Georgetown County School District -

We are still buzzing with excitement following the Georgetown County School District's All-County Band Concert, held this past Friday, February 2, 2024, at Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School. It was an evening filled with musical magic, thanks to the incredible talent of our middle and high school students from across the district. A heartfelt thank you to our esteemed guest clinicians, Mr. Henry Wade Johnson and Dr. Steven J. Reid, whose expertise and guidance elevated the performances to new heights. Their dedication to nurturing young talent was evident in the outstanding caliber of the music presented on stage. Let's also give a resounding applause to our Outstanding Performer Award recipients: Zairianna Barnes (tuba) from Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School, Hayden Schumacher (percussion) from Georgetown High School, Je'nae Linen (flute) from Georgetown Middle School, and Anthony Rosetti-Perez (percussion) from Rosemary Middle School. Your hard work, dedication, and commitment to excellence were evident to all who participated in or attended this year’s concert. As we reflect on this unforgettable evening, we are reminded of the power of music to unite, inspire, and uplift. A huge round of applause to all the students, teachers, and staff who made this concert a resounding success. #hardworkpaysoff #GCSD #2024AllCountyBand #MusicEducation

Celebrating National School Counseling Week! As we embark on National School Counseling Week, let's take a moment to express our heartfelt gratitude to the incredible school counselors who dedicate themselves to guiding and supporting our students. This year's theme, "School Counseling: Standards-based, Student-Focused," shines a spotlight on their commitment to excellence. School counselors play a crucial role in shaping the educational journey of our students. From fostering college and career readiness to helping them discover their unique talents and interests, these professionals go above and beyond to ensure our youth are well-equipped for the challenges of the 21st century. Let's take this week to recognize and appreciate the tireless efforts of our school counselors. Be sure to thank them for making a positive impact on your educational journey! #GCSD #hardworkpaysoff #NSCW2024 #SchoolCounselorsRock

Excitement filled the air at the 2024 GCSD Academic Fair, held on Saturday, January 27 at Georgetown Middle School! Third, fourth, and fifth graders amazed those in attendance with their skills and enthusiasm. Each participant brought their A-game, making the event not just a competition, but also a celebration of learning and creativity. A huge round of applause to all participants for their hard work, persistence, and team spirit. You are not just the leaders of tomorrow; you are the stars of today! We also extend our heartfelt thanks to those who made this year’s event such a success – teachers, parents, district administration and staff, the Georgetown Middle administration and custodial team, and volunteers. Your support and dedication to our students’ education are what make events like these a resounding success. Let's keep the spirit of learning alive and look forward to even more amazing achievements from our GCSD stars! Here are the team results: 1st Place Level 3/4 Small Schools Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy Level 3/4 Large Schools Waccamaw Elementary/Intermediate Level 5 Small Schools Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy Level 5 Large Schools Waccamaw Intermediate 2nd Place Level 3/4 Small Schools (TIE) Brown’s Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts and Sampit Elementary Level 3/4 Large Schools (TIE) Andrews Elementary and Maryville Elementary Level 5 Small Schools Brown’s Ferry Elementary School for the Creative & Performing Arts Level 5 Large Schools (TIE) Andrews Elementary and Maryville Elementary 3rd Place Level 3/4 Small Schools Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School Level 3/4 Large Schools Kensington Elementary Level 5 Small Schools Plantersville Elementary Digital Immersion School Level 5 Large Schools McDonald Elementary #GCSD #hardworkpaysoff #LeadersofTomorrowStarsofToday

Last night, the auditorium of Carvers Bay Early College and Career High School resonated with the voices of talented students from across Georgetown County School District. The Georgetown County School District All-County Chorus Concert, held on Friday, January 26, 2024, was nothing short of spectacular! Chorus students from middle and high schools across the district came together, showcasing their passion and talent in a stunning display of vocal harmony. The dedication and skill of every participant was evident. A special thanks to this year’s guest clinicians: Dr. Carlos B. Brown brought his experience and guidance to the high school ensemble, while Joshua Wald did a phenomenal job with the middle school chorus. Their contributions were pivotal in making this year’s concert a memorable experience for our students and audience. The recipients of the 2024 Outstanding Performer Award were Addison Day from Waccamaw High School and Cruz Caviedes from Waccamaw Middle School. Each was recognized for their attentiveness and the hard work they displayed during preparation for the concert. Congratulations to all the students, teachers, and staff who made this year’s All-County Chorus Concert a success! #hardworkpaysoff #GCSD #2024AllCountyChorus #MusicEducation

**SAVE THE DATE** GCSD is hosting a Parenting Event at 5 p.m. on March 14, 2024, in the boardroom of the J B Beck Administration and Education Building. Dr. Franklin Ellis, Associate Dean from Furman University, will share his insights on developing healthy parenting habits. The event is FREE and dinner will be provided. We hope to see you there! #GCSD #GCSDParentingEvent

Carvers Bay Early College & Career High School, Waccamaw High School, and Rosemary Middle School will have principal openings for the upcoming 2024-2025 school year, and we want to hear from you! Join us for Community Listening Sessions in each of the impacted attendance zones – Carvers Bay, Waccamaw, and Andrews. Your input is invaluable, and we want to hear from you as we create a profile of what the community seeks in the next principal at each location. SAVE THE DATES * The Carvers Bay community is invited to participate in a Community Listening Session on Thursday, January 25, 2024, in the Carvers Bay High auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. * The Waccamaw community is invited to participate in a Community Listening Session on Monday, January 29, 2024, in the Waccamaw High auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. * The Andrews community is invited to participate in a Community Listening Session on Tuesday, January 30, 2024, in the Rosemary Middle auditorium from 5:30 p.m. to 6:30 p.m. Come share your thoughts and ideas as we work together to make a positive impact on the future of education in Georgetown County. See you there!

Happy School Board Appreciation Month! During the January 16, 2024, GCSD Board Meeting, the air was filled with appreciation and respect for our board members. The Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, school administrators, and district administration acknowledged the Board's dedication to educational excellence. The collaboration between the Board, administrators, educators, and the community are a testament to the Board’s collective commitment to providing the best educational environment for our students. During the meeting, the Board also signed the Ethical Principles Pledge exemplifying their commitment to high standards of integrity and ethical conduct and their dedication to the welfare and success of every student in our district. GCSD extends our heartfelt gratitude and recognition to the dedicated members of the Georgetown County School District's Board of Trustees. Board members are: Patti Hammel, District 1; Scott DuBose, District 2; Sandra Johnson, Parliamentarian, District 3; Randy Walker, District 4; Bill Gaskins, Chair, District 5; Lynne B. Ford, Vice Chair, District 6; Keith Moore, District 7; Kathy Anderson, Secretary, At-Large; and Robert Cox, At-Large. Thank you for your service, your vision, and your unwavering dedication to our community's future. Here's to another year of excellence and achievements! #GCSD #HardWorkPaysOff #SchoolBoardAppreciationMonth #SCSBA

GCSD 8th graders attended the Pathways2Possibilities South Carolina (P2PSC) Career Expo 2024 at the Myrtle Beach Convention Center on Thursday, January 11. The expo, presented by the Francis P. Bunnelle Foundation, provided an opportunity for students to interact with business and industry professionals from the 19 career pathways. While engaged in hands-on activities, students learned more about the job specific training and education requirements for each pathway.

All GCSD schools and offices will be closed on Monday, January 15 in observance of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day.

The GCSD Magnet Programs application window for the 2024-2025 school year is now open. The application window will close at 5 p.m. on February 15, 2024. To apply to attend any of the programs, visit http://georgetownmagnets.novuschoice.com. To learn more about the GCSD Magnet Programs or to learn where to attend a Student Showcase, visit https://www.gcsd.k12.sc.us/page/magnet-programs.

Update for Wednesday, January 10, 2024 Georgetown County School District will operate on a two-hour delay for all students and employees on Wednesday, January 10, 2024. Buses will also operate on a two-hour delay. The latest weather forecast indicates that the most intense portion of today’s storm will pass through our area between 5:00 - 8:00 p.m. In an abundance of caution, GCSD will operate on a two-hour delay tomorrow, January 10, 2024, to allow time for the District’s Maintenance and Safety & Risk Management Departments to inspect schools, facilities, and bus routes.

You are invited to attend Magnet School Family Night on Thursday, January 11, 2024 at J. B. Beck Administration and Education Building. Please drop- in anytime between 5:00-6:30 PM to talk with school staff about our magnet programs offerings for the 2024-2025 school year! This event kicks off our Magnet selection month! If you are interested in your K-12 student attending one of our magnet schools next year, you will have the opportunity to apply between January 11, 2024- February 15, 2024 and May 3, 2024- May 17, 2024. We will also be able to assist you with the online application during the Magnet School Family Night on January 11th. We look forward to sharing more information about our magnet programs on Thursday, January 11, 2024 5:00-6:30 PM at J. B. Beck!

All GCSD schools and offices will be closed December 25, 2023 – January 5, 2024 for Winter Break. Please note these important dates: * Thursday, December 21 - Half-Day for students; End of Second Nine Weeks and First Semester * Friday, December 22 - Teacher Preparation Day (No school for students) * Monday, January 8 – Teacher Preparation Day (No school for students) * Tuesday, January 9 - School resumes for students; Start of Second Semester and Third Nine Weeks

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” – Joseph Addison Sampit Elementary was this week’s stop for #GCSDReads. Students were encouraged to celebrate the wonders that books unfold and to find joy in reading! #GCSDReads #GCSD #hardworkpaysoff

"Reading is the key that unlocks the treasure chest of knowledge and fuels the flames of imagination. For students, a love of reading is not just a skill; it's a lifelong companion on the journey of learning and self-discovery." - Author Unknown #GCSDReads visited classrooms – Mrs. Black, Mrs. Dozier, Mrs. Proctor, and Mrs. Toemmes - at Kensington Elementary on Wednesday, December 6. Dr. Giles and Superintendent Price shared their favorite books with students (and had a chance to take some silly photos). #GCSDReads #hardworkpaysoff #GCSD

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Georgetown County School District Names Alan Walters as Chief Operations Officer GEORGETOWN, [December 7, 2023] – Alan Walters was named Chief Operations Officer (COO) for Georgetown County School District (GCSD) at the December 5 meeting of the GCSD Board of Trustees. Currently serving as the Executive Director of Safety and Risk Management, Walters brings years of experience and a proven track record of leadership to his new role as COO. In his expanded capacity, Walters will be responsible for overseeing and evaluating the administration of key departments - Safety & Risk Management, Transportation, and Facilities - critical to the effective delivery of services to schools, departments, and the community. “Mr. Walters brings a wealth of experience, from his previous role within our school district, in working across these areas. He is a thorough and dependable leader who has advanced GCSD in many ways,” shared Superintendent Keith Price. “I look forward to working with Mr. Walters in this expanded role as we continue in our efforts to serve our students, employees, families and the communities of Georgetown County.” As COO, Walters will play a pivotal role in facilities. In addition to working with the Director of Facilities, he will oversee financial planning and budgeting for the implementation of facility and operations master plans. His responsibilities extend to preparing applications for state and other funding agencies and initiating facility construction, upgrades, and repair projects, all of which contribute to the overall enhancement of GCSD’s infrastructure. In the realm of transportation, Walters will assist the Director of Transportation in effectively communicating procedures and regulations to the public and staff. Additionally, he will play a central role in identifying and implementing improvements to transportation services and efficiency. Walters will actively contribute to accident and incident investigations, working closely with Area Route Coordinators to ensure the safety and security of all transportation-related activities. In addition to his new role as COO, Walters serves as a member of the South Carolina State Board of Education, which he chaired in 2022. He has served on several state education task forces including teacher recruitment and retention, school safety, and discipline. Walters’ recognitions include being named Campus Safety Magazine’s National K-12 Director of the Year, and he was also the South Carolina Public Risk Managers Association (SCPRIMA) State Risk Professional of the Year in 2017. He was awarded the State District Level Administrator of the Year by the SC Association of School Administrators (SCASA) in 2021. The Georgetown County School District is confident that Walters' extensive background in safety, risk management, and operations will greatly benefit the district in his new role as Chief Operations Officer.

2023 Hard Work Pays Off Bonus Approved During the December 5 Board of Trustees meeting, the Board voted to approve the Hard Work Pays Off Bonus presented by Chief Financial Officer, Lisa Johnson. The Hard Work Pays Off Bonus includes: * A one-time $1,000 bonus for eligible full-time contract employees. * A one-time $500 bonus for temporary and part-time employees paid from a timesheet. Employees must have worked an average of 20 hours per week between August 15, 2023, and October 15, 2023. * Employees must have begun working by September 6, 2023, and must be actively employed on December 1, 2023 to be eligible. * The Hard Work Pays Off bonus will be directly deposited on December 12 and will be in addition to the payroll checks issued on December 15 and 19. The cost of the one-time Hard Work Pays Off bonus is estimated to not exceed $1.8 million in costs, which includes related fringe benefits and will be funded from the savings that were realized from the 2022-23 General Fund Operating Revenue Budget. #GCSD #hardworkpaysoff

“Growing the Gr.E.En.” in GCSD This week GCSD recognized and celebrated schools for their 22-23 School Report Card rating and/or growth during the 2022-2023 school year. EXCELLENT RATING – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy; Waccamaw Middle School; and Waccamaw High School GOOD RATING – Kensington Elementary and Waccamaw Intermediate IMPROVED TWO LEVELS – Rosemary Middle and Waccamaw Middle IMPROVED ONE LEVEL – Pleasant Hill Elementary STREAM Academy; Carvers Bay High School; and Waccamaw High School Let's take a moment to applaud each student's commitment, the dedication of our educators, and the support from families. To learn more about or to view the 22-23 School Report Cards, visit https://screportcards.com/. Great job and keep up the good work! #GCSD #hardworkpaysoff

Join us for a magical evening at the BEACH Singers Winter Concert! Date: Sunday, December 3 Time: 5:00 PM Venue: Winyah Auditorium Immerse yourself in the spirit of the season as the GCSD BEACH Singers serenade you with a heartwarming selection of winter tunes. Admission is FREE, so bring your friends and family for an unforgettable musical journey. We can't wait to share this special evening with you! #GCSD #HardWorkPaysOff #BEACHSingers #WinyahAuditorium

“Reading is to the mind what exercise is to the body.” – Sir Richard Steele Howling at the moon, gobbling like turkeys, thinking with a growth mindset – these are a few of the “exercises” students experienced today while reading with Superintendent Keith Price, Deputy Superintendent Dr. Bethany Giles, and Executive Director for Elementary Schools Fedrick Cohens. #GCSDReads #hardworkpaysoff #GCSD