Georgetown County School District -

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

The 2025 GCSD All-County Chorus Concert was a night to remember. Held on Tuesday, February 11, in the McInville Auditorium at Georgetown High School, the event showcased the incredible talent of our middle and high school choral students. Under the direction of guest clinicians Mary Ruth Harper Ragland and Dr. Charlie Toomer, Jr., with accompanists Sandra Nihiser and Dr. Almond Ponge, students delivered powerful performances featuring a diverse selection of choral works. Congratulations to all the students who participated in this outstanding celebration of music! #TeamGCSD #OurDistrictMusicStars #YoungMusicians

We’ve heard from students, now it’s time to hear from parents, too. #FreeThrowFridays is expanding with a Parents’ Edition, giving parents an opportunity to meet with Dr. Giles and share their thoughts. Meanwhile, our students are back on the court, engaging in real conversations about their schools, education, and experiences. Together, we are strengthening the connection between students, parents, and leadership. Take a look at these moments from last week’s #FreeThrowFriday at WHS! #FreeThrowFridays #TeamGCSD

Celebrating Imagination with #GCSDReads! When we read, we embark on journeys that stretch our imagination. Today, our District team visited students to remind them of the magic that happens every time they open a book. Let's continue to encourage reading every day, one story at a time! #GCDSReads #TeamGCSD #MightySeagulls

***Mark Your Calendar*** Online registration for GCSD's child development (4K) program for the 2025-2026 school year opens on Monday, February 24, 2025. For more information visit www.gcsd.k12.sc.us. We can't wait to meet our new students! #TeamGCSD #WelcomeClassof2039