Georgetown County School District -

The final #FreeThrowFriday event of the 2024–2025 school year was held on Friday, May 2, 2025, at the JB Beck Administration & Education Center and Howard Gym. Students from Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy (CBMSA), Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School (CBECCHS), Andrews High School (AHS), Rosemary Middle School (RMS), Georgetown High School (GHS), Georgetown Middle School (GMS), and Waccamaw High School (WHS) came together for a day of teamwork, conversation, and celebration. Hosted by Superintendent Dr. Bethany A. Giles, the event featured group basketball drills and games, open dialogue sessions, and leadership reflections that have become the hallmark of the district’s #FreeThrowFriday initiative. Throughout the year, these events have provided students with an opportunity to connect with Superintendent Giles in a relaxed, encouraging environment—centered around the game of basketball. "Free Throw Friday has been one of the most impactful initiatives of the year,” shared Superintendent Dr. Bethany Giles. ”I’m incredibly proud of and grateful to our students for showing up, sharing their voices, and embracing this opportunity to grow together. Their participation has made a real difference, and I appreciate each of them more than they may know." Joining Dr. Giles for the final celebration were several special guests with strong ties to the participating schools and communities: * Dr. David Hammel * Dr. Crystal Franklin * Jimmy Morris * Megan Johnson * Jametria Hannah * Lou Anna Miller * Rodney Giles These community members helped facilitate discussion, offered encouragement, and reinforced the district’s commitment to student voice and leadership. GCSD’s Food Service Department provided a student-favorite lunch of Sweet & Sour Chicken with Asian Fried Rice. As a special treat, students also served as taste testers for a potential new menu item for the 2025–2026 school year—Chicken Alfredo. The day marked a memorable close to this year’s #FreeThrowFriday series and underscored the district’s ongoing commitment to fostering connection, wellness, and leadership both on and off the court. #TeamGCSD #FTF #FreeThrowFridays #ConversationsWithTheSuperintendent

GCSD High School Graduation Info 2025 GCSD is proud to honor all graduates and celebrate this important milestone with the Class of 2025. Unless otherwise noted, all graduations will be held at 7:30 p.m. in the high school’s football stadium. May 22, 2025 Georgetown County Adult Education - 6 p.m. at Georgetown High School Gymnasium May 27, 2025 Georgetown High School* May 28, 2025 Waccamaw High School* May 29, 2025 Andrews High School* May 30, 2025 Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School* * Gates for ticketed guests will be open from 6 p.m. - 7 p.m. Gates for guests without tickets will be open from 7 p.m. - 7:25 p.m., as space and seating allow. All gates will close at 7:30 p.m. Gates will reopen following the processional and national anthem. Safety and security remain the District’s top priority. Please be aware of the following safety protocols and procedures: Metal detectors and/or Open Gates will be used. Law enforcement and safety officials will be present. Clear Bag Procedures will be enforced. Small clutch bags no larger than 4.5” x 6.5” will be allowed. Prohibited items include but are not limited to: firearms/knives/pocket knives/concealable weapons; mace/pepper spray; coolers; alcoholic beverages; laser lights/laser pointers/strobe lights; fireworks/explosives; artificial noisemakers; inflatables (beach balls, etc.); balloons; and signs. Guests are permitted to bring sealed bottles of water. All other food and beverages are prohibited. The use of any tobacco product, electronic cigarettes, or vaps is prohibited on all District property, including but not limited to, school buildings, athletic facilities, District vehicles, and parking lots. The weather forecast will be monitored daily. In the event of rain or inclement weather, the scheduled graduation will be moved to the high school’s gymnasium. Due to capacity restrictions, only ticketed guests will be permitted into the gymnasium or auditorium. Tickets will be marked for entry. Each school will announce prior to graduation which tickets allow entry into the gymnasium. Congratulations to the Class of 2025!

Georgetown County School District’s Rookie Teacher of the Year (RTOY) Ceremony was held on May 7 in the boardroom at the JB Beck Administration & Education Center. In addition to announcing the 2025 RTOY, the event celebrated all teachers (with a walk down the red carpet) who successfully completed their induction year with GCSD. Each rookie was selected by their peers at the school level, and administrators used a district rubric to score their nominee. The top five scorers, submitted to the ADEPT team, were named the district’s Top Five Rookies: • Virginia Hughes – Maryville Elementary, Art • Courtney Sherry – Pleasant Hill Elementary, Speech Pathologist • Mhairi Holmes – Coastal Montessori, Middle Level Science • Jessica Lockney – Waccamaw Elementary, 3rd Grade • Stacey Price – Carvers Bay High, Culinary Arts These finalists submitted a 20-minute teaching video using the SCTS 4.0 rubric and participated in interviews with the ADEPT team. Scores from both components were averaged to determine this year’s district winner. GCSD is excited to announce that Jessica Lockney was named the 2025 Rookie Teacher of the Year. She was awarded a RTOY sash and recognized for her outstanding performance in the classroom. Superintendent Dr. Bethany Giles shared words of wisdom with the induction teachers, and last year’s RTOY, Elizabeth Bradshaw, shared words of encouragement with these newest teachers. #TeamGCSD #2025RTOY #InductionTeachers #FirstYearWasASuccess

Yesterday, Georgetown County School District proudly hosted the first annual Of the Year Gala, a special evening dedicated to celebrating the exceptional educators and staff members who make a lasting impact across our schools and district. Each nominee exemplifies the very best of GCSD—individuals who lead with integrity, serve with compassion, and inspire excellence in others. After a rigorous selection process that included nominations, written submissions, and interviews, we are proud to announce our 2025–2026 district-level winners: Katherine Turner (Maryville Elementary), GCSD Teacher of the Year Michelle Scott (Andrews Elementary), GCSD Support Staff of the Year Derrick Williams (Carvers Bay Area), GCSD Bus Driver of the Year Dr. Carla Brandon (Maryville Elementary), GCSD Administrator of the Year Congratulations to these outstanding professionals. Your dedication, leadership, and commitment to students continue to elevate our district. #TeamGCSD #2025OftheYears #2025GCSDTOY #2025GCSDSSOY #2025GCSDBDOY #2025GCSDAOY

This week is Volunteer Appreciation Week, and Georgetown County School District is proud to recognize the individuals who give their time, talents, and hearts to our schools. Volunteers are the backbone of our school communities—whether they’re supporting classrooms, mentoring students, assisting with events, or lending a hand wherever needed, their impact is felt each and every day. We are especially honored to recognize our 2025 GCSD Volunteers of the Year. These outstanding individuals were nominated by their schools for their commitment and service: Andrews Area Joe Lambert – Andrews Elementary School Jennifer Causey – Andrews High School John E. Morris – Rosemary Middle School LaToya Trappier – Sampit Elementary School Carvers Bay Area Brenda Dozier Perkins – Brown's Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts Herdina Cox – Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School Vandel Arrington – Carvers Bay Middle STEAM Academy Linda Ford – Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School Ariel Douglas – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy Georgetown Area Alicia O’Donnell – Georgetown Middle School Deloris Keith – Georgetown High School Samantha Stuckey – Kensington Elementary School Brittany Odum – Maryville Elementary School Shannon Benton – McDonald Elementary School Waccamaw Area Andrea Zamorski – Coastal Montessori Charter School Abby Craven – Waccamaw Elementary School Emeline Jordan – Waccamaw High School Margaret Walton – Waccamaw Intermediate School Bevinn Herrmann – Waccamaw Middle School To all our volunteers—those named here and so many more—thank you. Your service and dedication inspire us, strengthen our schools, and uplift our entire community. GCSD is better because of you. #TeamGCSD #ThankYouVolunteers

From the basketball court to the classroom, student voices matter. #FreeThrowFridays gives students the chance to connect with Dr. Giles, ask questions, and share insights on what’s happening in their schools. GMS and GHS students returned for another round of discussion and drills on Friday, March 28. See the highlights from both groups as they took part in this unique experience! #TeamGCSD #FreeThrowFridays #GoBulldogs

You're Invited! Join us for a beautiful evening of music at the Beach Singers Spring Concert! Sunday, May 4, 2025 **5:00pm** Winyah Auditorium 1200 Highmarket Street, Georgetown, SC Directed by Mrs. Jina Narron, this performance by our Beach Singers is sure to be a highlight of your spring! Admission is FREE. *Donations Accepted and Appreciated* Bring your family, invite your friends, and come support our amazing student performers! For more information, contact JBombich@gcsd.k12.sc.us. #TeamGCSD #GCSDBeachSingers #SpringConcert #SupportTheArts

Welcome to JA Finance Park Mobile at Georgetown High! This week, April 15–17, students from Georgetown High School and Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School are stepping into the world of adulthood—virtually—through Junior Achievement’s Finance Park® Mobile program. Set up in the GHS auxiliary gym, this immersive pop-up city simulation brings personal finance to life. Students are given the opportunity to apply their finance knowledge by creating personal budgets, navigating real-world financial decisions, and exploring the impact of their choices through engaging life scenarios. Throughout the simulation, students: • Act as virtual adults with jobs, family situations, and financial responsibilities • Explore career interests and the impact of education on income • Weigh the pros and cons of debit vs. credit • Build a budget that supports their lifestyle goals • Understand the long-term effects of savings, investments, and spending This “journey into adulting” gives students a powerful, hands-on glimpse of what’s possible when they take charge of their financial futures. Thank you to our volunteers, educators, and Junior Achievement for making this valuable experience possible. #TeamGCSD #FinancialLiteracy #JAFinancePark #GeorgetownBulldogs #CarversBayBears

#FreeThrowFridays returned to Andrews High School on March 21 for a second-semester session with the same group of students from the fall. Dr. Giles reconnected with the students for more open dialogue, fresh perspectives, and continued conversation about their school experiences. #TeamGCSD #FreeThrowFriday #AHSYellowJackets

The 14th annual GCSD Technology Fair was held on Wednesday, April 9 in the gym at Georgetown High School. Students and educators from across the district showcased their tech talents and creativity. Thanks to the GCSD Tech Coaches, our sponsors, and our judges for making this year’s fair a huge success! #TeamGCSD #TechFair2025

Unlocking the Power of Stories with #GCSDReads! Reading opens doors to new ideas and lifelong learning. On Tuesday, students at Brown's Ferry Elementary for the Creative & Performing Arts were reminded of how books inspire us to dream big, think deeply, and never give up. Join us as we continue fostering a love of reading in every classroom. #GCSDReads #ReadingWithBFESCPA

During the March 18 GCSD Board Meeting, we proudly recognized two outstanding Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) State Champions from Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School. Asher Mezzatesta – 1st Place, Entrepreneurship Alyssa Gamble – 1st Place, Future Business Leader Under the leadership of their advisor, Mrs. Melissa Alston, these students showcased excellence at the SC FBLA State Leadership Conference, held February 3–5 in Greenville. They are now eligible to compete at the FBLA National Leadership Conference this summer in Anaheim, California. Congratulations to Asher, Alyssa, and Mrs. Alston for their hard work and dedication. #TeamGCSD #CarversBayFBLA

The Waccamaw High School wrestling team was recognized at the March 18 Board of Education meeting for their record-breaking season, including an individual AAA State Championship and multiple All-State wrestlers. Congratulations to Patrick Gallagher, the 2025 AAA State Wrestling Champion. Waccamaw also had five All-State wrestlers: • Owen Patterson – 4th in the State • Aiden Hastings – 3rd in the State • Cole Shields – 3rd in the State • Lanna Coleman – Girls State Runner-Up, the first female wrestler from Waccamaw to place at the Girls State Championships • Patrick Gallagher – State Champion The Waccamaw Wrestling Team, led by Coach Don Williams, made school history this season with 25 wins, a Lower State Traditional Wrestling Championship, and a 5th place finish at the State Championship. Congratulations to Coach Williams and the entire team on an incredible season. #TeamGCSD #WHSWrestling

#FreeThrowFridays continue as Dr. Giles revisits with students from the first semester. Students once again have an opportunity to engage, ask questions, and offer valuable perspectives to help shape the future of our schools and district. Open conversations and basketball—building stronger connections in GCSD. #FreeThrowFridays #TeamGCSD #CBMSA #Let'sGoBears

Another Chapter with #GCSDReads! Each book is a new adventure waiting to be discovered. Our District team continues sharing stories with students, inspiring them to dream, learn, and explore. What new chapters will your child write today through the stories they read? Check out the images below from Tuesday's visit at Coastal Montessori Charter School.

**Weather Make-Up Days on March 21 and May 29 to be Full In-Person Instructional Days** During the March 4, 2025, GCSD Board of Trustees meeting, a plan was approved to make up instructional time lost due to January’s winter storm. * Friday, March 21 – Previously scheduled as a Teacher Preparation Day, this date will now be a full in-person instructional day. All schools will follow their normal schedules. * Thursday, May 29 – Previously scheduled as a half-day, this date will now be a full in-person instructional day. All schools will follow their normal schedules. As a result of these changes, adjustments have been made to the instructional calendar: * The Third Nine Weeks will now end on March 21. * Report cards will be issued on Tuesday, April 1. * The Fourth Nine Weeks will run from March 24 to May 30. Given that several months remain in the school year, additional weather-related closures may still occur. If further instructional time is lost, we will collaborate with the Board of Trustees and communicate any necessary adjustments.

What’s on the minds of our middle students? #FreeThrowFridays gives them the chance to share their experiences, ask questions, and offer insights—all while shooting hoops with Dr. Giles. Real conversations, real connections. #GCSD #TeamGCSD #FreeThrowFridays #FTF@RosemaryMiddle

In a thrilling finale to the 2025 GCSD Senior Academic Bowl, Waccamaw High School clinched the championship by defeating Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School with a commanding 20-8 victory. The tournament, held on Thursday, February 27, in the boardroom of the JB Beck Administration & Education Building, showcased the intellectual talents of teams from all four district high schools: Andrews High School, Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School, Georgetown High School, and Waccamaw High School. The event fostered a spirited atmosphere, with students and spectators alike enjoying the competitive yet collegial environment. We commend all participants and their coaches for their extensive preparation and commitment, which were evident throughout the competition. A heartfelt thank you is also extended to the parents, whose support and encouragement played a pivotal role in their students' success. #TeamGCSD #GCSD #GCSDScholars

Brandy Incorvia, Administrator of Educational Programs for Santee Cooper, presented Georgetown County School District with a monetary donation on Tuesday, February 25. Superintendent Dr. Bethany Giles accepted on behalf of GCSD. GCSD extends their appreciation to Santee Cooper for their continued support of our school district and public education.

In a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 GCSD Junior Academic Bowl, Georgetown Middle emerged victorious over Coastal Montessori with a final score of 19-13. The championship match took place on Tuesday, February 25, in the boardroom of the JB Beck Administration & Education Building, featuring fierce competition among teams from Carvers Bay Middle, Coastal Montessori, Georgetown Middle, Rosemary Middle, and Waccamaw Middle. The tournament followed a double-elimination format, leading to an intense series of matches between Georgetown Middle and Coastal Montessori. Entering the eighth match, Coastal Montessori had one loss, while Georgetown Middle remained undefeated. Coastal Montessori managed a 16-13 victory in that round, forcing a decisive ninth match. However, Georgetown Middle rallied to clinch the championship with their 19-13 triumph. A great time was had by all – those participating and those in attendance! #GCSD #TeamGCSD #GCSDScholars