This event is a great opportunity to register for the 2026–2027 school year and connect with valuable school and community resources. Families will also have the chance to learn more about attendance expectations and complete the 2026 Parent & Guardian School Climate Survey.
Translation services will be available to support our multilingual families.
In addition to important information and resources, families will receive pizza to take home and have the opportunity to win door prizes.
We look forward to welcoming you and supporting your family as we prepare for a successful school year.
#TeamGCSD
Waccamaw High School wrestling student-athletes were honored for their achievements during the 2025–2026 season. Kayden Melendez and Owen Patterson were recognized as both All-State wrestlers and individual State Champions, while J.D. Huffstetler earned All-State honors. Their accomplishments reflect discipline, perseverance, and a commitment to excellence.
Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy’s Beta Club was recognized on the national level as a recipient of the 2025–2026 National Beta John W. Harris Leadership Award. CBMSA is one of only five Junior Beta clubs in the nation to receive this honor, which highlights excellence in achievement, character, leadership, and service. The recognition was accepted by Beta Club sponsor Tamara Tucker, along with school administration and students.
Waccamaw High School’s Windtalkers Competitive Speech & Debate Team was recognized for earning the 3A State Championship and placing third overall among all classifications. Individual honors included state champions Presleigh Boan and Olivia De’Oliveria. The team continues a strong tradition of excellence under the leadership of Coach Ree Lawson.
Georgetown County School District is proud of these students, educators, and schools for representing #TeamGCSD with excellence and for continuing to demonstrate the values of academics, achievement, arts, and athletics.
Georgetown County School District is excited to recognize five outstanding early-career educators as finalists for the 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year:
• Sabrina Dorion – Andrews Elementary School
• Abagail McClellan – Kensington Elementary School
• Aaliyah Jones – Maryville Elementary School
• Mason Collins – Waccamaw Middle/Waccamaw Intermediate School
• Brittany Hilburn – Waccamaw High School
These finalists were selected from a talented group of first-year and early-career teachers across the district. We are proud to recognize the following nominees:
• Anna Floyd – Andrews High School
• Rhomona Reed – Browns Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts
• Kayleigh Nawrocki – Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
• Diana Miller – Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
• Natalie Doudican – Coastal Montessori Charter School
• Ross Cox – Georgetown High School
• Julie Youngs – Georgetown Middle School
• Taneshia Powell – Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
• Allison Skidmore – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy
• Kelsey Connelly – Rosemary Middle School
• Stephanie Lewis – Waccamaw Elementary School
We are incredibly proud of these educators who are already making a meaningful impact in their classrooms and school communities. The 2026 Rookie Teacher of the Year will be announced in April.
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDRTOY
#2026OfTheYear
Announcing the 2026 GCSD Support Staff of the Year Finalists!
Georgetown County School District is proud to announce the five finalists for the 2026 GCSD Support Staff of the Year. These individuals go above and beyond in their roles, supporting our schools, students, and staff each day:
Lindsay Cox – Andrews Elementary School
Donna Britton – Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
Lashawna Armstrong – Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
Muryel Sumpter – Georgetown Middle School
Temple Cuttino – Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
These finalists were selected from a strong group of school and department-level honorees across the district, including:
Fredrick Wright – Andrews High School
Janet Langley – Browns Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts
Stephanie Brady – Coastal Montessori Charter School
Melissa Cumbee - District Office
Shanell Green – Georgetown County Adult Education/Howard Alternative Placement Program
Sharee Cohens - Georgetown High School
Ashley Glass – Kensington Elementary School
Bessie Adderson – Maryville Elementary School
Karen Poston – McDonald Elementary School
Janna Blackwelder – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy
Barbara Brown – Rosemary Middle School
Jennifer Evans – Sampit Elementary
Eleanor Jansky – Waccamaw Elementary School
Honey Lance - Waccamaw High School
Sandor Spain – Waccamaw Intermediate School
Tianna Pyatt – Waccamaw Middle School
We are grateful for the vital role each of these individuals plays in supporting student success across Georgetown County School District. The 2026 GCSD Support Staff of the Year will be announced at the GCSD “Of the Year” Gala in May.
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDSSOY
#2026OfTheYear
Georgetown County School District is proud to recognize two outstanding leaders as finalists for the 2026 GCSD Administrator of the Year:
• Seth Hillman – Georgetown Middle School
• Ginny Haynes – Waccamaw Middle School
These leaders exemplify dedication, innovation, and a commitment to creating supportive and high-achieving school environments for students and staff.
The 2026 Administrator of the Year will be announced at the GCSD “Of the Year” Gala in May. Stay tuned!
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDAOY
#2026OfTheYear
Announcing the 2026 GCSD Teacher of the Year Finalists!
Georgetown County School District is proud to recognize five outstanding educators who have been selected as finalists for the 2026 GCSD Teacher of the Year:
• Corey Baldwin – Maryville Elementary School
• Eric Baril – Georgetown Middle School
• Luis Betancourt – Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
• Shavonne Collington – Georgetown High School
• George Geer – Waccamaw High School
These finalists were selected from an exceptional group of school-level Teachers of the Year across GCSD. We are proud to recognize the following nominees for their dedication and impact on student success:
• Heather Turner – Andrews Elementary
• Bethany Stearns-Miller – Andrews High
• Deanne Snowden – Browns Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts
• Ma Luisa Andrada – Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy
• Nikki Graziano – Coastal Montessori Charter School
• Jennifer Hagaman – Georgetown County Adult Education/Howard Alternative Placement Program
• Natasha Ryals – Kensington Elementary School
• Nicole Wall – McDonald Elementary School
• Melissa Chastain – Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School
• Kenley Thomas – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy
• Kimberly Griffith-Johnson – Rosemary Middle School
• Tacha Johnson – Sampit Elementary School
• Lori Hudgins – Waccamaw Elementary School
• Cheyenne Baril – Waccamaw Intermediate School
• Meghan Chinn – Waccamaw Middle School
We thank each of these educators for the meaningful difference they make in the lives of students every day. The 2026 GCSD Teacher of the Year will be announced at the GCSD “Of the Year” Gala in May.
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDTOY
#2026OfTheYear
Due to the latest forecast for severe weather expected to impact Georgetown County on Monday, March 16, all Georgetown County School District schools and offices will be closed.
The National Weather Service is forecasting potentially dangerous weather conditions, including damaging winds and possible tornado activity during the school day. Out of an abundance of caution and in coordination with local emergency management officials, GCSD will not hold in-person classes.
All after-school activities scheduled for Monday, March 16, including athletic practices, games, meetings, and other events, are cancelled.
Parents and guardians should check their email for additional details regarding the eLearning schedule and expectations.
The safety of our students, staff, and families remains our top priority.
#TeamGCSD
Auditions are coming up for the Summer BEACH Visual Art, Choral Music, and Drama programs!
Students who will be rising 6th–12th graders are invited to audition on Tuesday, April 14 at Georgetown Middle School.
Nomination forms can be downloaded here:
Art - https://drive.google.com/file/d/15S8zG1e_0z80XVDTo5v82aZJxJDBoTl3/view?usp=sharing
Drama - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1jDierDKIPq0dGszeXs4aviUoK2mIZ2M7/view?usp=sharing
Choral Music - https://drive.google.com/file/d/1NxFs-PcvwjWmdNSYo8M_bbxyenh2AGyj/view?usp=sharing
Forms may be completed by students, parents, or teachers, but all nominations must be submitted by March 25.
Students accepted into the program will participate June 2–4, June 8–11, and June 15–18 from 9:00 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. each day.
For audition preparation:
• Art: Bring 4 artwork pieces, complete a drawing, and participate in a short interview
• Drama: Perform a 2–3 minute monologue, oral reading, or verbal improvisation
• Music: Perform a solo and complete a simple rhythm exercise
SCDE is hosting a FREE Mentorship and Literacy Tutoring Training on Friday, March 27, 2026, from 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. at The Lake House (318 Charles St., Lake City, SC).
Participants will:
• Experience a John Maxwell i-Lead Transformation Table
• Hear from two South Carolina organizations that successfully mentor students
• Learn literacy tutoring strategies from two SCDE literacy specialists
This community-focused training is designed to equip participants with tools they can use both in and out of schools to guide others in a positive direction through mentoring and to help struggling readers through literacy tutoring.
While the primary focus is on community members, educators are welcome to attend and can earn three renewal credits for participation.
SCDE is targeting the entire Pee Dee Region — eleven counties — and is hoping to reach as many individuals and organizations as possible. Please consider sharing this opportunity with school leaders, churches and ecumenical partners, extended learning programs, and community networks who may benefit.
The event is free, but pre-registration is recommended to ensure adequate materials are prepared. Please use the QR code on the flyer to register.
Thank you for helping support mentoring and literacy efforts across our region.
During this session, participants will:
• Discover personal and community strengths
• Learn strategies to build stronger relationships
• Develop resilience and healthy coping tools
• Cultivate a sense of belonging
• Strengthen skills as a Trusted Adult for youth
**Training Details**
Thursday, March 19, 2026
5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
JB Beck Administration & Education Center
2018 Church Street, Georgetown, SC
Sources of Strength is a nationally recognized, evidence-based program that promotes mental wellness, connection, and help-seeking behaviors for both youth and adults. This is a valuable opportunity to invest in yourself, your family, and our community.
We hope you will join us for this meaningful evening.
Georgetown County School District invites certified educators to join us for our Virtual Certified Job Fair Meet & Greet Event, March 9–12, 2026. This is a great opportunity to connect with school leaders, explore career opportunities, and discover where your teaching journey can thrive.
Sessions are organized by certification areas so you can participate in the conversations most relevant to your experience and interests. All certification areas are welcome.
March 9 — High School | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
March 10 — Middle Level | 4:30–6:00 p.m.
March 11 — Special Education | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
March 12 — Early Childhood & Elementary | 4:00–5:30 p.m.
Bring your talent, creativity, and commitment to student success to GCSD. Register using the QR code on the flyer and take the next step with #TeamGCSD.
Middle school students performed under the direction of clinician Michele Welton, accompanied by Olivia Powell Huggins. High school students were led by clinician Phil Suggs, with accompaniment by Eileen Kramer.
Thank you to our guest clinicians and accompanists, our dedicated chorus directors, and the families who support our student musicians.
Congratulations to all participants on an outstanding performance!
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDArts
#AllCountyChorus
Magnet Application Window 1 opens Monday, February 23, 2026, at 8:00 a.m. and closes Monday, March 9, 2026, at 5:00 p.m.
Families interested in applying to one of GCSD’s magnet programs — including Pleasant Hill Elementary School STREAM Academy, Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy, Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School, Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School, and Brown’s Ferry Elementary School for the Creative and Performing Arts — are encouraged to submit an application during this window.
To apply, visit: http://georgetownmagnets.novuschoice.com
For more information about GCSD magnet programs, please contact your child’s school or visit the district website.
#TeamGCSD
#PathwaysToSuccess
While working through basketball drills and warm-ups, students shared additional feedback, reflections, and ideas about their school experiences and opportunities for growth. Follow-up sessions like this allow for deeper dialogue and continued focus on student voice. Photos from the visit are included below.
#FreeThrowFridays
#TeamGCSD
#Rosemary Cobras
#AndrewsYellowJackets
#GCSDReads
#TeamGCSD
#LiteracyMatters
#KoalasAreReaders
Carolyn Wilson, Media Paraprofessional at GMS, has been selected as the South Carolina Association of School Librarians Library Paraprofessional of the Year. She was nominated by GMS Media Specialist Jenny Cox in recognition of her exemplary service and direct support of the school library program at the building and district levels.
In addition, Jenny Cox has been named the recipient of the South Carolina Association of School Librarians Outstanding School Library Program of the Year Award. This honor recognizes an exemplary library program demonstrating strength in foundations, learning environment, teaching and learning, collaborative partnerships, advocacy and outreach, and leadership.
Both were notified this morning by school administration and GCSD’s Director of Special Programs Adrienne Watford. We are incredibly proud of Ms. Wilson and Mrs. Cox for their dedication to students, literacy, and learning.
Please join us in congratulating them on these well-deserved recognitions.
#TeamGCSD
#SCASL
On Friday, January 30, 2026, Dr. Giles returned to Waccamaw Middle and Waccamaw High for another #FreeThrowFridays session, continuing the conversations that began during the first semester. The returning student group met with Dr. Giles to build on earlier discussions and share updated perspectives and ideas.
While working through basketball drills and warm-ups, students talked with Dr. Giles about their school experiences, priorities, and suggestions for continued growth. The follow-up visit allowed for deeper dialogue and reflection, reinforcing the importance of student voice and ongoing collaboration. Photos from the session are included below.
On Friday, our All-County Band students came together through music—supporting one another, listening, collaborating, and creating something meaningful as a team.
Moments like these remind us that kindness isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s encouragement, patience, and showing up for one another. Reach out to someone who might need a friend today.
#BeKind
#KindnessMatters
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDArts
#AllCountyBand
The GCSD Teacher Forum is proud to offer a $1,000 scholarship to one graduating senior from each attendance zone who plans to pursue a degree in education. This scholarship is designed to support and encourage the next generation of educators as they begin their journey.
Application Details:
• Fully digital application
• Deadline: March 17, 2026
• Requirements include one essay, two letters of recommendation, and an official transcript
Apply here:
https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfQvOxv5EevG8lWsWlct3Wt0TxSnZz2Kg0iMwSqd-0FOKdxwQ/viewform?usp=dialog
—or scan the QR code on the flyer.
For questions, contact mimarshall@gcsd.k12.sc.us.
#TeamGCSD
#GCSDTeacherForum
#FutureEducators
