Education Headlines
Thirty-seven of Berkeley County’s best third through eighth-grade spellers took part in one of the most memorable spelling bees in recent history Thursday. The bee was tense – but far from terse.
The competition kicked off at 7 p.m. at Berkeley High School in Moncks Corner and didn’t end until about 9:30 p.m. after a long, drawn-out battle of suspense among the final contestants.
The competition kicked off at 7 p.m. at Berkeley High School in Moncks Corner and didn’t end until about 9:30 p.m. after a long, drawn-out battle of suspense among the final contestants.
Stratford High School sophomore Logan Fitzpatrick was presented the highly coveted Eagle Scout Award Jan. 20 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church in Goose Creek. Keynote speakers at the Eagle Scout Court of Honor Ceremony were Stratford Senior Army Instructor LTC (Retired) Tripp Blanton, Goose Creek Mayor Michael Heitzler, Rep. Joe Daning, BSA District Rep. Jenny Hough, and Fitzpatrick's godfather, Father Dennis Willey. The Eagle Scout is the highest rank attainable in the Boy Scouting program. Only 2 percent of Boy Scouts attain this level of accomplishment.
Students and teachers will soon be able to view the school calendar for 2012 - 2013.
The Berkeley County School Board unanimously approved the first of two readings for the upcoming school year calendar at its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 24 in Moncks Corner.
The Berkeley County School Board unanimously approved the first of two readings for the upcoming school year calendar at its regularly scheduled meeting Jan. 24 in Moncks Corner.
Marrington Elementary School has announced that Melissa Simmons is its 2012 Teacher of the Year. Simmons is the Media Specialist at Marrington Elementary.
The following students achieved Honor Roll for the second quarter of the 2011-2012 school year at Westview Middle School in Goose Creek:
A local Goose Creek student found success in Trident Technical College’s College Bound/FIPSE program and plans to take what he’s learned to pursue a successful postsecondary education.
Goose Creek junior Christian Gregg said a desire to take a TTC culinary class being offered in the evenings at Stratford High School led him to College Bound/FIPSE after an initial score on TTC’s placement test, COMPASS, was too low for early admittance to the college.
State Superintendent of Education Mick Zais announced last week that Marrington Middle School of the Arts, along with four other South Carolina schools, will be nominated by the South Carolina Department of Education for recognition in the 2012 National Blue Ribbon School Program.
Marrington is the only middle school in the state to be nominated for the prestigious award.
Clemson University Cooperative Extension Service in Berkeley County will offer Private Pesticide Applicator License Certification Training on Thursday, Feb. 23 from 9 a.m. until 4:30 p.m. at the at the Berkeley County Administration Building located at 1003 Highway 52, Moncks Corner, in the multi-purpose room.
The private applicator license is intended for agricultural producers who must purchase, use or supervise the use of restricted-use pesticides on their operation. This is not a certification for homeowners, commercial applicators or pest control operators.
The private applicator license is intended for agricultural producers who must purchase, use or supervise the use of restricted-use pesticides on their operation. This is not a certification for homeowners, commercial applicators or pest control operators.
Zach Szala saw his school friends for the first time since before Thanksgiving on Friday. That’s when he participated in the chaotic excitement of the Charleston Youth Marathon at the former Charleston Navy Yard.
Zach, 8, was bitten twice by a rattlesnake just before Thanksgiving and spent more than a month at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Zach, 8, was bitten twice by a rattlesnake just before Thanksgiving and spent more than a month at the Medical University of South Carolina.
Thirty Berkeley County School District educators have earned prestigious National Board Certification.
The total includes 16 new and 14 recertified teachers.
The total includes 16 new and 14 recertified teachers.
Goose Creek High School Classes of 1982, 1983 and 1984 are planning a five-day cruise to the Bahamas from June 13-18, 2012. All classes of GCHS are invited and kids are welcome.
Visit www.gchs1983.com for more information. Contact Mike Bogart from Cruise Planners at (843) 695-0750 or toll free 877-627-1786, or through email at mike@firstclasscruise.com.
Visit www.gchs1983.com for more information. Contact Mike Bogart from Cruise Planners at (843) 695-0750 or toll free 877-627-1786, or through email at mike@firstclasscruise.com.
Berkeley County voters will get to decide in this November’s election whether to approve a $250 million school board referendum designed to fund the district’s capital construction program over the next decade.
School district staff outlined a plan during last week’s school board meeting that proposed a series of renovations and expansions to the county’s existing schools designed to manage growth and other funding options. The Berkeley County School Board voted 6-3 Tuesday to begin making plans for the referendum.
School district staff outlined a plan during last week’s school board meeting that proposed a series of renovations and expansions to the county’s existing schools designed to manage growth and other funding options. The Berkeley County School Board voted 6-3 Tuesday to begin making plans for the referendum.
The Goose Creek Lions Club is hosting Candy Day on Jan. 13 and 14 in front of Bi-Lo on St. James Avenue, from 2:30 to 5:30 p.m. Friday (Jan. 13) and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday.
The Lions will accept donations and give out Lion's Club candy. This a part of South Carolina Lions’ statewide program.
The Lions will accept donations and give out Lion's Club candy. This a part of South Carolina Lions’ statewide program.
A small fire broke out in a custodial storage trailer on the Goose Creek High School campus around 1:30 p.m. on Jan. 3. It was the first day students were back at school after the holiday break.
Goose Creek Rural Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.
Goose Creek Rural Fire Department arrived on scene and extinguished the fire.
Marrington Elementary School recently announced its Virtue of the Month winners. Each month, teachers select a child that best demonstrates a specific character virtue; December’s virtue was “generosity.” Pictured are Carleah Farris, Teresa Layton, Kaleb Snyder, Leah Allen, Hannah Hutchinson, Braxton Cadle., Zoe Johnson, Jordan Hand, Adia Jack, Jacob Colo’n, Tania Anderson, Devin Valenca, Josheph Aguirre, Zach Kazmierski, KyArhea Walthall and T.J. Hall. Also pictured are school counselor Ann Schuler and Principal Barb Webber.
Westview Middle School will host a Parent University Night to teach parents how to access their child's grades online through the Parent Portal website.
The event is scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19.
The event is scheduled for 6:30-7:30 p.m. on Thursday, Jan. 19.
The ServSafe Food Protection Manager Certification Course is a two-day course using materials from the National Restaurant Association (NRA). It is taught by Clemson University educators who are certified instructors with the NRA. Upon successful completion of the exam, course participants earn a ServSafe certificate from the National Restaurant Association, which is valid for five years.
The course topics include: Challenges to Food Safety, Microbiology, Contamination, Allergens, Food Safety Systems, The Flow of Food, Maintaining Sanitary Facilities and Equipment, Pest Management and Employee Training. The course concludes with the ServSafe Certification Exam.
The course topics include: Challenges to Food Safety, Microbiology, Contamination, Allergens, Food Safety Systems, The Flow of Food, Maintaining Sanitary Facilities and Equipment, Pest Management and Employee Training. The course concludes with the ServSafe Certification Exam.
Put on your party hats and get ready to blow out a lot of candles – Girl Scouts is turning 100.
Founded by Juliette Low on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga., Girl Scouting will mark a century of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. To help mark the transition into a new century of Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina will hold a bridging event on March 10, 2012, at the Ravenel Bridge.
Founded by Juliette Low on March 12, 1912, in Savannah, Ga., Girl Scouting will mark a century of building girls of courage, confidence and character who make the world a better place. To help mark the transition into a new century of Girl Scouting, Girl Scouts of Eastern South Carolina will hold a bridging event on March 10, 2012, at the Ravenel Bridge.
Over 100 Trident Technical College nursing graduates were recognized at the Nursing Division Pinning Ceremony on Dec. 14 at the College Center on the school’s main campus in North Charleston.
Among those recognized were 21 Practical Nursing graduates. The Practical Nursing program is a three-and-a-half semester program of study that prepares students to provide patient care under the supervision of professional registered nurses, physicians or dentists.
Among those recognized were 21 Practical Nursing graduates. The Practical Nursing program is a three-and-a-half semester program of study that prepares students to provide patient care under the supervision of professional registered nurses, physicians or dentists.
The following students achieved Honor Roll for the first quarter of the 2011-2012 school year at Westview Elementary School in Goose Creek:
All A’s
All A’s
The Palmetto Scholars Academy, the state’s first gifted and talented charter school, is conducting an enrollment period for the 2012-2013 school year until Feb. 8.
Six open houses for potential students and their families are scheduled at PSA throughout January 2012:
Six open houses for potential students and their families are scheduled at PSA throughout January 2012:
Student artwork selected
Each year, Berkeley County School Superintendent Rodney Thompson and the Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis select their favorite artwork from pieces showcased in the school district’s Boardroom Art Exhibition.
Each year, Berkeley County School Superintendent Rodney Thompson and the Berkeley County Supervisor Dan Davis select their favorite artwork from pieces showcased in the school district’s Boardroom Art Exhibition.
Amy Garrison of Goose Creek has been named to the Dean's List at the Savannah College of Art and Design for fall quarter 2011.
Full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the quarter receive recognition on the Dean's List.
Full-time undergraduate students who earn a grade point average of 3.5 or above for the quarter receive recognition on the Dean's List.
A 41-foot mobile science lab in the form an RV pulled into two area high schools recently.
Students stepped aboard to conduct research on cancer cells.
Students stepped aboard to conduct research on cancer cells.
A middle school baseball league for ages 13 and 14 is being offered at Goose Creek Recreation.
Registration will be held Jan. 3-13 at the Goose Creek Community Center and the Casey Community Center. This league will travel and play other middle schools in the tri-county area. Players must play in the league for the high school they will attend.
Registration will be held Jan. 3-13 at the Goose Creek Community Center and the Casey Community Center. This league will travel and play other middle schools in the tri-county area. Players must play in the league for the high school they will attend.
Sangaree Elementary School students recently learned about several different professions when visitors from local businesses and government-provided services brought the vehicles they use for work to the school. Many volunteers took time out of their busy day to take part. Above, American Red Cross employees speak to students.
First grade students at Marrington Elementary School recently completed a unit on holidays around the world. Each day, students would learn customs, stories, songs and traditions from different countries. On the final day of their "journey," students found themselves at the "North Pole." The students wore their pajamas to school, drank hot chocolate and ate cozy, Christmas snacks. The culminating activity was when Marrington Elementary School Principal, Barb Webber, also in her pajamas, read "The Polar Express" to the enchanted students. Pictured above are Mariah Rolle, Principal for the Day Bailey Faris, first grade teacher Annette Rayburn, Principal Webber, first grade teacher Jane Schuler, (second row) Brandon Lizama, Cooper Niles, Harrison Sloane, Jaden Kaiser and Theresa Layton.
Kindergarten students at Boulder Bluff Elementary School ended their recent “farm week” by visiting with Paul Bennett and his farm animal friends. Students had an opportunity to use their senses to learn more about the animals. Above, Devontay McNeil gets a kiss from a Llama while visiting the petting zoo. At right, Bennett talks to the students with a feathery friend.
Alyssa Seyfriend's fourth grade class at Marrington Elementary School recently read "A Christmas Carol" by Charles Dickens. After conducting research on the Victorian Era, students created fictionalized characters to introduce themselves to Ebenezer Scrooge at a Victorian holiday party. Ebenezer Scrooge was played by Marrington Principal Barb Webber, who is pictured above with students. At right, Webber is pictured with fourth grader Chandler Cool.
Boulder Bluff Elementary School PE teacher John Stephens recruits volunteers for the school’s blood drive. Stephens’ efforts helped the American Red Cross collect 61 pints of blood at the recent event. Thanks to BBE's faculty, staff, parents and community members that gave the gift of life, 183 lives were saved.
Kindergarten classes at Boulder Bluff Elementary recently collected egg cartons for a Kids That Care Recycling Project. A total of 219 egg cartons were collected from students through fifth grade. Publix Grocery store supported the effort by allowing BBE to recycle their egg cartons at the Goose Creek store, and by awarding cupcakes to the class that collected the most egg cartons. The cupcake award went to Cynthia Query and Mary Butler's Kindergarten class for bringing in 70 egg cartons. Students from the winning class are pictured above.
Marrington Elementary School recently announced its Virtue of the Month students for November; the focus in November was on “citizenship.” Pictured above are Tyler Odgers, Madison Stevens, Jaden Kaiser, Devin Barnett, Zane Nixon, Dylan Hoover, Kayshrion Guilory, Madison Daniels, Sametra McCoy, Breon Steele, Makenzie Cummings, Gabriel Metz, Bailey Faris, Gabe Niles and Drekius Tanner.
Zach Szala can’t open his eyes yet due to two rattlesnake bites.
The Howe Hall AIMS third grader was bitten on Nov. 23. He and his family were walking through the woods at Wanamaker County Park, when Zach apparently stepped on the rattler. Rattlesnake bites are extremely rare – it was simply a case of bad luck for the young student.
The Howe Hall AIMS third grader was bitten on Nov. 23. He and his family were walking through the woods at Wanamaker County Park, when Zach apparently stepped on the rattler. Rattlesnake bites are extremely rare – it was simply a case of bad luck for the young student.
The Hanahan Middle School Eco Challenge Team is focusing on educating the community about air quality this December.
The middle school is the third school in the state to join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s School Flag Program. The program is designed to increase public awareness of outdoor air quality conditions so children can continue to exercise, while protecting their health when air quality is unhealthy.
The middle school is the third school in the state to join the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s School Flag Program. The program is designed to increase public awareness of outdoor air quality conditions so children can continue to exercise, while protecting their health when air quality is unhealthy.
The Palmetto Scholars Academy, South Carolina’s First Gifted and Talented Charter School is conducting an enrollment period for the 2012-2013 School Year until February 8th, 2012. Nine Open Houses for potential students and their families are scheduled throughout December 2011 and January 2012. A full list of Open House time and dates are available on the PSA website, www.palmettoscholarsacademy.org.
Palmetto Scholars Academy recently earned an “Excellent” rating by the SC Department of Education in the 2011 Report Cards, and met 9 out of 9 objectives for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and AYP overall, one of only 27% of elementary and middle schools in SC that met AYP.
Palmetto Scholars Academy recently earned an “Excellent” rating by the SC Department of Education in the 2011 Report Cards, and met 9 out of 9 objectives for Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) and AYP overall, one of only 27% of elementary and middle schools in SC that met AYP.
