Sumter School District... At a Glance
Published by the Office of Public Information
Vol. V, No. VI
March 13, 2015
Suzanne Koty named finalist for State Teacher of the Year
On Monday, State Superintendent of Education Molly Spearman announced the first of five
finalists for South Carolina’s prestigious Teacher of the Year award.
“Being a finalist for this award is a great achievement that should be celebrated,” said
Spearman. “This will be a truly memorable week as I try to meet each finalist in person and share
the exciting news with them. This is a wonderful opportunity for local communities to celebrate
the success we see in our public schools every day by recognizing these five finalists,” concluded
Spearman.
Superintendent Spearman traveled to Sumter and told teacher Suzanne Koty that she was
one of five finalists for this year’s Teacher of the Year award. Koty teaches English and the Theory
of Knowledge at Sumter High School. She first worked in the medical field, but after volunteering
at a local school, Koty discovered her love for teaching. She strengthens her own knowledge
through continuous research and contributes to her field as a leader in the local chapter of the
National Writing Project.
“I am so proud of Suzanne Koty and all the hard work she puts in day in and day out at
Sumter High School,” said Sumter School District Superintendent Dr. J. Frank Baker. “The
spotlight is on Ms. Koty, but she represents all the great teachers we have in Sumter County.”
“Suzanne is a wonderful part of our school community here at Sumter High,” said Mr. Dana
Fall, Sumter High School Principal. “She is bright, articulate, and passionate about being an
educator. She is a model of teaching excellence and an example of what great teachers accomplish
in Sumter on behalf of their students.”
As a finalist, Koty receives a check for $10,000 and is in the running for the state’s Teacher
of the Year honor, which comes with a grand prize of $25,000 and a new BMW to drive for a
year. All 82 school districts select a district teacher of the year, and the five finalists are selected
from this pool. Koty will represent Sumter School District at the 50th anniversary of the South
Carolina Teacher of the Year Celebration on Wednesday, April 22 at the Columbia Metropolitan
Convention Center.
Vision
Sumter School District
develops and cultivates
competitive students who
embrace diversity, act
responsibly, and contribute
positively to society.
Mission
The mission of Sumter
School District is to equip
students to be responsible,
successful, and productive
citizens in a global society.
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Congratulations
Congratulations to Coach English
and the Sumter High Gamecocks for
winning the AAAA State
Championship.
Congratulations to Coach Fields and
the Lady Gators for winning the
AAA Lower State Championship.
Congratulations to Sumter High
School wrestler Mac Mota for
winning the 152 pound State
Championship.
Sumter School District recommended for reaccreditation
Sumter School District officials learned Wednesday afternoon that the school system
and all of its schools will be recommended for reaccreditation for five years by the
AdvancED Accreditation Commission. The recommendation from the external review
team will be acted on later by the AdvancED Commission, and a final report will be
issued. The school district received a score of 285.77 while the average score of
educational institutions in the AdvancED system is 282.79.
“The accreditation process from AdvancED provides national recognition for our
focus on teaching and learning, leadership, and utilization of resources,” said
Superintendent J. Frank Baker. “The hard work and dedication of our administrators,
teachers and staff is a true reflection of the outstanding scores we received.”
The external review team of six educators reviewed district documents and
performance data, interviewed district, school, and community stakeholders, visited six
schools, and observed district and school practices. The reaccreditation process
included review of five standards:
• Standard 1: Purpose and Direction- The school maintains and communicates
a purpose and direction that commit to high expectations for learning as well
as shared values and beliefs about teaching and learning.
• Standard 2: Governance and Leadership- The school operates under
governance and leadership that promote and support student performance and
school effectiveness.
• Standard 3: Teaching and Assessing for Learning- The school’s curriculum,
instructional design, and assessment practices guide and ensure teacher
effectiveness and student learning.
• Standard 4: Resources and Support Systems- The school has resources and
provides services that support its purpose and direction to ensure success for
all students.
• Standard 5: Using Results for Continuous Improvement- The school
implements a comprehensive assessment system that generates a range of data
about student learning and school effectiveness and uses the results to guide
continuous improvement.
In presenting the exit report, Dr. Edlow Barker, chairman of the AdvancED
external review team, commended the district for the following:
• superintendent’s dedication,
• school climate/pride,
• clean, safe secure schools,
• strategic plan,
• use of data and
• preparation, openness and hospitality.
“I am elated that the AdvancED External Review Team recommended Sumter
School District for reaccreditation for the next five years,” said Board Chairman Rev.
Daryl McGhaney. This validates all of the hard work that our teachers, administrators
and staff have done to move us forward to this point. While we exceeded the
AdvancED average overall, we will work in collaboration to address opportunities for
improvement.”
Congratulations
Lakewood named GRAMMY Signature School
The GRAMMY Foundation® announced that Lakewood High School is one of
13 U.S. schools to have been selected as a GRAMMY® Signature School for 2015.
Created in 1998, the GRAMMY Signature Schools program recognizes the top
U.S. public high schools that make an outstanding commitment to music education
during an academic school year. Lakewood High School will receive a custom award
and a monetary grant in the amount of $5,500 to benefit its music program. The
monetary award is made possible in part through the generous support of the Ford
Motor Company Fund.
“If you can dream it, you can accomplish it! Nothing is impossible to those
who go after it,” said Herbert Johnson, Lakewood High School Choir Director. “This
was the belief that drove my 2014-2015 school year. When I came across the
opportunity to give my students the pinnacle music educational experience of their high
school career, I dashed out head first without hesitation despite the insurmountable
financial challenges I knew I would face getting the students to Carnegie Hall. I was
relying heavily on this GRAMMY award grant to help defray some of the costs, which
was the main reason I submitted performance audition clips for this amazing national
recognition.” Johnson added, “What's even more surreal is that this is my second time
winning this recognition for my choral programs. I received this back in 2011 at
Bessemer City High School in North Carolina. I'm lost for words right now, but I am
filled with gratitude.”
The selection process for GRAMMY Signature Schools begins each year in
August when the GRAMMY Foundation mails notifications to more than 20,000
public high schools in districts large and small, urban, suburban and rural, requesting
information about each school's music program. Applications are completed and
submitted online in October at www.grammyintheschools.com. After the applications
are scored, finalists are identified and asked to submit additional documentation, such
as recordings of school concerts, sample concert programs and repertoire, which is then
reviewed by an independent blue-ribbon committee of top music educators and
professionals to determine the schools that merit GRAMMY Signature School status.
“Ford is a strong supporter of music in schools and its ability to enhance the
overall educational experience for students and we are proud to once again partner
with the GRAMMY Foundation to provide resources for the GRAMMY Signature
Schools program,” said Pamela Alexander, director of community development for
Ford Motor Company Fund.
Congratulations to the following
Sumter High Drama students who
qualified in their respective
categories to advance to the
National Thespian Conference in
June: McKenzie Quinn-BarnettSolo Acting, Emma Houck-Stage
Managing, Sarah Louise McInnisSolo Musical, and Emma
Townsend and Amber CoulterDuet Acting. James Riggs also
received the coveted Excellence in
Acting award.
Sumter High artwork on display in
Downtown Columbia
Student artwork from Sumter
High School was on display at the
Tapp’s Art Center in downtown
Columbia as part of Youth Art
Month celebration. The show
opened as part of Main Street’s
First Thursday event and will be
up through the entire month of
March. Participating Sumter
High teachers and their students
are Deana Rennick, Terri Martyn,
Heidi Adler, and Crystal
Chambers.
Tapp’s
recognized
the
importance of arts education and
invites you to help celebrate the
hard work and creative endeavors
of children from several excellent
school districts. Come see how our
amazing art educators have
stimulated imaginations and
inspired creativity in our next
generation of leaders.
Police Department sponsors Black History Month contest
Heroism, admiration, and respect were themes that resonated throughout the third annual
Black History Month Contest. Sponsored by the Sumter Police Department, interested
students in grades K-2 submitted artwork on a famous African American whom they
view as a hero or admire, and students in grades 3-5 submitted essays on famous African
Americans, who they would like to grow up to be like or view as heroes.
“The Sumter Police Department looks forward to this annual collaboration with
our elementary school students as we celebrate Black History Month in our community,”
said Police Chief Russell F. Roark III. “The artwork and essays that were submitted
truly captured the essence of heroism of African Americans both past and present. I
commend the students for their creativity and originality.”
The winners were treated to an awards celebration at Chuck E. Cheese.
Congratulations to the following students: Alice Drive Elementary: Avery Kirkhart,
Anna Grace Morris, Tymaries Thompson, Blythe Toburen, McKenna Reed and Riley
Ward; Crosswell Drive Elementary: Lilli Lamb, Timisha Johnson, Ashyln Tomlin and
Victoria Jordan; Kingsbury Elementary: Kinsley Holliday, McKenzie Jacobs, Laney
Spigner, Alana Jones, Kharya Reed, Keyanna McMillan and Xander Phalin; Lemira
Elementary: Khamoni Brown, Deonna Galloway, Triana Montgomery, Miracle
Johnson, Larissa Walkes and Thomas Ortiz; Millwood Elementary: Skyla Graves,
Mazie Hyer, Shyann Le, Callie Wehri, Pierce Kelso, Tatiana Pacheco and Madison
Moore; Wilder Elementary: Sierra Davis, Audrey Losse, Sentrell Montgomery, Chanté
Jackson, Taylor Lewis and Zachary Hayes; and Willow Drive Elementary: Aniyah
Adams, Ava McDaniel, Jerrod Tomlin, Juliet Keenan, Anastasia Johnson and Janiah
Kennedy.
Schools celebrate Dr. Seuss
Schools throughout Sumter School District celebrated Dr. Seuss’ 101st birthday in
observance of Read Across America Day. Across the country, thousands of schools,
libraries, and community centers participate by bringing together kids, teens, and
books. This annual recognition is our nation's largest reading event, and our schools
were proud to be a part of this celebration!
Bates orchestra rates superior
The Bates Middle School
Advanced Orchestra earned a
superior rating at the State Concert
Festival, which is the top rating that
a group can earn. Under the
direction of Noelle Saleh, the
orchestra traveled to the Pelion
Performing Arts Center to play for
judges. They performed two
pieces: "Song of the Sea Mariner"
by Soon Hee Newbold and
"Afterburn" by Brian Balmages.
The judges gave very positive
comments about their performance,
appearance, and behavior.
Lakewood FFA
Appreciation Day
members
High Hills Elementary welcomes Colonel Scott E. Caine
On Read Across America Day, High Hills Elementary received a visit from Colonel
Scott Caine, Vice Commander, Ninth Air Force, Air Combat Command, Shaw Air
Force Base. Joining Colonel Caine was his wife, Pam Caine. The colonel is a
command pilot with more than 3,200 flying hours including combat missions in
support of Operations Deny Flight, Decisive Endeavor, Deliberate Guard and
Southern Watch.
Upon entering High Hills, Colonel and Mrs. Caine were greeted by three
students from the High Hills Welcoming Committee. The students, Eden Dalcourt,
Joshua Farmer, and Tyler DeUnger, served as escorts for Colonel and Mrs. Caine
and provided them with a school tour at the end of their visit. Colonel and Mrs. Caine
spent an hour reading to students and shared the importance of reading, working
hard in school, and listening to their
teacher(s). Colonel Caine also told
students how influential reading is in
his job as a pilot. He shared stories of
his past and how reading has helped
him to get where he is today. The
students sat quietly and were very
tuned in as they listened to Colonel
and Mrs. Caine. High Hills was
honored to have them visit and look
forward to many more visits from
military personnel!
attend
Legislators thank them for their support of Agricultural Education. They
Lakewood High School agricultural education students attended
the SC FFA-sponsored State Legislators Appreciation
Ceremony in Columbia.
The students accompanied by Jillian Lash and Stephen
Sanderson, agricultural education instructors and FFA advisor
at Lakewood High School, began the day by visiting with State
Senators Thomas McElveen and Kevin Johnson and State
Representatives Murrell Smith, David Weeks and Joe Neil to
were introduced to the members of the House of Representatives
while in session.
Following the visits, the group braved the cold weather
to join the hundreds of FFA members and advisors from
throughout South Carolina on the north steps of the State Capitol
for a special recognition ceremony. Commissioner Hugh
Weathers, SC Commissioner of Agriculture, presented the
Governors Proclamation to the State FFA Officers on behalf of
Governor Haley. This was in recognition of National FFA Week
February 21-28, 2015.
The FFA positively influences the young people of
America by developing character and leadership skills, and
preparing members for successful careers. FFA members are the
leaders of tomorrow. Through agricultural education and handson learning, FFA members are preparing for more than 300
career opportunities in the food, fiber and natural resources
industries of agriculture. With more than 610,000 members, the
organization has a history of service and a legacy of leadership.
Crosswell promotes walking to
school
Over 100 Crosswell Drive Elementary
students, parents, and staff members
participated in the South Carolina
Walk to School Day on March 4,
2015. As part of the South Carolina
Safe Routes to School program, this
event promotes and celebrates safe
routes to school. Crosswell Drive
Elementary was awarded a $400,000
Safe Route to School 2014
competitive grant.
Tetrazzini tickets available
The Board of Directors of the Barry Leach Memorial Scholarship Fund will host
the annual turkey tetrazzini dinner fundraiser on Monday, March 30 from 5-6:30
p.m. at Millwood Elementary School. Tickets are $6 and may be purchased at
Millwood or from faculty members. Tickets must be purchased in advance. No
dinners will be sold at the door.
In addition to the famous tetrazzini, the dinner will include green beans and
a cinnamon roll. Pizza will also be available for $1.00 per slice. Drive through
service is available for take-out dinners. Patrons who wish to eat at the school will
be treated to karaoke from some of the talented Millwood students.
Fourteen years ago, the faculty and staff at Millwood Elementary
established the scholarship fund in memory of Barry Leach, a science teacher at
the school for 23 years. All proceeds from the tetrazzini fundraiser will be used to
provide college scholarships to former Millwood Elementary students who are
seniors in Sumter School District and plan to attend college in the fall. Since the
formation of the fund, it has awarded $23,500 in scholarships.
This will be the last turkey tetrazzini fundraiser for the organization,
although plans are for the scholarships to be available for years to come. Next year,
according to Hilton, “We are passing the ‘Tetrazzini Torch’ to our friends at
Kingsbury Elementary in order that they might raise funds for the Hailey Bordeaux
Scholarship Fund. We trust they will enjoy the same success and support from the
Sumter community that we have had.”
Millwood makes math fun
Lemira students explore careers
Putting math into practice has
never been such fun. Millwood
Elementary School enjoyed its
first Family Math Night in our
local grocery stores- BI-LO,
Piggly Wiggly, and IGA.
Students in kindergarten through
fifth grade and their parents
participated in grade-specific
activities. BI-LO hosted grades K
and first, Piggly Wiggly hosted
grades two and three, and IGA
hosted fourth and fifth grades. Each student received an activity
sheet with instructions about where to go in the store and what
to do. The tasks increased in difficulty with each grade. Each
child received a goody bag from Piggly Wiggly, while IGA
provided various snacks for the children, and BI-LO baked a
cake for the students. If the child and his/her family returned to
the school for its February PTA meeting, their names were
entered into a drawing for a $15 gift card from each grocery
store.
Lemira Elementary
School students were
able to learn about a
variety of careers
through
various
businesses that set up
booths to provide
information on the
pros and cons of a
particular
career,
educational/training
requirements, earning potential or salary range, and answer
additional questions from students. Career participants also
communicated with students about the importance of setting
goals and how attaining these goals begin now. There was a
wide variety of professions represented at Career Day:
firefighter, insurance agent, police officer, military personnel,
health careers, dental hygienist, farmer, college professor,
author, and many more. Career Day has proven to be a
wonderful enrichment program for students and volunteers.
Kingsbury principal selected for
state honor
Phillip Jackson, principal of
Kingsbury Elementary School, has
been appointed to serve on the State
Superintendent of Education’s
Principal Advisory Council. He was
selected based upon the leadership role
he plays within his profession. The
council will provide feedback from a
principal’s perspective on issues
surrounding education in South
Carolina’s schools.
Crosswell Drive hosts first African American Read-in
Crosswell Drive Elementary
School continues its 2014-2015
theme of making literacy a priority
across all grade levels. Students
recently experienced their first
African American Read-In as they
read books, e-books, speeches, and
other literature authored and
illustrated by African Americans.
Teachers and students conferred
about these books to discuss the big
ideas. Conferring is an active, individual process during readers’ workshop when
teachers sit side-by-side students to individualize reading instruction, move students
from guided reading to proficient, independent practice, and improve reading
comprehension.
The African American Read-In (AARI) is a national event that was
established by the Black Caucus of National Council for the Teachers of English
(NCTE) and is observed during Black History Month. It is built on an ambitious
yet confident premise: that a school and community reading event can be an effective
way to promote diversity in children’s literature, encourage young people to read,
and shine a spotlight on African American authors.
Crestwood Drill Team wins awards
The Crestwood AFJROTC Drill Team recently competed in
the Charleston Southern University Drill Meet. As a result of
their precision and accuracy, the team came home with eight
trophies. Congratulations on the following awards: 3rd Place
Basic Unarmed Flight- Commanded by Cadet Marcus
McCloud, 3rd Place Color Guard- Commanded by Cadet
Christian Northcutt, 3rd Place Fancy Duet With WeaponsCommanded by Cadet Jamison Schwartz and Cadet Kashun
Lowery, 3rd Place Fancy Flight With Weapons- Commanded
by Jamison Schwartz, 2nd Place Fancy Element With WeaponsCommanded Cadet Alex Vereen, 1st Place Fancy Element
Unarmed- Commanded by Cadet Sheyann Maynard and Cadet
Jasmine Chandler, and 1st Place Fancy Flight UnarmedCommanded by Cadet Ladazha Cole and Cadet Wilfredo
Anderson.
The drill team also garnered 2nd Place Overall out of
11 schools that competed. Congratulations to the entire drill
team commanded by Cadet Kashun Lowery.
Crestwood would also like to commend Cadet Jamar Williams
and Cadet David Dalcourt on their appointment to the United
States Military Academy Preparatory School at West Point.
Their selection to this prestigious institution of higher learning
speaks to their high character, because only the best of the best
are accepted to the United States Military Academy (USMA)
at West Point. While at the academy, they will receive a top
notch college education with tuition, room and board and all
expenses fully paid. There scholarship to attend West Point
Military Academy values in excess of $300,000. The mission
of the United States Military Academy is to educate, train, and
inspire the Corps of Cadets so that each graduate is a
commissioned leader of character committed to the values of
‘Duty, Honor, Country’ and prepared for a career of professional
excellence and service to the nation as an officer in the United
States Army.
Students excel at FBLA conference
Sumter School District students excelled at the South Carolina
FBLA (formerly Future Business Leaders of America) District
III Leadership Conference held Feb. 6 at West Florence High
School. Sixty-seven middle and high school students placed in
the competition. More than 450 members and advisers from 27
South Carolina schools attended the conference.
At the middle school level, first-place winners from
Bates Middle were Perrin Thompson, business math skills;
Taviondre Hawk, career exploration; and Shaynna Session,
introduction to business communication.
From Ebenezer Middle, first place went to Janiya
Steplight, desktop publishing applications; Tatiana Stuckey,
Keyboarding applications I; and Jamie Barbee and Raegan
Lamkin, team web page creation.
First-place winners from Hillcrest Middle were Heidi
Conyers, FBLA facts; Michaela Hudson, Keyboarding
Applications II; and Matthew Hudson, spreadsheet.
Second-place winners at the middle school level were,
from Bates Middle, John Williams, introduction to computers;
Laurny Moss, Keyboarding Applications I; Norman Williams,
keyboarding fundamentals; Julius DeMunn, spreadsheet; and
Parker Miles and Arianna Parker, team web page creation.
Ebenezer Middle second-place winners were Maniya Dawson,
business math skills, and Ki'Asia Grant, Keyboarding
Applications II.
Hillcrest Middle second-place winners were Rachel
Blanding, Shaleria Bradley and Kiara Jackson, team computer
slide show; Maryssa Buchanan, desktop publishing; and Mya
Hayes, introduction to business communications.
Third place from Bates Middle went to Janaiah Seigler,
Keyboarding Applications II; Tyler Marshall, keyboarding
fundamentals; and Gustavo Garcia, spreadsheet.
From Ebenezer Middle, third place went to Katrina
Simon, business math skills; Shanndon Monsanto, desktop
publishing applications; Keirelle Mickens, FBLA facts; Hope
Rhems, introduction to business communications; and Desmond
McMillan, public speaking. Hillcrest Middle student Janiah
McQueen took third place in Keyboarding Applications I.
Fourth-place winners from Bates Middle were Frankie
Crank, Derrick Sanders and Denzell Sigler, team computer
slide show; Sydney Brownlee, Madison Howell and Aaliyah
Lawson, team desktop publishing applications; Ja'niya
Singleton, Keyboarding Applications I; and Nicholas Crank,
Keyboarding Applications II.
From Chestnut Oaks Middle, Alexis Ritter took fourth
in career exploration.
Hillcrest Middle student Joi Conyers took fourth in
business math skills.
Middle school fifth place winners from Bates Middle
were Christal Cain, Keyirie Davis-Bracey and Ny'Asia
Rembert, team desktop publishing applications.
From Chestnut Oaks Middle, fifth place went to Spencer
Scarborough, career exploration; Alexis Tomlin, FBLA facts;
and Jamar Croskey, introduction to computers.
Ebenezer Middle students Monica Burgess, Jessica
Peters and Gabrielle Wright took fifth in team computer slide
show.
Genesis Dalcourt from Hillcrest Middle took fifth in public
speaking.
At the high school competition level, Crestwood High
School took first place with Wayne Russ in future business
leader and Chelsee Davis and Shahari Sadler in team social
media campaign. The team of Eric Caldwell and D'Andre
Young took third place in sports and entertainment, and Jariya
Taylor took fourth place in Accounting I.
Lakewood High School students Talandra Gadson and
Justin Yates took first place as a team in website design. Second
place honors went to Adriana Ramirez Villeda in digital design
and promotion and to Jaliana Brown in word processing.
Katie Morris and Michaela Stukes took third place and fourth
place respectively in word processing. Daevon Washington took
fifth place in Public Speaking I.
From Sumter High School, Alexander Leasure took
second place in economics.
At the high school level, the top three winners in each
event will compete in Chicago at the end of June. All the
aforementioned middle and high winners are eligible to compete
at the State Leadership Conference on March 19 through 21
in North Charleston.
The Lakewood High School FFA (formerly Future
Farmers of America) will host an indoor yard sale on Saturday,
March 14, with proceeds going to the American Cancer
Society's Relay for Life.
Individuals or clubs may rent a spot for $20 which
includes one table. The $20 entry fee goes directly to Relay.
All other proceeds earned at the table will belong to the person
or group renting the table.
The group or individual will be responsible for setting
up their own station, pricing their items and removing any unsold
items. The location will be at Lakewood High School in the
large entry area of the Fine Arts Center. Persons may set up on
Friday afternoon if they so desire.
For more information or to purchase a spot, contact
Jillian Lash, Lakewood FFA adviser, at 506-2700 or at
[email protected].
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