Students at Royall Elementary learn early STEMskills through “Kinder U” program As a way to reinforce technology in the classroom setting, Royall’s Kindergarten University (aka “Kinder U”) has evolved over the past four years. In the first year, students and teachers were invited to the library to practice using new tools and devices. The librarian and technology integration specialist designed activities that allowed practice and mastery of technology. These lessons also enabled our teachers to see how to implement various tools in their classroom setting. The second and third years of Kinder U began in the same manner but with the goal of expanding the program to include teacher planning and meeting to create lessons of their own. During grade-level planning time the kindergarten teachers, librarian and technology integration specialist met to design content specific lessons that enabled teachers to present information to students with the use of various devices. In addition, teachers planned lessons that were more STEM driven to support a school-wide initiative. Many of the activities and ideas from previous years were used in addition to learning activities where students were encouraged to collaborate, create and design with the use of technology. Kinder U is now in its 4th year of development at Royall and continues to evolve. Now lead by the Technology Integration Specialist, Librarian and Literacy Coach, the intent of technology integration is the same, but our program has grown to multiple sessions per year based on need and request from our kindergarten teachers. A Blended Learning approach to planning is now the focus. Students complete various tasks that are technology based simultaneously with reading, and the use of manipulatives or word work at the same time. For example, the 100th day of school activities included free choice building with 100 legos, mini breakout box, use of QR codes and digital puzzles. According to one kindergarten student, “Kinder U is time for me to work with my friends in the Learning Commons”. After the last Kinder U another student said, “I love to use the robots”. According to Jamie McMillan, the Technology Integration Specialist at Royall, “Kinder U was a way for me to start working with our teachers and student four years ago. I am so proud to have been a part of watching them grow in the area of technology”. Ms. Hickman says, “My students have so much fun participating in Kinder U. They love coding the robots, solving puzzles on the iPads, and unlocking the lock boxes! It's a wonderful opportunity to reinforce what we are learning in the classroom”. “Kinder U is an exciting way for our students to explore, create, and learn while interacting with technology! The best part is they can return to their classroom and use their new skills as they continue to explore with robots, iPads, Osmos, and more”, said Kindergarten teacher Bridgett Kennedy after our last Kinder U session. Principal Julie Smith said, “Our youngest learners and their teachers are given a firsthand experience with the newest technology. Kinder U allows our teachers to differentiate learning opportunities as well as implement a Blended Learning Approach”. In February, Kinder U students did Patriot themed activities! Students participated in stations including coding with the Botley Robot, an interactive Smartboard table activity, read aloud, and a mini breakout box with writing activity.
“Real Men Read” at Savannah Grove Savannah Grove Elementary School’s “Real Men Read” Progra m is a childhood literacy enhancement program. “Real Men Read,” now in year two, encourages professional men through out the school and F1S community to read to students attending Savannah Grove. Fraternities and school personnel, including administrators, teachers, and custodial staff, along with fathers and other relatives of students also volunteer to read. The “Real Men Read” Program continually serves as a foundational initiator of business partnerships. The idea for this program came from a nationwide, nonprofit reading program, “Real Men Read,” for the purpose of assisting elementary school-aged children in developing their reading/literacy skills. Research shows that spotlighting men reading encourages reluctant readers, especially boys, and confirms that men read all the time. Once a month, professional men from our community and surrounding areas serve as readers to classes in grades K6. Our Literacy Coach personally contacts and assigns a male reader to each of our 33 classrooms to ensure that each of our students experiences the reading and collaborative conversations led by our male readers. Upon their arrival to read, RMR volunteer readers are served a light breakfast prior to being escorted to their assigned reading posts by a Savannah Grove Elementary School student safety patrol member. Readers then select their book or books from an array of displayed books. These fiction and non-fiction genres range from children’s literature, comics, picture books, mystery, fantasy, and fairy tales, to biographies, self -reflective prints and memoirs. Providing a wealth of orally shared genres is strategic in portraying reading as a privilege versus a punitive action. This program provides positive reading role models and emphasizes to students that adults value reading. Several of our RMR volunteer readers also serve as mentors for Savannah Grove Elementary School’s male students. These men graciously give of their time and resources to male students, serving as advocates for successful student growth and development. Savannah Grove Elementary School has modified its “Real Men Read” Program to include SGE’s 6th grade boys also voluntarily reading to classes. In keeping with South Carolina ELA/Reading & Writing Standards, “Real Men Read” seeks to develop student’s oral presentation skills and to provide positive reading attitudes and habits that lend to comprehensive, selfmotivated reading. Students complete and submit a RMR Student Volunteer Reader Form to SGE’s Literacy Coach. Books for student readers to select from are provided well in advance of RMR events, giving students the opportunity to be well acquainted with their book choices. These students also conduct follow-up collaborative conversations with classes to include Question & Answer time at the end of their shared reading. Savannah Grove Elementary School will host its next “Real Men Read” event Friday, March 22, 2019 beginning at 7:30am. For further information or to volunteer to serve as a reader, please contact SGE’s Literacy Coach, Carrie Simmons at 843-2692575, 843-664-8463 or carrie.simmons@fsd1.org.
So many ways to learn at the Child Development Centers at Woods Road and Alfred Rush
Culinary arts is the first step in preparing for an exciting career path that can take you in many directions. It is a fun and fulfilling career choice. With a culinary background, you can choose healthcare, hotels, restaurants, catering, food trucks, or being a personal chef. Culinary 2 students have made a commitment to being a professional in appearance and skills acquired. They also make a commitment to completing the classwork and homework that is part of the course. While we have fun cooking and enjoy eating what we prepare, there is also a classroom and textbook that we use. If you decide this is not what you want as a career, it is still a great course to take. We will teach you the basics of cooking, how to shop effectively, and how to take care of your family and yourself. These are lessons that travel with you and can be used regardless of which career path you choose.
Former Florence 1 student encourages Alfred Rush students to make good choices, excel academically Former student, Chaquez McCall, is a native of Florence, SC and a 2011 graduate of Wilson High School. He completed his undergraduate studies at Francis Marion University and later attended North Carolina Central where he studied law. While in law school, McCall learned the dynamics of the criminal justice system first hand under the tutelage of Attorney Linwood C Edwards II. He currently serves as an attorney in the South Carolina Judicial Department. On January 18, 2019, McCall visited the students at Alfred Rush Academy to share his past experiences while attending the Alternative School as a student. He highlighted an experience that encouraged him to turn his life around. He further emphasized the importance of making good choices, excelling academically, integrity, and the impact education plays when be sentenced by a judge. Attorney McCall answered several questions and closed with inspiring words for the students.
the school’s Thursday evening, February 21st, North Vista Elementary hosted a PYP Informational Night. Families from various schools in the district attended to learn more information about the IB- PYP program. North Vista is finishing year one of a three year candidacy program as they prepare to become authorized as an IB World School, in the Primary Years Programme (PYP). At the Informational Night, 5th grade students performed a Chinese New Year Song, sang in Chinese, and four students in 4th and 5th grades provided the audience with testimonies of what they like about PYP, including Spanish class, projects, and more. Presentations were given by Mr. Brian Howell, District IB Coordinator, Mrs. Sharon Dixon, Principal, and Mrs. Dawn Walker, PYP Lead Teacher, about journey to become PYP, what makes PYP different, and how students benefit from an integrated curriculum, international perspective, and individualized instruction. Student projects and grade level presentations were displayed in the hallway as well as in the multi-purpose room, showing what students have learned about other countries, as well as activities they have completed this year on the IB Learner Profile and the PYP Attitudes. According to the Learn Profile, IB students are: •Inquirers- students are encouraged to ask questions •Knowledgeablestudents are encouraged to explore concepts and ideas from all angles •Thinkers-students analyze complex problems and their solutions •Communicatorsstudents express themselves using many different methods •Principled-students learn to do what is right and take a stand for what they believe in •Open minded-students learn to appreciate their own culture and that of others •Caring- students are taught to show empathy and respect •Risk-takers- students try new things •Balanced-Students learn how to find a sense of balance in all aspects of life •Reflective- students are able to reflect on their own strengths and weakness and learn how to grow in those areas. Applications are being accepted for the 2019-2020 school year. To apply, visit http://bit.ly/PYP2019, or visit the North Vista website. The deadline for applications is May 1st.
In recognition of our young men in the Mighty Eagle Club, Wallace Gregg Elementary School (WGES) recognizes our male students for their effort to support the community. The advisors and the young men worked to help, Help4Kids Florence. The Mighty Eagle Club young men began asking for help to support their can food drive. They placed flyers throughout the building and raised the stakes to support sponsoring a classroom pizza party. The classes were divided into groups, 5K- 2, 3-4 grades and 5-6 grades. The can food drive ran from January 22 until February 15. Wallace Gregg Elementary made announcements during the morning show and afternoon dismissal as a reminder to the students. The students from various classes, worked hard to bring in the can foods. The students were eager to participate in the competition. One student took the challenge to heart and went out and obtained donations from an area grocery store. This student came in with over 400 cans donated from the local IGA off of Pamplico Highway. Miss James Moore, a current 5th grade student helped her class dominate the can drive for grades 5 and 6. The Might Men were appreciative of her efforts to really support this initiative. The winning classes for K2 was Mrs. Hurst. The winning class for 3-4 was Mrs. Bullock. The winning class for 5-6 was Ms. McElveen, James’ homeroom class. The winning classes were able to choose their designated day for their pizza party. This initiative was an exciting challenge for our students. The Mighty Eagle Club sponsors and members presented the donations to Debbie Watson of Help4Kids Florence. They assisted her with loading the back of her vehicle and she had to have extra help supporting the rest of the donations as it was over 2,000 cans in total during the short drive. Watson was very appreciative of the donations and thanked the young men for their effort to support the community. The Might Eagle Club was also visited by former professional baseball player Orlando Hudson who shared with them his ideas and beliefs on education as well as his thoughts on professional sports. He spoke with the students about being young men and representing yourselves in a good way when you are in public and in private. He encouraged the young men to stay focused and make sure they work hard on their studies and obtain a good education. The Mighty Eagle Club continues to garner public and private sponsors to help them be successful in school and in the community as they become a Mighty Eagle Man. We would like to thank the sponsors of the Mighty Eagle Club for all that they do to support and give our young men positive experiences that they will be able to use now and in the future. These sponsors are Larry Jackson, Henry Watson, Justin Gee, and Charles Willoughby.
The Florence 1 Schools Imagine Forward 1:1 initiative has enabled Timrod Elementary to provide before and after school programs for kindergarten through sixth grade. Students begin instruction with a certified teacher as early as 7 a.m. Math and reading activities include Smarty Ants, Study Island, Happy Numbers, Achieve3000, and interactive readalouds. Kindergarten students enjoy an interactive read-aloud with engaging academic activities that support the kindergarten curriculum. First and second graders utilize Smarty Ants, where they work on reading skills on their instructional levels. Third through sixth graders utilize Study Island, Happy Numbers, and Achieve3000. Certified teachers monitor instruction and provide support for students in these instructional groups. In addition to the before school programs, we also provide academic assistance for students in third through sixth grade. Third graders receive small group instruction in reading from a certified Reading Recovery teacher twice a week. Fourth through sixth graders receive small group instruction in math once a week for an hour. Small group math instruction addresses skills and standards that support the daily curriculum in the classroom. Teachers use this time to address any academic gaps in instruction and scaffold learning. These programs provide our students with additional academic support and also help build positive relationships that are so important in social development and academic achievement. “We are excited to have our students participate in our extended academic programs at Timrod.” stated Principal Michelle McBride.
The mission of the South Florence High School Fine Arts Department is to offer students a quality education with the pursuit of the Arts as a core tenet. For the last fifteen years, the program’s teachers have sought to instill in their students a love of life-long learning and creative expression through the Arts in Basic Curriculum (ABC) Project and the ABC grants the schools has received. With administrative support, the Arts faculty at South Florence has grown, requests for Arts classes have increased, and the Arts credits earned has doubled. South Florence has had students at the Governor School for the Arts and has had winners at regional visual arts shows; students have also been accepted into district, region, and AllState music events. The Fine Arts program recently participate in a Facebook Live event through the ABC Project. During the day-long event, ABC schools across the state showcased their Fine Arts programs in an effort to promote the Arts and ABC sites throughout South Carolina. The live event was held on February 12 and the video can be viewed on the SF Facebook page. During their video, South Florence students showcased dance, theater, band, chorus, visual arts and 3D printing. South Florence is excited to become a Magnet School for the Arts in the 2019-2020 school year. An interest meeting will be held on Tuesday, March 5 at 6:30 p.m. in South Florence’s media center. Parents and guardians of gifted rising ninth graders with a passion for the arts are invited to review the course of study as well as the application/audition process for the new Arts Magnet School. Courses in the Magnet program will include band, orchestra, chorus, theater, dance, creative writing, visual arts and video production. An application will be available online after the meeting.
The Wilson High School Counseling Department hosted the 2nd Annual HBCU College Expo on Thursday, February 20, 2019. Historically Black Colleges and Universities from across the region had representatives there including, Spelman College, Morris College, Shaw University, Denmark Tech College, Claflin University, Allen University, St. Augustine University, Morgan State University and South Carolina State University. Students were able to meet and interview with admissions counselors from the schools and were instructed by guidance counselors to bring copies of their transcripts and test scores. College and university admission counselors were able to offer on-site admissions and scholarships. By the end of the event, over 200 students were accepted and 88 students received scholarships in the total amount of $340,000. Wilson Principal Eric Robinson said that the on -campus college expo was a unique opportunity for students. “It is important to provide students oncampus opportunities to meet with colleges since many students are unable to travel to visit college campuses,” Robinson said. “What made the HBCU Fair even more significant was that colleges gave acceptance letters to students that qualified the same day.”
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