with dignity and respect. • Education must be responsible for helping to prepare students to be productive, contributing members of society.