NEWBERRY COUNTY — The South Carolina Department of Education has announced the Palmetto Gold and Silver winners for 2018 and 2019.
Three schools from Newberry County received the 2018 Palmetto Silver Award and two received the 2019 Palmetto Silver Award. These schools were recognized during Monday’s Newberry County School District Board of Trustees Meeting.
Dr. Carson Ware, chief human resources officer for the District, announced winners as Boundary Street Elementary, Pomaria-Garmany Elementary and Mid-Carolina Middle for 2018 and Reuben Elementary and Mid-Carolina Middle for 2019.
For elementary and middle schools, the criteria focuses on two report card indicators: Academic Achievement and Student Progress.
Palmetto Silver: 1) average academic achievement and excellent student progress; or 2) good academic achievement and good student progress; or 3) excellent academic achievement and average student progress.
“From the state department of education’s press release, Molly Spearman states ‘The Palmetto Gold and Silver awards demonstrate a school’s commitment to excellence and ensuring every student meets the Profile of the South Carolina Graduate. This achievement is testament to the hard work of the students, teachers and principals in each school community,’” Ware said.
Also recognized were students from around the District for recent achievements.
Ahmorae Wilmore, from Newberry High School, was selected to play in the North/South Football All-Star football game in December.
“The South Carolina Football Coaches Association selects the best players throughout the state to participate in this game. Ray has had an outstanding season this year, rushing for over 1,000 yards and 12 touchdowns. He averages 6.5 yards per carry and also plays on defense,” Ware said.
The game will be held on December 14 at 1:00 p.m. in Myrtle Beach.
Morgan Shealy, from Mid-Carolina High School, has been selected to the AAA All-State Volleyball Team and the South Carolina Coaches of Women’s Sports North/South Volleyball Team.
“This recognizes her as one of the top 18 volleyball players in class AAA. SCCAWS all-state volleyball players are chosen from nominations sent in from high school coaches from each region and 87 ladies are selected state-wide. Morgan will receive her All-State plaque on November 23 at Erskine College during the North/South All-Star match held that day,” Ware said.
The following members of the Mid-Carolina Middle School Bully Prevention Team were recognized for finishing third place in the poster contest at the South Carolina Bullying Summit. Eliza Dixon, Brayden Brooks, Ryan Conder, Brayden Banks, and Ashton Hobby travelled to Columbia for the 2019 Youth Anti-Bullying Summit.
“The team participated in a rally for bully prevention and designed a plan for Mid-Carolina Middle School to help with bully prevention. They entered the poster contest and won third place in the junior division. Congratulations to this team,” Ware said.
In other business, Dr. Lynn Cary, assistant superintendent for Curriculum and Instruction, presented information on two initiatives that the District will soon implement.
The first was the Carolina Collaborative for Alternative Preparation (Carolina Cap). This program would create an alternative pathway into teaching.
This program is designed with a combination of graduate coursework, micro-credential stacks and coaching — tailored to the needs of the individual candidates.
Candidates complete a “summer experience” on the University of South Carolina, Columbia, campus. Candidates will complete micro-credentials focusing on core pedagogical competencies and content area specific teacher knowledge, and expertise (based on assessed needs). Candidates receive coaching via district-identified mentors, mentors trained via Carolina Coaching. Mentors will receive coaching and support throughout the program to develop their mentoring skills as co-teachers and their leadership skills to further impact the learning of both educators and their students.
The overall cost per candidate is $7,500, the state will fund $3,000 per candidate for qualifying rural districts in the pilot year.
“The remaining $4,500 will be paid by the District: All or portion of the cost may be charged to candidate, offset by grants, foundation support or other sources of revenue for the District. CTQ and UofSC are exploring funding opportunities with districts, as needed.”
Cary also presented information on the Middle College Initiative, a partnership between Piedmont Technical College and the School District of Newberry.
“This is an opportunity for students to earn a degree from PTC in two years, thereby graduating high school with an associate degree in general education in addition to a high school diploma,” Cary said.
This will be offered at PTC’s Newberry Campus, allowing students to earn 60 credit hours. This program will be offered to rising juniors who meet the admission requirements at PTC.
Cary said the recommended cohort size is 15-25 students.
“But, they will strive to accommodate up to 50 students if there is enough interest,” Cary said. “Slots will be allocated to each high school based on current enrollment.”
A scaled-down version of this program will be available to rising seniors — 30 hours, university studies certificate.
Cary said all students will receive dual credit for all courses in the program, students/parents will be responsible for purchasing textbooks, students can still take courses at their home high school and the Career Center in the afternoons. This program will begin in the summer of 2020 and is tuition-free.
Other business:
• The District approved the purchase of three activity buses from Interstate Transportation Equipment Inc. for a total of $320,160. Previously, the Board approved $240,000 toward this purchase. The Board approved the additional $80,160 during Monday’s meeting.
• The Board heard from Troy Thames, Boys and Girls Clubs, about what they offer in Newberry County. In the last year, they served 650 Newberry students through seven elementary schools and two middle schools. They offer this program from when school gets out, to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.
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