Georgetown County School District -

The Georgetown County Board of Trustees approved the 2026-27 and 2027-28 school calendars during its regular monthly meeting held on October 21, 2025.

To view the 2026-27 and 2027-28 GCSD School Calendars visit https://https://www.gcsd.k12.sc.us/documents/calendar/466666

Carvers Bay Middle Steam Academy and Carvers Bay Early College and Career High welcomed Dr. Giles for #FreeThrowFriday on October 17. Students shared their perspectives on learning, leadership, and school experiences, reminding us of the power of open dialogue.

#TeamGCSD
#freethrowfriday
#AchieveEvenGreaterTogether
#GoBears

October is National Principals Month, a time to recognize and celebrate the outstanding leaders who guide our schools every day.

Across Georgetown County School District, our principals work tirelessly to create safe, supportive, and inspiring learning environments for students and staff. Their leadership makes a lasting impact on our schools and community.

Today, we proudly celebrate all GCSD principals and their dedication to excellence in education.

#NationalPrincipalsMonth
#ThankAPrincipal
#TeamGCSD

Kindness Starts With You

It’s easy to think one small act won’t make a difference — but kindness has a ripple effect.
When we show respect, include others, and speak up when someone is treated unfairly, we make our schools and community safer for everyone.

Challenge: Notice someone who’s often left out — invite them to sit with you, study with you, or join your group.
Let’s make kindness the rule, not the exception.

#BeKind
#BullyingPreventionMonth
#KindnessMatters
#BeKindAlways
#TeamGCSD

Georgetown County School District
Class of 2026
Commencement Schedule

Georgetown County Adult Education
Wednesday, May 20 at 6 p.m.

Waccamaw High School
Tuesday, May 26 at 7:30 p.m.

Andrews High School
Wednesday, May 27 at 7:30 p.m.

Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School
Thursday, May 28 at 7:30 p.m.

Georgetown High School
Friday, May29 at 7:30 p.m.

#TeamGCSD
#Class of2026

Today at Sampit Elementary, Dr. Giles, Mrs. Forrest, and guest reader Mr. Batton shared stories that highlighted the joy of reading. #GCSDReads helps students discover that every book is a new adventure.

#GCSDReads
#TeamGCSD
#SESPanthersRead

Kindness is Powerful

Bullying can take many forms — words, actions, and even silence. But kindness can take just as many.

A kind word, a smile, or an invitation to join in can change someone’s entire day. This week, we remind students, families, and the community that kindness is courage in action.

Challenge: Do one intentional act of kindness today for someone who least expects it.

#BeKind
#BullyingPreventionMonth
#KindnessMatters
#BeKindAlways
#TeamGCSD

It’s South Carolina Metric Week! October 5–11, 2025, is a time to celebrate the metric system—the international language of measurement used in science, math, and everyday life.

Even though our students are on Fall Break, there are plenty of fun ways to explore the metric system at home! From cooking and crafts to friendly family measurement challenges, Metric Week is a great opportunity to connect learning with real-world experiences.

Check out a few at-home activities below, and don’t miss the Governor’s Proclamation recognizing Metric Week in South Carolina.

At-Home Activities
• Family Measurement Challenge: Measure items around the house—like a TV, book, or table—in centimeters or meters. See who can estimate closest before measuring!
• Cooking with Metrics: Pick a favorite recipe and convert the ingredient measurements into milliliters and grams.
• Outdoor Explorer: Take a nature walk and measure leaves, sticks, or rocks using a metric ruler or tape measure.
• Temperature Tracker: Record the outdoor temperature in Celsius each morning and compare it with the Fahrenheit reading.

#SCMetricWeek
#MathInAction
#TeamGCSD
#FallBreak2025

Happy National Principals Month! Thank you to the incredible principals who lead with dedication and inspire students every day. Your impact is invaluable!
#ThankAPrincipal
#NationalPrincipalsMonth
#TeamGCSD

#FreeThrowFridays kicked off at Waccamaw Middle and Waccamaw High, where Dr. Giles reconnected with students and welcomed new voices to the conversation. While completing basketball drills, students shared their thoughts on school life, education, and leadership, reminding us of the value of listening directly to our students.

#TeamGCSD
#freethrowfriday
#AchieveEvenGreaterTogether
#GoWarriors

Today we officially kicked off the third year of #GCSDReads at Maryville Elementary School! Superintendent Dr. Bethany Giles, Deputy Superintendent Sherri Forrest, and guest reader Adrienne Watford spent time in classrooms sharing stories and inspiring students to embrace the joy of reading.

#GCSDReads is more than an event—it’s a commitment to helping every student see the power of books. Each story encourages imagination, builds knowledge, and connects us as a community of learners.

We are excited for another year of celebrating the importance of reading across Georgetown County School District. Stay tuned as we continue this journey in schools throughout the year.

#GCSDReads
#AchieveEvenGreaterTogether
#MESColts

Fall sports are here, and we cannot wait to see our stands filled with GCSD families, students, and community members supporting our athletes.

As you make plans to cheer on your favorite teams this season, please remember that GCSD Spectator Guidelines and Clear Bag Procedures will be enforced at all athletic events. These policies are in place to ensure the safety and enjoyment of everyone in attendance.

Take a moment to review the guidelines and procedures so you are prepared on game day.

Let’s make this season one to remember by showing up, cheering loud, and supporting our student-athletes the right way. We’ll see you in the stands!

https://www.gcsd.k12.sc.us/article/2367952

#TeamGCSD
#AchieveEvenGreaterTogether
#GoYellowJackets!
#GoBulldogs!
#GoBears!
#GoWarriors!

We are excited to share that ALL 19 schools in Georgetown County School District received the 2025 America’s Healthiest Schools Award.

This national recognition celebrates schools that are leading the way in promoting student and staff wellness through best practices in areas such as physical education, nutrition, mental health, staff well-being, and family engagement.

Several GCSD schools were honored in multiple areas and will be formally recognized at the South Carolina Alliance for Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Dance State Conference this November. Each school will receive a banner to display this incredible achievement.

Congratulations to our school communities for their outstanding commitment to the health and well-being of every child and adult in our care.

#TeamGCSD

Welcome back, GCSD students and families!

Today was filled with excitement across our schools as we welcomed students back for the 2025–2026 school year. Smiles lit up hallways, new clothes and fresh shoes stepped into classrooms, and bookbags were packed full of promise.

Thank you to our families, staff, and community for helping make this morning a success. Here's to a great year of learning, growth, and opportunity in Georgetown County School District.

Check out some moments from around the district as we kicked off the new school year together.

#TeamGCSD
#BacktoSchool2526
#FirstDayofSchool
#AchieveEvenGreater_Together

Mark Your Calendars!
The start of school is quickly approaching, and it is almost time to meet your teacher, attend orientation, get your class schedule, and begin the 2025-2026 school year.
Visit https://tinyurl.com/2526backtoschool to find the date and time for your school's back-to-school event.

The Georgetown County Board of Education will conduct a public hearing on the 2025-26 budget for the Georgetown County School District at 5:30p.m. on Tuesday, June 17, 2025, at J.B. Beck Administration and Education Center, 2018 Church Street, Georgetown, SC. Final consideration of the 2025-26 budget will immediately follow the hearing. Proposed Operation Budget for FY26 - $124,116,411. This is an 5.7% increase over the FY 25 Approved Operations Budget.

Summer 2025 GCSD Middle School Summer School and High School Credit Recovery Information Dates: June 3rd - June 26th (Monday - Thursday) Time: 8:30 AM - 12:30 PM Location: To Be Announced * Breakfast & lunch provided * Transportation available from community bus stops * Recover up to 2 courses Contact your school counselor for more information and to register. Registration must be completed by May 28, 2025.

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!